What to expect: Set on a stretch of white-sand beach, this Mediterranean-style resort hotel features a red roof, arched doorways, Spanish-tile floors, and ceiling fans. Located within Greater Fort Lauderdale, the hotel offers both ocean breezes and close proximity to South Florida attractions.

Amenity highlights: Beachcomber Resort & Villas offers a shuffleboard court and two outdoor splash pools. Guests also receive complimentary passes to a health club one mile away. Dining options include the casual Ocean Grill, an adjacent piano lounge, and a poolside tiki bar. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in the lobby and other public areas.

Insider tip: Within seven miles of the hotel, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a plantation-style estate built in 1921 by the artist Frederick Clay Bartlett. The 35-acre grounds include tropical gardens, a shell museum, and an orchid house. Guided tours (surcharge) explore the home's art collection and history.

What to expect: Located in Pompano Beach, this sleek, 10-story, beachfront hotel is popular with leisure travelers seeking health, fitness, and spa services in addition to oceanfront activities. Ocean Sands Resort and Spa is eight miles from Fort Lauderdale, 12 miles from Port Everglades cruise ships, and 14.5 miles from the Las Olas Riverfront entertainment complex.

Amenity highlights: The spa and salon provide a range of services (surcharges), including facials, body wraps, and hair and nail care. A Vichy shower, sauna, and steam room are also available. Fitness classes (surcharge) include Pilates, yoga, step aerobics, and spinning. Vegetarian dishes are the specialty at Ocean Palms restaurant, and Pompano's Bar serves cocktails, beer, and wine.

Insider tip: Eight miles away, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a plantation-style estate built in 1921 by the artist Frederick Clay Bartlett. The 35-acre grounds include tropical gardens, a shell museum, and an orchid house. Guided tours (surcharge) explore the home's art collection and history.

What to expect: A gated community surrounded by towering palm trees and lush vegetation, the Wyndham Palm-Aire is adjacent to the five golf courses of the Palm Aire Country Club. The resort is a big draw for corporate guests who enjoy mixing business with golfing, as well as leisure travelers who appreciate condominium convenience. Golf times are arranged through the concierge. The lobby offers an ATM, complimentary newspapers, brochures, and an Internet kiosk (surcharge).

Amenity highlights: The resort offers three freeform splash pools; a children’s pool with waterslide; basketball, sand-volleyball, and tennis courts; and a fitness center with sauna and steam room. Treatments at The Spa include Aromatherapy, the Salt Loofah Body Scrub, herbal wraps, and revitalizing massage. Daily activities include tie-dye, pool games, pizza parties, and ice-cream socials. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in the lobby.

Insider tip: One mile from the hotel, Pompano Park Race Track offers nighttime harness racing from January through June, and October through December, along with high-stakes poker. Built in 1964, the track hosts well-known events such as the Breeders Crown Championships. General admission and parking are free.