By Kara Franker
Situated just across from Fort Lauderdale's sprawling stretch of sandy beach, The Atlantic Hotel & Spa is located on famed A1A.
With a yellow stair-cased shaped exterior designed to maximize ocean views, this boutique hotel is a great place to escape and unwind in sunny South Florida.
Having won its fair share of accolades, the AAA Four Diamond property features only 124 guest rooms, making it feel a little less crowded than other nearby hotels.
The lobby is tastefully designed, featuring beachy-chic decor and a rotating showcase of works by local artists.
Guests rave about the friendly staff at the hotel, led by General Manager Heidi Dennis. It's not uncommon to see a staff member greet guests by name. Some even carry around dog treats for furry friends. (The hotel is pet-friendly).
The rooms are quite spacious, the smallest of which spans more than 600 square feet, about twice as big as the average hotel room.
Both studios and suites feature mini kitchenettes (double stove top, microwave, sink and a mini-fridge) and completely updated bathrooms with soaking tubs and walk-in showers. The best rooms have direct views of the Atlantic Ocean.
With its spectacular beach views, the pool deck is the perfect place to spend the afternoon. Comfy lounge chairs surround the heated lap pool and the fifth-floor ocean views make you feel as if you're on a cruise ship -- without the rocking back and forth, of course.
During your stay, dine at Beauty & the Feast, located on the lobby level and featuring both indoor and al fresco dining. The menu is a combination of American fare and tapas, featuring a killer handcrafted cocktail list. The braised short rib with mashed potatoes and the kale salad with beets are deliciously divine.
It's worth a trip to the spa, where you'll find 10,000 square feet of pure bliss, including eight treatment rooms, as well as his and hers locker areas complete with relaxing whirlpools. The spa's signature treatment, Lullaby of the Sea, is two hours of complete relaxation, including a body scrub, body wrap, tub soak and head-to-toe massage.
When you go...
The Atlantic Hotel & Spa is located at 601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information or reservations please visit AtlanticHotelandSpa.com or call (954) 567-8020. Follow the hotel on Facebook and Twitter: @AtlanticHotelFL.
