City: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (954) 565-3800

Address: 2670 E. Sunrise Blvd.

Description: Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway and directly across from the Galleria mall, this ultra-fancy Doubletree hotel reopened in 2009 after a two-year, multimillion-dollar renovation project that has transformed the property into an exceptional boutique hotel. Updates include a gallery design theme showcasing a large and unusual collection of art and sculpture flanked by modern furniture in the lobby—most is contemporary and it changes every other month, so even repeat visits will benefit from something new to examine each time. The 231 resort residences are all one- and two-bedroom suites and feature modern kitchens, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and plasma TVs. Add to that a tropically landscaped terrace, water-taxi service from the hotel’s dock, a substantial fitness center, and access to a private cruising yacht, and you won’t get bored. An on-site restaurant and bar rounds out the experience.