Hi, I'm flying into Ft. Lauderdale and wondered if anyone could recommend a nice hotel or resort in the area for two nights. I see Lago Mar but it's getting mixed reviews, the main complaint is that it's looking old and smells musty. I'd like to pass on that but am interested in something along those lines, could be oceanfront but not necessary. Thanks!

Just wanted to say I stay at Lago Mar usually twice a year, and have never found it to be smelly or old looking. In fact, I just stayed at the new Hilton on the beach, and if given the choice, I would pick Lago Mar any day.Their pictures on their website are pretty accurate.

Thank you for your experience, I'm really trying to nail it down and needed some up to date feedback. I appreciate it! Know anything about The Atlantic or Singer Island Resort?

I love the Westin Diplomat and the Diplomat Country Club - these are really nice!

Lenlu,

If you want to stay on the beach there are a number of choices. Like Bahia Mar, or the Sheraton Yankee Clipper. You might also want to try the big chain hotels. Like Doubletree, hyatt, and Embassy Suites. All of the upscale chain hotels are nice.

[email protected] is you need more information. I live 30 minutes from Ft Lauderdale airport.

I've always enjoyed the Marriott Harbor Beach.

You know, we're getting pretty good rates ($250) for The Diplomat, Lago Mar and Singer Island. The toss up is The Atlantic. I looked at the Marriott and the Sheraton and they are the same cost so I'm leaning toward the first few mentioned. The Hyatt is $699 a night. Totally out of budget. I've read mixed reviews on Lago Mar and that some places are too isolated. Does anyone know is The Diplomat ON the beach or across? We have two little kids so pools are good and Starbucks is good. We'd rather not eat ALL meals at the resort. Just kind of want to fly over there and sit on the beach for seven days.

In my opinion the beach at the Marriott Harbor beach and Lago Mar are the best(and they are private). These 2 properties are actually very close to each other, just seperated by a small condo unit.Both of these have nice pools and grounds which give you a nice resort feeling. The difference is you can usually get a 1 BR suite at Lago for the same price as 1 room at the Marriott. Lago has free internet and parking, and the chairs at the beach are free, although they charge for the loungers and umbrellas.The lagoon pool is great for kids and they have a playground on the sand. The parking at Marriott is quite steep, and they charge for chairs at the beach.The 2 Sheratons (Clipper and Trader) are not that nice.

The Atlantic is across the street from the beach.There are no beautiful grounds so to speak, and to go to the beach you would need to cross A1A, and rent chairs at the public beach if you can find any.

The Diplomat I have not stayed at, but have heard that the strip of beach is rather narrow, and the tall building blocks the sun a lot of the day.

I have not stayed on Singer island, but honestly, I see no need to drive up there when the beaches at Ft.L are so nice.

If you want a really cool hotel, stay at the Riverside on Los Olas Boulevard. Plenty of upscale nightlife and shopping. IMO it's a much better spot than close to the beach.

Thanks guys, I appreciate your sharing everything you know! The grounds and pool are key with kids.