Fort Lauderdale’s W Hotel Offers The Ultimate Staycation

We’re all too familiar with the images of frustrated travelers stranded at airports. And while you may need to take to the skies to visit family or attend work obligations, if it’s summer R&R you crave, there’s a quicker, more reliable and restorative destination calling out your name. Enter the hip, fun and easily accessible W Fort Lauderdale hotel.

This cheerful, modern property (belonging to Marriott) has 517 guestrooms and sits directly across the street from Fort Lauderdale beach, making it a short 3-minute walk before you are dipping your toes in the crystal-clear blue ocean or relaxing on the comfortable beach chaise and umbrella setup included with your stay. But truth be told, with all that the hotel offers, you may never make it to the beach and you’d be just fine.

Let’s start with the pools, part of the $55 million renovation that took place in 2017. There are two, both on the 5th floor. You can’t miss WET East, right off the elevator. This is where the party is at. Day beds, loungers, a full bar and a live DJ on the weekends make this the most buzzed spot to get your Vitamin D. The infinity pool is expansive, so guests do not feel cramped. We recommend you access it from the 4th floor “Living Room” (more to come) where there’s a staircase that slices through the pool, granting visual access to the underwater scene on either side. On the opposite end of the 5th floor is the more subdued WET West pool. Head here if you’ve got a great book you want to dive into peacefully or just feel like taking a nap under the sun. While this infinity pool is smaller than its sister, there’s a whirlpool for extra relaxation and a smaller bar.

The aforementioned Living Room acts as the heartbeat of the hotel. Practical matters like check-in take place here, but beyond that lies an inviting (and enormous) space donning colorful sitting areas within walking distance from the handsome bar. Bartenders are friendly and efficient, whipping up refreshing cocktails like Blackberry Smash and Champagne Mojito.  You’ll also find AWAY Spa on this floor. Offering treatments like the De-Stress Massage, self-described to “revive tired muscles and reduce brain fog with head-clearing oils, moderate pressure and tension-releasing techniques.”

Rooms boasting minimalist flair pop with electric blue accents to match the beach below. Floor-to-ceiling windows enhance this, and spacious balconies provide further invitation to sit outside and take it all in. The bed is plush and comfortable, and the bathroom, with a modern standalone tub as the show stopping piece, feels like a separate suite unto itself.

Two signature restaurants, El Vez and Steak 954, are helmed by celebrity chef and restaurateur Stephen Starr. There’s also Sobe Vegan, another worthy option for those seeking a quick and healthy bite to eat. Head to El Vez for lunch. The servers are friendly and the food — authentic Mexican — spot on. Nothing says “vacation” more than sipping on a frozen Blood Orange Margarita while perusing the menu. There’s the familiar array of Mexican favorites (ceviche, tacos and enchiladas), but I suggest ordering the Snapper Aguachile if you want to be wowed. The blend of summer peaches, avocado, cucumber, heirloom tomatoes with the fish is simply divine. Carnitas tacos (tender pork belly and shoulder, white onion with salsa verde) are moist and flavorful and the Watermelon salad with queso fresco and pepita seeds is a refreshing accompaniment. For dessert, don’t miss the Churros. They arrive piping hot and with two dipping sauces: chocolate and salted caramel.

For a night to remember, Steak 954 calls. The centerpiece reef aquarium filled with glowing jellyfish is your first hint that you’re in for a special meal. The food here is pricey, but worth every bite. There’s a caviar service, seafood platter and shellfish sampler to start things off. The Caesar Salad arrives with plump white anchovies (the less salty cousin to regular anchovies) and is fresh and bright.

While there are many lovely entrees (Ora King Salmon in champagne sauce, Tiger Prawn Tagliatelle and Rack of Lamb with red wine date jus), meat enthusiasts best heed the restaurant’s name and order a steak. Beyond the usual suspects of time-honored American favorites (Filet Mignon, Dry Aged Bone-in NY Strip, Ribeye and Porterhouse) there’s an entire section dedicated to Wagyu Beef. By now, most carnivores have heard of Wagyu, the Japanese cattle known for tender, marbled meat. But how about Sanuki or Takamori cuts? Sanuki, exclusively fed a diet of olive pressings and Takamori, raised on sake mash, are not just steaks, they are experiences. Each bite is rich in flavor and melts like butter in your mouth.  Wrap up the decadence with the Key Lime Baked Alaska or the Chocolate Soufflé (note, this takes 20 minutes, so either enjoy another glass of the spectacular South African red blend or order in advance).

The W Fort Lauderdale caters to those wanting to relax and have a good time. Whether that translates to cocktails and music at the rooftop pool, an intimate conversation at the bar, elegant steak dinner or a much-needed massage, this is the ultimate staycation without any hassle or fuss.   

W Fort Lauderdale is located at 401 North Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort  Lauderdale. For more information, call 954-414-8200 or visit wfortlauderdale.com.

7700 Congress Ave., Suite 3115 Boca Raton, FL 33487 561-982-8960 info@bocaratonobserver.com

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