Hidden on a barrier island just northeast of downtown, away from the glitz of Fort Lauderdale, is the charming beachside town of Lauderdale by the Sea. It sits just offshore of a gulf stream current which regulates a very temperate, comfortable climate. Opportunities for deep-sea fishing and shore diving abound in this town. Known for a more laid-back, quiet beach atmosphere than its neighbor, Lauderdale by the Sea caters to those who wish for an oasis, and that is precisely what Lauderdale by the Sea hotels provide.

Florida Beach Hotels

One of the most popular Lauderdale by the Sea resorts is the Florida Beach Hotels (pictured), located on Florida's famous A1A Beachfront Avenue. The resort's Beach Building is situated directly on the beach and offers views of the ocean and the pool area, complete with the poolside Tiki Bar and Grille. Rooms in the Main Building offer French balconies or patios and easy access to Damon's Restaurant and Lounge. All 147 recently renovated rooms at the Florida Beach Hotels are smoke-free, and this beach hotel in Lauderdale by the Sea is also very family-friendly, with a video game arcade and a separate wading pool for children.

Lauderdale by the Sea Resort and Beach Club

The largest beach hotel in Lauderdale by the Sea is the Lauderdale by the Sea Resort and Beach Club. Its 186 comfortable rooms are centrally located only a few blocks from Las Olas Boulevard, directly on 350 feet of private beachfront property. Formerly operated by Holiday Inn, this resort it maintains all the standard guest amenities you would expect from a quality chain. What sets this resort apart from other Lauderdale by the Sea hotels, however, is the diving instruction offered directly through the hotel. Arrange to take a snorkel or scuba tour on your own or in a group, and guests can even take online courses before arriving at the resort to maximize their time in the water.

Fort Lauderdale Map

Courtyard Villa

The award-winning Courtyard Villa is a well sought-after Lauderdale by the Sea resort. The accommodations at the Courtyard Villa are slightly larger than the average hotel room. The three options—efficiencies, suites and apartments—offer full kitchenettes in addition to comfortable places to sleep. The Courtyard Villa is centrally located near the town's famous fishing pier as well as many shopping and dining options. It is also one of the few Lauderdale by the Sea hotels offering a spa on location. As an added bonus, the Courtyard Villa is also pet-friendly.

A Little Inn by the Sea

Also within walking distance of the fishing pier is A Little Inn by the Sea, a beach hotel in Lauderdale by the Sea styled after bed and breakfasts along the Mediterranean. A Little Inn by the Sea boasts 300 feet of private Atlantic Ocean beach, and many of their 29 units come with private balconies that take advantage of the ocean views. A continental breakfast is included in the price of the room, served each morning next to the fountain in the open-air lobby. In addition to ocean access, A Little Inn by the Sea has a fully landscaped pool courtyard complete with full barbecue facilities.

Away Inn

At the northern edge of Lauderdale by the Sea, the bright pink Away Inn prides itself on its small town atmosphere. Everything about this Lauderdale by the Sea resort has been renovated, from the granite countertops in the kitchenettes to the brand-new carpet under your feet. The 31 apartments at Away Inn leave nothing to chance, offering full kitchenettes (dishes included), washers and dryers for your clothes, and 32 inch flat-screen televisions. In addition, with only an eight-minute walk to the center of Lauderdale by the Sea, Away Inn isn't too far away, after all.