St. Regis

Description:

• The first and only five-star hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach, not to mention the first St. Regis in Florida, this $160 million property has elevated the strip to an entirely new level of luxury. The 183 rooms, including 28 private residences and 34 hotel condominiums, all feature views of the Atlantic or the Intracoastal Waterway, have Wi-Fi Internet access, a state-of-the-art DVD theater entertainment system with a 32" LCD panel TV, a 13" LCD panel TV in each bathroom, Italian linens, designer bath amenities, and a refrigerated minicellar of refreshments. We particularly love the signature butler service as well as Chef Toby Joseph's Cero Restaurant, a stellar seafooder, and the 1,500-bottle wine bar. The oceanfront pool is nice, yet understated, and the spa is sublime. Some people have complained that service is snooty while others say service is discreet and sublime. What's universal is that this is a welcome departure from the norm for the area. Inside tip: all rooms ending in 10 offer floor to ceiling windows and spectacular views!

  Facilities: 3 restaurants; 2 bars; outdoor heated pool; 4 clay tennis courts; basketball court; health club; European-style spa; extensive watersports equipment; bike rental; children's center and programs; game room; concierge; tour desk; courtesy car; business center; salon; 24-hr. room service; in-room massage; babysitting; laundry service; self-service laundry

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010