The Fort Lauderdale beach has a hotel or motel on nearly every block, ranging from run-down to luxurious. Both the Howard Johnson, 700 N. Atlantic Blvd., on Florida A1A south of Sunrise Boulevard (tel. 800/327-8578 or 954/563-2451); and the Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort Hotel and Suites, 4221 N. Ocean Blvd. (tel. 800/329-7466 or 954/563-2521), have clean oceanside rooms starting at about $150. For a cushier stay, look into the St. Regis Resort (tel. 954/568-4623), featuring 197 suites, a gourmet restaurant, and a spa, which opened in May 2007. Projected to open in the fall of 2008 is the $220-million W Fort Lauderdale Hotel & Residences (tel. 954/525-8133), a boutique-hotel-slash-condominium with ocean views and a very hip and happening bar.
In Hollywood, where prices are generally cheaper, the Holiday Inn, 101 N. Ocean Blvd. (tel. 954/923-8700), operates a full-service hotel right on the ocean. With prices starting at around $110 in season and discounts for AAA members, it's a great deal. Howard Johnson, 2501 N. Ocean Dr. (I-95 to Sheridan St. E. to Fla. A1A S.; tel. 800/423-9867 or 954/925-1411), has a good location right on the beach.
Extended Stay America/Crossland Economy Studios (tel. 800/398-7829) has four super-clean properties in Fort Lauderdale and offers year-round rates as low as $49 a night and $159 per week. The studios are designed with business travelers in mind: Each includes free local calls, a dataport, a kitchenette, and a well-lit desk.
For rentals for a few weeks or months, call Florida Sunbreak (tel. 800/SUNBREAK) or check the annual list of small lodgings compiled by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (tel. 954/765-4466). The latter is especially helpful if you're looking for privately owned, charming, affordable lodgings.
