What to expect: The lobby at The Atlantic Resort & Spa, a Luxury Collection Hotel showcases marble columns, blue hanging lights, and minimalist styling; floor-to-ceiling windows provide a bird’s-eye view of the ocean and beach scene adjacent to the hotel. The outdoor patio overlooking the beach is a favorite day’s-end gathering place for the hotel’s guests, who are mostly leisure travelers.

Amenity highlights: An outdoor lap pool, spa tub, and restaurant are located on the fifth floor amid panoramic views of the Atlantic. Massage therapy, body treatments, and beauty services are available at the Spa Atlantic. The 24-hour fitness center offers treadmills, stationary bikes, and elliptical machines. Other hotel amenities include a gift shop, and a restaurant with indoor and oceanfront dining. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the hotel (surcharge).

Insider tip: One block from the hotel—and a must-see during any visit to Ft. Lauderdale—is the historic Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. Collections include work by local artists who were inspired by the plantation-style Bonnet House and its famous gardens.