The Ritz Carlton, Fort Lauderdale, United States, is an AAA 5-Diamond resort and one of the luxury hotels of this world-famous brand. Built in an ocean-liner style, this beach-front resort is beautifully situated right alongside the Atlantic Ocean in a vibrant and attractive area of Florida.

Location

The hotel faces the ocean and commands spectacular water views on one side and the 3000-mile Intracoastal Waterway. The Ritz also benefits from a beautiful beach section just across the highway but reached via a skywalk directly from the hotel. 

Moreover, local transport is excellent and has the added delight of a water taxi service. Downtown is a few minutes from the hotel by car, and Fort Lauderdale International Airport is a 15-minute ride. Besides, Miami Airport can be reached in 40 minutes.

Attractions

The area is known for the abundance of restaurants, bars, clubs, and high-end shopping and is called the ‘yachting capital of the world.’ With the pleasant balmy Florida weather and calm waters, yachting is a major attraction in this city and fosters a relaxed and convivial marine lifestyle. 

Many yacht owners use FL as a base, but yachts can be chartered or excursed throughout the year. This is a waterside paradise. But, for a change, guests can visit the Broward Center for the Performing Arts or the Museum of Discovery and Science. Additionally, Escapology provides fun for all the family right next door to the hotel.

Style and Reception

This Fort Lauderdale hotel's design uses the waterside position to achieve a sense of floating in a luxury ocean liner. The seascape is evident throughout the resort, starting with a huge mermaid mural at the front desk. 

The contemporary décor is a departure from the more traditional style of the brand. However, the standards in staff and amenities are just as exemplary. Guests are welcomed with warmth and efficiency in a lobby and lounge of cognac leather and plush gray seating. 

Additionally, upscale boutiques and a pool table make this an inviting area with pastels, space, and azure ocean views, enhancing the feeling of being at sea.

Rooms

The hotel has 192 extremely spacious guest rooms and residences, many with terraces or balconies with views towards the Atlantic or the Intracoastal Waterway. All are soothing in a color palette of ivory, cream, and white with large, deep, and comfortable beds. Additionally, there are floor-to-ceiling windows and an honor drinks bar/refrigerator.

Marble bathrooms feature deep tubs and separate showers, double vanities, and heavenly-scented Asprey bath toiletries. In-room amenities include Wi-Fi (fee applies), flat-screen TV, iPod docking station, and computer work desk. 

Ocean-view rooms offer an upgrade to the benefits of Club Level. Pets can also be accommodated at an extra fee.

Suites

These range in size from a generous400sq.ft. to The Ritz Carlton Suite at 1300sq.ft. The suites have all the standard amenities of the rooms with additional living space and in-room extras. 

Fine cherry wood furniture enhances suites, while plush seating sits under large windows for comfort and superb views. The Ritz Carlton Suite features wrap-around windows for the best sea views and natural light. Also, a powder room extension adjoins the deluxe marble bathroom.

Residences

These ultra-luxurious hotel apartments range from one-bedroom to three-bedrooms with some 959 square feet of living space to a grand 2181 sq. ft. 

All have many additional services and amenities. These include a fully stocked refreshment bar, kitchenettes, and dining areas. There are also extra bathrooms and the option of Club Level upgrades. Besides, you can order in-room service.

Ritz Carlton Club Level

This exclusive service is appreciated by guests of this hotel brand in many cities. The benefits are akin to a classy mini-hotel with a luxury lounge enjoying the ocean's stunning views, gourmet meals, champagne, fine wines, and snacks throughout the day. 

Guests booking this level also have the advantage of a dedicated concierge service to cater to every need during their stay. Moreover, business visitors have extra services here. Young guests are provided with games and toys in the lounge.

Restaurant and Dining 

The wide, wood-floored Burlock Coast Seafare and Spirits Restaurant has a Prohibition-era theme. The restaurant naturally offers menus accenting fresh seafood, situated overlooking a glorious stretch of palm-fringed Fort Lauderdale beach. 

All-day dining begins with an elaborate breakfast. It continues with innovative menus revolving around fresh local farm produce. An open marketplace counter is an original and popular feature with quick-to-go meals of soups, sandwiches, and ices. 

Other house specialties are local Miami Panther coffee from the coffee bar and a Rum Room with bottles for sale or cocktails mixed to order. 

Pool

A vast elevated outdoor tropical sundeck surrounds an oval heated infinity pool directly beside the Atlantic Ocean. Sentinels of beach loungers are beside the pool with attentive staff around to assist. There are also individual VIP cabanas for guests to snooze in. The pool bar offers a light seafood and salad menu, tropical drinks, and other beverages.

Spa and Fitness

As expected from this hotel brand, the Ritz Carlton has a full-service spa with luxury face, body, mind, spirit therapies, and treatments.

Preparations and signature treatments are based on marine salts and citrus detoxifying and rebalancing elements. Specialist hair and nail treatments are also available in this elegant and relaxing spa facility. 

Additionally, a 24-hour fully-equipped fitness center overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway.

Activities

The water taxi is a popular way to explore the area, including the fashionable Las Olas beach area with galleries, eateries, and boutique shopping. For golfers, the hotel concierge services can arrange days at the swish Grande Oaks Golf Club or trips to the famous Everglades and Sawgrass Recreation Park for wildlife enthusiasts and families. 

Yachting may be the prime reason for visiting the ‘Venice of America.’ However, Fort Lauderdale is also a great place for other water sports and activities.

Takeaway

The Ritz Carlton is a brand with style and a reputation for top-notch service. The ambiance in Fort Lauderdale is more laid-back than in some resorts. Besides, the hotel features a less familiar contemporary style to suit the area. The service remains world-class.