What to expect: The hotel’s centerpiece is a 12-story atrium lobby decorated in coral and blue and filled with lush foliage. This soaring space offers comfortable seating and a brook with waterfalls. The hotel is popular with families holding reunions, business travelers, and folks in town before or after a cruise. Convention-goers enjoy close proximity to the convention center, four blocks away.

Amenity highlights: The hotel offers complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and a nightly manager’s reception with beverages and snacks. Guests can play in an outdoor pool or exercise in a top-floor fitness center with city views. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel (surcharge; network cards available).

Insider tip: Greater Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America, thanks to the miles of restaurants, shops, and multimillion-dollar homes along the Intracoastal Waterway. The best way to see it all is via the 70-seat, air-conditioned Water Bus that stops at 20 spots throughout Fort Lauderdale, including one stop a few blocks from the hotel. An all-day pass is $10 (price subject to change).

What to expect: Doubletree's signature warm chocolate-chip cookies await guests as they check in at the hotel. The smoke-free hotel attracts vacationing families and business travelers looking for easy access to both beach and shopping as well as accommodations with residential conveniences and full kitchens.

Amenity highlights: The rear of the hotel abuts the Intracoastal Waterway, a network of navigable waters that earned Fort Lauderdale its designation as "the Venice of America." Adjacent to the waterway at the hotel are a 60-by-35-foot pool, six-person spa tub, sundeck, sunning lawn, and two sand "beaches." An expansive patio holds tables for outdoor dining at VUE on the WATER.

Insider tip: A public "water bus" transporting passengers around Fort Lauderdale's waterways stops at the hotel's quay. The water bus operates on a schedule from mid-morning until late night, stopping at 19 other locations, including restaurants and shopping centers. Ticket options include a bargain-price, all-day fare.