Hollywood or Lauderdale by the Seas - hotels? Restaurants? Beaches?
 

I'm looking for a great family "beach therapy" location for the first weekend of May. It'll be my mom, my husband, my 3 kids, and myself. I'm leaning towards Hollywood or Lauderdale by the Sea because I'm looking for warm water. I'd appreciate restaurant and hotel recommendations. Here is what I'm considering:

Lauderdale by the Seas - Blue Seas Courtyard.

Hollywood:
Atlantic Sands
Manta Ray Inn
Sea Downs
The Desoto Oceanview Inn
The Caribbean Resort Apartments.

I like sweet, little hotels - but I also like clean.

Which beach is better for kids - my youngest is 9.

Thank you.

In Hollywood my favorite is the Greenbriar Beach Resort. It is a very clean little mom and pop with kitchens and includes breakfast.

From what I can remember, the Manta Ray and the Sea Downs are also very nice little places.

I love Hollywood and the Broadwalk.

In LBTS my favorite is the Captain's Quarters.

I'm familiar with LBTS but not Hollywood. Family that came down for my wedding a couple of years ago stayed at White Cap, and everyone was happy with it. Most of them have small children, and there was 3 generations.

White Cap is on the beach and has a pool. It's clean but not fancy. It's a small hotel. The rooms had a kitchen (the ones with kids found this really helpful), a living area with couches that turned to beds, a bedroom and a bathroom. The staff was very friendly, and they had just redone the rooms.

Hope this helps.

I looked in at most every small hotel in LBTS (we have a house there and often have to put up extra guests) The Tides Inn is still my favorite. The "Penthouse" is a huge suite with a big balcony overlooking the sand. The other rooms are clean and simple. Small pool. It just is neat and tidy. We love LBTS, walk everywhere, beautiful beach.

Some extended family of mine has been visiting Lauderdale by the Sea for about 20 years, and they always prefer to stay at the Sea Cliff. It's a small motel with a pool and view of the ocean.

The Greenbriar Beach Club is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Wilma.