Extend your next cruise vacation with a stay at the newly updated W Fort Lauderdale. Right across from the beach, this ultra-modern hotel provides easy access to the popular attractions of this South Florida hot spot. A short Uber ride to Port Everglades (15 minutes without traffic) makes this hotel the perfect pre-cruise or post cruise stay. Come see why this hotel ranks among our top choices for cruisers departing from Fort Lauderdale with our W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review.

W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review

Following a $55 million dollar renovation, the W Fort Lauderdale is the quintessential trendy hotel that you would expect to find in Miami. However, nestled right across from the Fort Lauderdale Beach, the style and sophistication of the W Fort Lauderdale is accessible to cruisers leaving from Port Everglades. While the hotel is currently undergoing further enhancement, in particular one tower where there will soon be residences, none of the work detracts from the hotel’s decor, ambiance, and service.

W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review

Public Venues at W Fort Lauderdale

Arriving at W Fort Lauderdale, you are greeted by friendly and helpful door men who escort you up one floor to the main lobby. With sight lines that run from the reception desk to the beach, the hotel provides wide open spaces that get you closer to the ocean. Next to the reception desk is the Concierge who offers the hotel’s Whatever/Whenever Service to ensure they can accommodate all guests’ requests (as long as it is legal).

W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review

Turning toward the ocean is a main lobby area that consists of the Sushi Bar which is open throughout the day for snacks. The hotel’s main bar, the Living Room, is a subdued meeting place during the day but turns into a lounge with a DJ at night. Providing outdoor seating as well, the Living Room allows you to enjoy the ocean waves and breeze as you sip signature cocktails made by craft bartenders at the massive 20 ft. long bar. Of course, the Princess and I had to sip a drink here during our stay. We even caught a glimpse of a cruise ship departing.

W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review

While we did not dine at the hotel, Steak 954 is a legit steakhouse serving traditional American style cuts of beef and other premiere entrees at night. During the day, a continental breakfast or a complete sit down breakfast and lunch are also available.

Even though the beach is right across the street, you may not want to leave as the hotel has two rooftop pools, each with its own vibe and distinct atmosphere. Drinks, music, and light bites are all the rage at the hotel’s signature pool party located at WET East. For a more refined poolside experience head to the second tower. There, you will find WET West, with cabanas and a more causal sophistication, welcoming travelers looking for some peace and quiet.

W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review – WET East

In addition to the pools, the W Fort Lauderdale offers the on-site Bliss Spa ready to pamper you at the top notch facility. Fitness buffs will also appreciate the modern FIT fitness center, with new equipment and a variety of classes including boot camps, yoga, and even personal training sessions (additional costs apply).

Spectacular Ocean View Room at W Fort Lauderdale

The W Fort Lauderdale offers 16 room categories, with the most modestly priced room being a Wonderful Room. We booked one category higher, a Spectacular Ocean View Room. Booking about six months in advance, we secured this lavish room for our off-season January cruise at a rate of $310. While a bit more steep than some other choices in our Best Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port, you are paying for the location and view.

W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review

Our 400+ square foot balcony room had a direct view of the beach and surrounding skyline. With an open and inviting vista, the room itself is clean and sleek, blending the various elements in an easy to navigate space. The design of the room leaves little place to hide or escape one another. This lack of privacy is most apparent when using the shower.

W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review

There was more than enough room for storing our luggage, as well as a loveseat and desk for blogging and checking our email. Note, you can get free WiFi if you book directly with Starwood Hotels which also guarantees you the best price. Offering a restful night’s sleep, as well as plenty of accessories, this hotel room offers the ideal work/life balance for all types of travelers.

W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review

Besides the photo-worthy views and spacious accomodations, the room has some nice 21st century features as well, including USB ports near the bed for charging, an iPhone music player, plenty of additional power outlets on the desk, and a 50 inch HD flat screen television.

W Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review

Final Thoughts on W Fort Lauderdale

An upgrade from your typical hotels near Port Everglades, the W Fort Lauderdale is worth the investment. You can enjoy ocean views, from the comfort of your rooftop pool, as you are served drinks and food by friendly staff. No, you are not on your cruise ship yet! Trendy and sleek, this hotel wraps you in the comfort and modern convenience that travelers come to expect from luxury hotels. If you are looking for something a bit different or more upscale on your next trip to this area, you can not go wrong with the W Fort Lauderdale.

Comments

Have you stayed at the W Fort Lauderdale? What is your favorite hotel near Port Everglades? Drop us an anchor below with your reviews of hotels near this popular cruise port.