| What to expect: Situated at the northern edge of 6 blocks of sidewalk restaurants and shops upon which Fort Lauderdale's beachfront nightlife centers, the informal hotel fits hand-in-glove into the beach-vacation scene. Doubletree's signature warm chocolate-chip cookies greet arrivals, a symbol of the hotel's relaxed hospitality for vacationers and cruise-ship passengers from nearby Port Everglades seeking a pre- or post-cruise stay at a beach hotel. Amenity highlights: A second-story deck graced by wrought-iron railings, brushed by palm fronds rising from ground-level trees, and brightened by blossoming bushes provides a 45-by-25-foot pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrella tables. Insider tip: A public "water bus" transporting passengers around Fort Lauderdale's waterways stops at a marina right across from the hotel, next to the International Swimming Hall of Fame. The water bus stops at 19 other locations, including restaurants and shopping centers, and runs on a schedule that is available at the front desk. Ticket options include a bargain-price all-day fare. |