By: Merilee Kern, MBA
Fort Lauderdale beachfront hotel offering a mindful take on modern luxury.
Set along the Atlantic shoreline yet removed from the frenetic pace often associated with South Florida beach destinations, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach presents a version of coastal hospitality that feels intentional, restorative, and deeply connected to place. This oceanfront hotel, part of Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises, blends wellness, Caribbean-American culinary culture, and thoughtful design into a stay that encourages guests not just to escape, but to reflect, recharge, and reconnect.
Rather than positioning itself as a conventional beachfront hotel, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach leans into a broader vision shaped by Sonesta’s evolving brand philosophy. The refreshed identity emphasizes self-discovery, mindfulness, and soulful design, inviting guests to view travel as both an outward journey and an inward reset. The result is an experience that feels personal and emotionally resonant, whether you are visiting solo, traveling as a couple, gathering with friends, or vacationing with family.
A distinctive aspect of the property is also one of its most quietly impressive. Every guest room offers an ocean view. This deliberate design choice ensures that the Atlantic Ocean remains a constant presence throughout the stay, framing mornings and evenings alike with shifting light and water.
“We’re not just a place to stay—we’re a place to exhale,” says a property spokesperson. “Our guests can wake up to sunrise over the Atlantic and end their day with moonlight over the water, all without leaving their room.”
That uninterrupted connection to the sea sets the tone for the entire property. Interiors have been recently refreshed to align with Sonesta Hotels, Resorts & Cruises’ updated visual palette, drawing inspiration from the natural surroundings of the Florida coast. Warm blush reds, pistachio, and hunter greens echo sand, foliage, and water, creating a soothing backdrop that feels contemporary without being overstated.
The emphasis on mindfulness extends beyond aesthetics. Throughout the hotel, guests encounter small yet meaningful design elements that foster presence and reflection. Self-reflection cards invite quiet moments of intention, motivational messages appear in the fitness center, and designated digital-free zones encourage guests to disconnect from screens and re-engage with their surroundings. These touches are subtle rather than prescriptive, allowing guests to opt in at their own pace.
Among the hotel’s standout accommodations is the Ocean Corner Preferred Suite, a light-filled retreat designed for both indulgence and ease. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap the corner of the suite, offering expansive views of the Atlantic and filling the space with natural light throughout the day. Plush carpeting, sophisticated hardwood finishes, and custom furnishings create a sense of understated luxury, while the king-size pillow-top bed anchors the room as a place for proper rest.
Thoughtful amenities enhance the experience without overwhelming it. A Keurig coffee maker and mini fridge support relaxed mornings, while a rainfall shower elevates daily routines into moments of calm. Guests can lounge on the comfortable sofa, stream content on the large flat-screen TV, or catch up on work at the desk, all while remaining visually connected to the ocean. Complimentary Wi-Fi ensures convenience, but the room’s design makes a compelling case for simply sitting by the window and watching the horizon.
Location plays a central role in shaping the guest experience at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach. Unlike properties clustered directly on the busiest stretch of the beach strip, this hotel sits parallel to the shoreline, offering a sense of separation that translates into noticeable tranquility. Guests enjoy easy access to the beach while benefiting from a quieter environment that feels more residential and relaxed.
Adding to that sense of balance is the hotel’s proximity to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, a rare expanse of preserved green space in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. The park’s trails, waterways, and shaded hammocks offer opportunities for jogging, kayaking, picnicking, or simply wandering beneath the canopy of native trees.
“It’s our secret escape hatch,” shares the hotel’s spokesperson. “Guests love that they can walk to the park right from our doors.”
For those planning weddings, corporate gatherings, or milestone celebrations, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach offers a distinctive advantage. It is the only property in the area with event space on the Penthouse level, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. This elevated vantage point creates a dramatic and memorable setting for ceremonies, receptions, and business events alike, pairing convenience with visual impact.
Beyond physical amenities, the hotel’s atmosphere is shaped by a service culture that prioritizes warmth and authenticity. According to the spokesperson, “Our culture is all about care, discovery, and fun. We want each guest to feel like they’re part of something—like they’re known and welcomed.”
