W Fort Lauderdale

The W Fort Lauderdale is ideal if you’re looking to splurge at a 5-star property that has enough to keep you on property for days but that is also close enough to the main attractions. From the pool that gets warm enough in the afternoon to render the hot tub unnecessary to the upscale steakhouse with dozens of jellyfish floating gracefully around the showcase fish tank, the W manages to impress in ways both big and small. Here’s what I thought of it. 

What are the rooms like at the W Fort Lauderdale?

The 621 rooms fall into seven different categories, with Deluxe being the most affordable, plus two penthouse options with nightly rates comparable to a month’s rent in Miami. Fittingly, the floors are as blue as the Atlantic Ocean that’s directly across from A1A, and each room has a balcony with a view, overlooking either the ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. 

If your room faces the ocean, you’ll also be overlooking the pool, which can at times feel just as inviting as the beach. Inside, each room has a Nespresso machine (which every luxury property should have, arguably) and a Bluetooth speaker loud enough to hear in the shower. That’s in addition to the small bedside radio clocks, which also have Bluetooth capabilities.

What is the food like at the W Fort Lauderdale?

The two most notable dining options at the W Fort Lauderdale are the casual El Vez and the upscale Steak 954. The latter gets its name from the area code used in Broward County, of which Fort Lauderdale serves as the county seat, and it’s the type of place where guests can enjoy upscale surf and turf options surrounded either by business people conducting mulit-million dollar deals or Floridians celebrating special occasions. 

With the exception of Sunday brunch, 954 is dinner only. Meanwhile, El Vez is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the menu is full of Baja influences (despite being on the opposite coast). There are a few guacamole options, including the spicy crab version, and while comforting classics like ceviche, tacos, and tortilla soup permeate the menu, you can’t beat the quesadillas when it comes to presentation. Chicken or steak will come in a too-hot-to-touch and almost too-heavy-to-lift stone bowl sharing space with chunks of seared chihuahua cheese, while red, green and white sauces (like the colors of the Mexican flag) are served on the side with warm soft shells. Just be sure to save room for the churros: they’re warm, soft, and chewy on the inside, while crunchy on the outside.

What’s the service like at the W Fort Lauderdale?

The service is on par with other 5-star properties in South Florida: there’s no sense that wait staff are trying to rush you out of the restaurants to turn the tables for the next guests, and the poolside food and drink service via Wet Bar & Grill is also a nice addition. Another bonus is that the massage therapists take the time to make suggestions based on their years of experience. Pedal-only bikes are available on property and can be unlocked using the Zybra Plus app (though you will need to bring your own helmet).

What are the pools and facilities like at the W Fort Lauderdale?

Beyond the standard treadmills and dumbbells, FIT (the 24-hour fitness center) has a back extension machine and enough leg machines to get a proper leg workout. Cardio machines face the large deck, which could be an ideal spot for yoga classes. Yoga mats are available inside, and there’s enough floor space for proper stretching. 

The Away Spa is where guests go to unwind after a workout and/or a day at the pool. Speaking of the pool, it gets bathwater warm in the afternoon, and the atmosphere is particularly festive when there’s a live DJ spinning on weekends. 

What’s the area like around the W Fort Lauderdale?

You have the Atlantic Ocean to the east and canals to the west—which are the reason Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of the East”— and beyond them is the touristy Riverwalk, which is close enough to cycle to. You can use the water taxis, which dock at designated stops, while the 2.5-mile shopping mecca of Las Olas Boulevard is just one block north of the New River.  

If you’re looking to try one of the restaurants along the Riverwalk, Mykonos, with its contemporary twist on Greek classics, is an ideal spot. The octopus is tender enough to cut with a fork and equally juicy, while the Chilean seabass is lusciously buttery. And the bluefin mocktail that’s served in a heavy fish-shaped glass definitely feels very South Florida. 

For a dive into local history, where you can also sample a handful of different restaurants and cafes in Fort Lauderdale's upscale shopping district, check out Las Olas Food Tours.

Why you should book a stay at the W Fort Lauderdale

If you’re a beach person, it does not get much better than the W Fort Lauderdale in terms of location—the hotel is right across the street, after all. You’ll also be close enough to the canals, Las Olas Blvd., and the Riverwalk that you can cycle (or even walk if you don’t mind the heat) there for a change of scenery. But there’s enough in and immediately around the W that you can experience it like a resort if you so choose. 

DETAILS

Address: 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Price per night: Deluxe rooms from $300; Penthouse rooms from $2,900

Closest transport: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is a 25-minute drive   

Book now: via Booking.com

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