Where to Stay: The Atlantic Hotel and Spa in Fort Lauderdale

If you’re looking for an elegant beachfront hotel in Fort Lauderdale, The Atlantic Hotel & Spa provides a great place to escape the cold and enjoy South Florida’s balmy weather.

The lobby is tastefully designed featuring beachy-chic decor and a rotating showcase of works of art by local artists. And of course there’s a giant mirror — the perfect place to take a selfie (that’s my hubby posing in the back, lol).

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.

Check out my video tour (shot on my GoPro and edited on my iPhone using iMovie):

With it’s 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 like you’re on a cruise ship, (without the rocking back and forth, of course).

Guests rave about the friendly staff at the hotel, led by General Manager Heidi Dennis. It’s not uncommon to see a staff member great guests by name. Some even carry around dog treats for furry friends (the hotel is pet-friendly).

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.

Having won it’s fair share of accolades, the AAA Four Diamond property only features 124 guest rooms, making it feel a little less crowded than other nearby hotels.

If 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.