Trying to choose between Sheraton Yankee Clipper and Double Tree on Sunrise Blvd. Both say oceanfront. Have never been to Ft Lauderdale - any comments? Have been told Double Tree is in better area, in middle of everything.

I'd say the opposite, as Yankee Trader is a little more secluded or "private" and right on the beach. There is a Double Tree that is oceanfront (actually across the street from the ocean) but the Sunrise one you mention is about a half mile away, on the Intracoastal, could be walking distance to the beach, through a lot of traffic. It is near a mall if that's what "middle of everything" means.
The Double Tree on Sunrise is NOT oceanfront at all.

Patrick is right about the Doubletree not being on the beach...it is about 1/4 mile away....it is however, right next to the Galleria with it's The Capitol Grill, Seasons 52, Blue Martini, and Red Star Tavern,,,also a small movie theater is right next door..which we go to often. There is also a Wild Oats organic food market, which is quite excellent. And a great French Pastisserie/Boulangerie across the strret. The Doubletree is somewhat dated, but they do have VERY comfortably large rooms with a kitchenette. We have stayed there 3 times when we were checking on our new townhome closeby on Bayview. Not the best, but acceptable, with a good location IMO. It all depends what you want!

I agree, the Doubletree on Sunrise is the Doubletree Suites, and is about 1/4 mi. from the ocean.It needs a major renovation.
The Sheraton Clipper,Sheraton Trader, and Doubletree are all basically the same class hotel-all basic 3* hotels, nothing fancy,with location their best asset. The Clipper is at the end of the strip, with the Doubletree and Trader being a little more central.

We stayed at the Clipper last year...It was great. I really liked it, the people were nice and the location was good. If you stay there, ask for the building on the beach. If you have any addtional questions, let me know.

Don't know if you're open to other suggestions, but if you are....try Lago Mar (reasonable) or Marriott Harbor Beach (higher). Have stayed at both, both are oceanside, and very nice.