The W brought nightlife-grade style to Fort Lauderdale Beach and remains the address for travellers who want energy with their ocean view. Two sail-shaped towers at 401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard sit right on the beach strip. The social heart is WET Deck, the elevated pool deck five floors above the Atlantic, with DJs, daybeds and reservable cabanas, and the poolside WET Bar and Grill. Dining spans Steak 954, the steakhouse from James Beard Award-winning restaurateur Stephen Starr, The Living Room, which also serves the Sunrise Cafe breakfast, and Motek by the Sea for Eastern Mediterranean plates to go, six outlets in all. AWAY Spa covers facials and massages, and FIT is a 24-hour gym. Room choice matters: Tower I has oceanfront suites with balconies, while Tower II holds residential-style suites with full kitchens and views over the Intracoastal and ocean, useful for families or longer stays. The beach is steps away across the hotel's frontage, and the Las Olas beach end and Water Taxi stops are an easy walk. Expect a lively weekend scene at the pool, a minimum check-in age of 21, a pet-friendly policy, and valet parking at a premium price. Couples who want a quieter stay should ask for a high floor away from the pool deck.
The W suits groups of friends, celebration trips and couples who like a buzz. Weekdays are calmer and better value; weekends, especially in winter and around big events, bring a party atmosphere to WET Deck that some guests love and others avoid. Compared with its neighbours on the strip, the W is the social choice: the Westin next door is calmer and more family-oriented, and the Four Seasons a block north is quieter and pricier.
The hotel is a magnet during big weekends such as the boat show, the Tortuga music festival and the air show, when special-event parking rates apply and rooms book out well ahead.
Booking craft
Tower I oceanfront suites for the classic view, Tower II kitchen suites for space and self-catering. Book cabanas ahead for busy weekends and dinner at Steak 954 for a special night. Cabanas and palapas on WET Deck carry a substantial day rate, so share one with friends if you want an afternoon base. AWAY Spa takes walk-ins, which helps when a beach day is rained out, and the 24-hour FIT gym supplies towels and water.
Practicals
Valet only, at a steep daily rate in the mid-sixty-dollar range; dogs up to 45 pounds are welcome, two per room, for a one-time non-refundable fee; check-in is from 4 p.m.; and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airport is about six miles, or twenty minutes, away, with no hotel shuttle. Checkout is at 11 a.m., and the whole property is smoke-free. The beach, Las Olas and the Water Taxi all sit within walking distance.
Why stay here
- ✓WET Deck pool above the Atlantic
- ✓Steak 954 by Stephen Starr
- ✓AWAY Spa
- ✓Oceanfront suites with balconies
- ✓Kitchen suites in Tower II
- ✓Reservable cabanas and daybeds
- ✓24-hour FIT gym
- ✓Pet friendly
Good questions
Is the W a party hotel?+
It has the liveliest pool scene on the beach, especially on weekends. Weekdays are calmer, and high floors away from WET Deck are quieter. The minimum check-in age is 21, which keeps the crowd adult. Light sleepers should avoid rooms directly above the pool deck.
Which tower should I book?+
Tower I for oceanfront suites with balconies; Tower II for residential-style suites with full kitchens and Intracoastal views. Kitchen suites make longer stays and families with older children more practical and cut the cost of eating out on the strip. Ask for a high floor in either tower for the widest views.
Are pets allowed?+
Yes. Up to two dogs per room, each under 45 pounds, for a non-refundable fee charged per stay.
