- Hotel Website: The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
- Location: Google Maps
- Book: Check availability
- Room Type: Oceanfront Suite – Bedroom Suite, 1 King, Sofa bed, Oceanfront, Balcony
- Review Score: Results of our review
- Hotel Fact:The design of The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale was inspired by luxury ocean liners and the city’s identity as a cruise port. In fact, the shape of the building mimics the stern of a cruise ship—a nod to Fort Lauderdale’s nautical heritage. Even the interiors carry this theme, with leather-wrapped furniture and beach-inspired artwork that make you feel like you’re sailing in style without ever leaving shore.
Honest and Humorous Tone: The hotel’s appearance, particularly the lobby and entrance, is described as a bit worn and showing its age. However, this is presented as a positive, as it makes the hotel a great value for the price.
Exceptional Staff: The check-in and overall staff are highlighted as “super nice” and “always comforting,” providing a seamless and high-quality service experience.
Stellar Rooms and Views: The rooms themselves are described as luxurious and having a classic Ritz-Carlton feel. The biggest highlight is the “breathtaking ocean view” from the balcony, which is a major source of enjoyment despite the balcony being a bit worn.
Fantastic Dining: The food is a major “redemption story” for the hotel. Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits and the Sea la Vie Sundeck are praised for their excellent food and atmosphere.
Great Amenities: Both the pool and beach experiences are described as “fantastic,” with impeccable service from the staff.
Excellent Value: The final verdict is an 8.1 out of 10, with a strong emphasis on the “stellar value for money.” The reviewer recommends it as a better option than other Marriott properties in the area for a luxury experience on a more affordable scale.
Renovations: The property underwent a significant renovation in 2015, which included the lobby, a new restaurant and bar (Burlock Coast), a spa makeover, and updates to the guest rooms. This explains the “traditional” feel you noted, as it reflects a design from that time.
Key Amenities:
A 29,000 square-foot oceanfront sundeck with an infinity pool and private cabanas.
A full-service spa with a variety of treatments.
A 24-hour fitness center.
Access to the private, members-only Grande Oaks Golf Course.
A Club Lounge with exclusive benefits, including five daily culinary presentations.
Room Features: All 192 guest rooms and suites feature private balconies with views of either the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. Many also feature marble bathrooms.
🛎️ 24-hour room service
🍸 Bar
💪 Gym
🗣️ Meeting rooms
🏊 Outdoor pool
🏖️ Beach access
🍽️ Restaurants
🌺 Spa
The Luxe Atlas Rating
Design: 6/10
Vibe: 6.9/10
Romantic: 6.8/10
Air Conditioning: 8/10
Room: 9/10
Food: 9/10
Location: 10/10
Gym/Fitness: 9/10
Cleanliness: 7.8/10
Wow Factor: 6.2/10
Overall Experience: 7.87/10
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale: An Honest Review
When you hear “The Ritz-Carlton,” you picture gilded doors, pristine marble, and a red carpet rolled out just for you. So, when you pull up to the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale, you might find yourself doing a double-take. This isn’t your grandma’s pristine, porcelain-doll Ritz. No, this property, much like its South Florida neighbors, has seen a few sun-drenched, tourist-heavy seasons.
Let’s be honest, Fort Lauderdale’s high demand means many of these classic beachfront hotels, from the Four Seasons to the W Fort Lauderdale, are showing their age. The relentless Florida sun and salty air are no joke, and a facelift would likely require a full-blown property shutdown, a thought that probably gives hotel managers nightmares.
The Entrance: A Random Staircase to… The Lobby?
The initial check-in experience is, shall we say, quirky. The front doors themselves are a bit… tired. They’ve seen some things. And then, there’s the grand, slightly baffling staircase you have to climb just to reach the main lobby. It’s an architectural choice that leaves you wondering, “Is this part of the charm?”
But any initial skepticism melts away as soon as you meet the staff. The check-in team is an absolute delight—friendly, welcoming, and genuinely happy to see you. They’re the first hint that this property, despite its exterior wear, has a heart of gold.
The Room: A Tale of Two Balconies
Once you’re checked in and have navigated the slightly underwhelming lobby hallways, you’ll arrive at your room, and this is where the true Ritz-Carlton luxury begins. The room itself is a sanctuary. It’s exactly what you’d expect from the brand: impeccably clean, luxuriously appointed, and perfectly comfortable. The bed feels like a cloud made of Egyptian cotton, and the entire space exudes that signature Ritz-Carlton vibe. The bathroom, while a tad dated in its design (think more traditional opulence than sleek modern lines), is still perfectly serviceable and feels plush.
However, the real star of the show, and the source of our daily joy, was the balcony. Yes, the railing showed some wear and tear, a classic symptom of the coastal lifestyle. It reminded us a bit of the Amelia Island property, which is known for its classic, slightly weathered charm. But who cares about a little sun-bleaching when you’re staring at a breathtaking ocean view? Hanging out on the balcony with our morning coffee, watching the waves crash and the city wake up, was pure bliss. It’s a moment of serenity that makes you forget all about the hotel’s exterior.
The Food: A Culinary Redemption Story
While the exterior might be a little weathered, the food here is anything but—it’s a culinary redemption story in every bite. The on-site dining options are a true highlight. You can enjoy two distinct experiences:
Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits: This isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a farm-to-table experience with a Prohibition-era flair, offering fresh seafood, amazing handcrafted cocktails, and stunning ocean views.
Breakfast: Daily, 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Lunch: Monday–Friday, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Brunch: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Dinner: Monday–Thursday & Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Bar Service: Daily, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sea la Vie Sundeck: Located on the elevated pool deck, this casual spot serves tropical drinks and light bites with sweeping views of the Atlantic.
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The quality across the board is consistently outstanding, and the food is, in a word, the “bomb.” It’s an easy way to forget any minor design flaws the hotel might have.
The Verdict: An Understated Gem with Stellar Value
So, is this the most spectacular Ritz-Carlton you’ll ever stay at? Probably not. But it’s an absolute winner in its category. On a scale of 1 to 10, it’s a solid 8.1—and that score is all about the incredible value for money.
This is one of the more affordable Ritz-Carlton properties you’ll find, and it offers a far superior experience to almost any other Marriott property in Fort Lauderdale. The other hotels in the area, quite frankly, don’t even come close. This is a five-star experience in a town where those are hard to find, and it’s a hotel we would highly recommend to anyone looking for luxury without the typical price tag.
Pictures of The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
