Exploring Fort Lauderdale: the W Hotel and more

W Ft. Lauderdale

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A recent getaway to Fort Lauderdale led me to a box seat at a Broadway show to see the Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. I haven’t laughed like that in a long time. But that was only the beginning. Over three days, I power walked on the beach, took a leisurely stroll at the historic Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District and hopped on a water taxi for a ride that showcased breathtaking estate homes. I also dined at great restaurants—from Steak 954 at the W Fort Lauderdale to YOLO (You Only Live Once) on Las Olas and Bluejay’s Café, a charming new arrival on 2^nd Street.

Exploring the Museum of Discovery and Science was kid-friendly fun. Families fill the space with little ones having a ball looking at turtle hatchlings and baby alligators. I was smitten with the black and white photography on exhibition from Clyde Butcher. He's a gifted Florida photographer who takes passionate black and white stills of the Big Cypress Swamp. But no trip to this city would be complete without a stop at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale, where the drawings of Tom Wesselmann, a Pop Art genius, took me by surprise.

The ocean view and waking up to a glorious sunrise was a bonus. For as many times as I’ve enjoyed Ft. Lauderdale—I've never actually stayed overnight. So in my pursuit to see some of the sights and sounds, a room at the super swanky W Ft. Lauderdale was in order. I anticipated serious glam and I absolutely got it, coupled with service to the max. You know the service level is incredible when your car is even detailed for you prior to your departure!

The “Welcome Desk” in the lobby is adjacent to what’s dubbed the Living Room. This bar and lounge area is sexy beachy chic, with see through glass coffee tables filled with oversized silver seashells. Cocktail hour in the Living Room translates to a yummy pear martini or ultimate mojito (ask the bartender if you can “muddle” your own drink, he’ll show you how). Couches—large enough for a gaggle of friends—become hot spots for hanging to a high-energy beat after dark. Outdoors on the terrace by the fire pit—with a captivating ocean breeze—conversation and cocktails under the night sky translates to my kind of paradise.

Tags: Broward County | fort lauderdale | Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District | W Ft. Lauderdale