What to expect: Rising 11 stories above the Atlantic Ocean, this Marriott is adjacent to the Hollywood Boardwalk and the white-sand beach. The lobby is handsomely appointed with a wood-beam ceiling, tile floors, colonial Jamaica–style furnishings, and rich woods. Exquisite porcelain pots accent the hallways.

Amenity highlights: The Marriott offers direct access to the white-sand beach and the boardwalk. The kidney-shaped outdoor pool overlooks the ocean and is paired with a spa tub. A poolside tiki bar serves drinks and snacks. Warm-stone massage, the Sea Foam Facial, body wraps, pedicures, and manicures are among the options at the hotel’s spa. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in the lobby and restaurant, and by the pool. This is a smoke-free hotel.

Insider tip: Less than a mile away, the Anne Kolb Nature Center, part of West Lake Park, spotlights Florida’s natural environment and wildlife. The Mud Flat Trail and Observation Trail showcase ospreys, kingfishers, fiddler crabs, and mangrove crabs. Canoes and kayak rentals, and guided boat tours are available for a surcharge. Parking is free; admission for visitors age 6 or over is $1 (subject to change).

What to expect: Owned and operated by the Seminole Indian tribe, this l2-story rock-and-roll themed hotel and casino sits on 87 acres in Hollywood, Florida. A 50-foot guitar stands in the center of a giant fountain in front of the hotel. Authentic rock memorabilia is showcased throughout the hotel and great video moments in rock music are featured on hundreds of flat-screen TVs in the lobby lounge.

Amenity highlights: Two of Elton John’s famous headdresses sit center stage in the lobby. A l30,000-square-foot casino offers gaming machines and live-action poker. Contour Spa services include massages, body treatments, and beauty services (surcharge), and a 30,000-square-foot fitness center offers bikes, treadmills, and elliptical machines. A four-acre tropical pool includes a water slide, waterfalls, and spa tubs.

Insider tip: The on-site store sells handmade Seminole items. Cabanas overlooking the pool are replicas, in style and construction, of traditional Seminole “chickee” huts, and are equipped with tables and chairs, TVs, fans, and refrigerators (surcharge).