by Scott Laird
Last updated: 6:00 PM ET, Mon July 9, 2018
Fort Lauderdale isn't what it used to be-and that's a good thing.
In previous decades a prime objective for Spring Break crowds priced out of ever more popular Miami, the city is in the midst of growing its own distinct brand of South Florida Cool. The new hotel openings are skewing toward the luxury tier. Visitors are just as likely to arrive on a nonstop flight from Dubai as one from Dallas, and their portal is an international airport that just completed a multimillion-dollar expansion and modernization. Vacationers who once arrived seeking beer busts are coming back for babymoons.
Chintan Dadhich, General Manager of the newly opened Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach told TravelPulse, "Over the past year, Fort Lauderdale has evolved, attracting travelers from around the world with enhanced cultural offerings, a vibrant culinary scene and a variety of accommodations. The city welcomed more than 13 million visitors in 2017, adding new flights from the Middle East, London and Cuba."
The Conrad opened last year with 290 units-all of them suite accommodations that could be more accurately described as apartments. Each has kitchens, private terraces or balconies, and bathrooms of Italian marble with soaker tubs and separate showers. Concierges connect guests with Conrad's Stay Inspired program, which offers one-, three-, or five-hour activities with a focus on local sophistication, such as exploring coffee and kava on Las Olas Boulevard or underwater art exhibit at Shipwreck Park, where a sunken ship forms an artificial reef.
Next door, Fort Lauderale's luxury growth continues with this year's ground breaking of a new Four Seasons property, which will include both hotel rooms and residences, multiple restaurants and butler service. The 22 story tower, which is the company's fourth hotel in South Florida (joining two already in Miami and one in Palm Beach) and first in Fort Lauderdale, is set to debut for guests and residents in 2020.
The W Fort Lauderdale has also completed a top-to-bottom transformation, including the twin pool decks. One facing the Intracoastal Waterway, and one facing the Atlantic Ocean, there are day beds and fancy cocktails. Guest taking a deep dive to the bottom of the pool can peer through portholes right into the hotel's Living Room.
Guests wishing to be right on the beach can check out the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, which sits immediately on the largest expanse of beach in Fort Lauderdale. Guests can watch cruise ships depart, or if they're lucky, perhaps a sea turtle emerging from the aquamarine waves to lay eggs underneath the sand.
Those embarking directly on cruises or making long layovers at the airport will be able to enjoy the new Le Meridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport, which is expecting to complete its conversion from a Sheraton property in early 2019.
Whether visitors are seeking a vacation filled with sophisticated eateries and art galleries, beach fun or vibrant pool scenes, Fort Lauderdale is meeting their needs, and becoming more attractive to more visitors in the process. International arrivals drove a 4% increase in 2017 visitor numbers over the previous year, and more luxury hotel inventory well positions to city to maintain that pace into the next decade.
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