This past November I had the pleasure of staying in one of Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront luxury properties, the Conrad hotel while visiting the city for a music festival. November in Florida is a little windy and on the chilly side but the warm rays of the sun come through enough to remind you that it is a forever beach destination. People are relaxed and laid back, strolling along the pristine beach, sipping on cold drinks, and snacking on fresh seafood.
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The trip was hosted by Greater Fort Lauderdale Tourism, which did not review or approve the story.
The Vibe & Amenities
Conrad Fort Lauderdale* is a 290-suite oceanfront resort located on Fort Lauderdale’s North Beach, steps away from the water. The hotel, shaped like a boat, was designed by Michael Graves for “today’s luxury traveler” with a nod to the city’s waterways and yachting industry. Upon entry you are greeted with a gentle scent of yuzu, a hint of lavender, warm wood, and soft patchouli – the hotel’s signature aroma. The scented air is a nice touch and creates a relaxing atmosphere, matched by the friendly hotel staff all of whom proved to be incredibly helpful and accommodating.
The main draw of the hotel* is its 20,000-square-foot Sky Deck with a heated freshwater pool, plenty of seating, and lounging areas with daybeds and cabanas overlooking the ocean. In the center of the deck is Spinnaker Pool Grill, one of the 5 dining options available to the guests. Having arrived fairly early in the day I had a quick snack and a glass of champagne while enjoying the view and soaking in the sun before my meetings.
On the ground floor of the hotel is Cornucopia Gourmet Market. The shop sells fresh baked goods and snacks, and a full-service Terra Mare restaurant with a view of the ocean. My favourite spot, however, is the Atlas Cocktail Lounge. The cocktail selection is as impressive as its quality. My nightly routine became a smoked old-fashioned and a glass of champagne as a nightcap.
Among other amenities and services available to the guests are:
- The Conrad Spa
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Sunrise Yoga
- Customized beach cruisers
- 1-, 3- and 5-hour itinerary recommendations for immersive cultural activities across Fort Lauderdale
Inside the Suite
For this weekend I stayed in the Junior suite. The room is an incredibly spacious room with a full-galley kitchen, a separate sitting area, double vanity, a shower, and an impressive tub. The boating influence is visible throughout the rooms and resorts in subtle nodule decor and wood paneling. Each room has an individual balcony, a sub-zero refrigerator, and a spacious closet. Being on a pretty late schedule I took the avenge of pre-arranging my breakfast room service nightly. This allowed me to sleep in a little and wake up to a hearty breakfast in bed.
I slept like a child and ate like a queen. Would absolutely love to return during the warmer season to be able to enjoy the rooftop deck to its fullest.
Address: 551 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, United States
In the gear bag: Fujifilm X-T100 with an XF50mmF2 R WR lens. To see the trip on Instagram look up #xoFL19. Two marked images are courtesy of the hotel.
