Fodor's Expert Review Pompano Beach Club

Pompano, which is passionately run by an American family, understands its customers—and those customers return year after year for the casual atmosphere and beachfront location. Dramatic ocean-view dining rooms, cliff-side hot tubs, endless water sports, and attentive service set this property apart. Most memorable, however, is the shallow, crystal clear water—you can wade out along the sandbar to one of two floating platforms and soak in the island's beauty from afar.

YOU SHOULD KNOW This hotel is on the older side and shows its age in places. While many of the rooms have been recently renovated, the hallways and pool area could use some love.

Photo: oceanview superior room

room

Colorful, island-style decor accentuates the unbelievable ocean views. Rooms feature private balconies or patios and receive twice-daily maid service.

Photo: oceanview superior room

bathroom

Very roomy, with separate bathtubs and double marble vanities.

lobby

Elegant and traditional, featuring antique furniture and Bermuda cedar wood. The quiet lower lobby is a great place to relax with a book or just sit and stare out the floor-to-ceiling windows.

pool

The heated pool and Jacuzzis are open 24 hours a day so you can appreciate the views morning, afternoon, and night. The resort also has a kiddie pool and, best of all, a delightful private beach with lounge chairs, floaties, and water sports equipment.

spa

Escape to the Three Graces Day Spa for a rejuvenating face and body treatment. One of their three privates rooms is specially outfitted for couples, with two beds, a jet bathtub, and breathtaking ocean views.

Photo: oceanfront fitness center

gym

It's not very often you come across a world-renowned fitness center located in a hotel, but with its large windows on one wall and large mirrors on the other, it's easy to see why this gym was featured on USA Today. The space is small and the equipment is standard, but the panorama from the treadmills and stationary bikes is out of this world.

Photo: oceanfront fitness center

Photo: Ocean Grill Restaurant

dining

The highlight of your dining experience will likely be surf and turf at the dramatic two-story Ocean Grill, overlooking the picturesque waterfront. The Cedar Room Restaurant, which is accented with the rich tones of old Bermuda cedar wood, serves breakfast and dinner, with nightly menu offerings changing frequently. There's also a café adjacent to the pool bar for a casual afternoon pick-me-up.

Photo: Ocean Grill Restaurant

drinking

The pool bar serves up a deadly and delicious Dark 'N' Stormy or you can drink the afternoon away down at the tiki-style hut on the beach. Later, savor a pre-dinner cocktail and live island music in the Sunset Lounge.

Ask about the weekly Rum Swizzle parties and casual evening BBQs.