That philosophy has earned the property recognition as one of USA Today’s Top Workplaces 2025, a distinction that speaks to both internal culture and guest-facing service. Visitors feel the difference in small but meaningful ways, from staff members who remember names to thoughtful touches that personalize the stay.
The hotel is also pet-friendly, extending its inclusive approach to four-legged travelers. Pet amenities include cozy beds, food and water bowls, waterproof mats, and welcome treats at check-in, so guests can enjoy a beachfront getaway without leaving their companions behind.
Dining at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach centers around Steelpan, the hotel’s Caribbean-American fusion kitchen and bar. More than a restaurant, Steelpan functions as a social and sensory hub that celebrates South Florida’s cultural influences through food, music, and atmosphere.
With floor-to-ceiling windows and an oceanfront patio designed for al fresco dining, Steelpan invites guests to linger from morning through evening. The setting feels open and relaxed, perfectly aligned with a menu that emphasizes bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a sense of joy.
“Each dish is made with love, Caribbean music fills the air, and you’re greeted with a smile,” the team shares.
The menu reflects that spirit with dishes that are vibrant and satisfying. Signature offerings include the smoky and creamy Fish Dip, ideal for sharing; Tuna Tartare, bright with citrus and balanced heat; the Fried Jerk Chicken Sandwich, delivering crave-worthy crunch layered with island spices; and Whole Snapper, grilled to highlight its freshness. Plant-based diners are equally considered, with the Vegan Steak standing out for its depth of flavor and thoughtful preparation.
The cocktail program is equally expressive. Steelpan’s flagship drinks include the Brown Sugar Old Fashioned, rich and sultry; the Hibiscus Hound Ball, floral and refreshing; and the bold Yellow Jacket, each crafted to mirror the rhythm and color of the Caribbean. Whether enjoyed poolside, on the patio, or indoors with ocean views, the beverage experience reinforces a sense of place.
Steelpan’s versatility allows it to serve as both a casual daytime stop and a destination for romantic, starlit dinners. From sunrise breakfasts to late evening conversations, each service feels celebratory without becoming formal, rooted in hospitality rather than performance.
For guests looking to make the most of their time, the hotel team suggests an itinerary that balances movement, exploration, and rest. “Start with sunrise yoga on the beach, then enjoy breakfast on the Steelpan patio. Walk through Birch State Park, and in the afternoon, hop aboard a Water Taxi to Las Olas Boulevard for boutique shopping, art galleries, and cocktails. It’s the best of Fort Lauderdale—without the stress.”
Modern travelers expect connectivity alongside calm, and Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach delivers both. High-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs with streaming capabilities, and an active social media presence ensure that digital nomads and content creators feel supported. At the same time, wellness-focused design elements encourage intentional disconnection when desired.
“We understand today’s guest wants connection—both to the place and to their world—and we deliver on both fronts,” says the property spokesperson.
Ultimately, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach positions itself as more than a place to sleep between beach outings. It is a setting designed to support emotional reset and mindful enjoyment, where soulful design meets coastal ease. For travelers who define luxury not only by amenities but by how a place makes them feel, this oceanfront retreat offers a compelling alternative to high-energy beach hotels.
Here, the Atlantic is always in view, Caribbean rhythms shape the dining experience, and hospitality is guided by care rather than spectacle. In a destination known for sunshine and style, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach distinguishes itself by offering something quieter and more lasting: space to breathe, reflect, and truly unwind.
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Merilee Kern, MBA, is an internationally regarded brand strategist and analyst who reports on cultural shifts and trends, as well as noteworthy industry change-makers, movers, shakers, and innovators across all categories, both B2C and B2B. This includes field experts and thought leaders, brands, products, services, destinations, and events. As Founder, Executive Editor, and Producer of “The Luxe List,” Merilee is a prolific business, lifestyle, travel, dining, and leisure industry voice of authority and tastemaker. She keeps her finger on the pulse of the marketplace, seeking new and innovative must-haves and exemplary experiences at all price points, from the affordable to the extreme. Her work reaches multi-millions worldwide via broadcast TV (her own shows and copious others on which she appears) as well as a myriad of print and online publications. Connect with her at www.TheLuxeList.com / Instagram www.Instagram.com/MerileeKern / Twitter www.Twitter.com/MerileeKern / Facebook www.Facebook.com/MerileeKernOfficial / LinkedIN www.LinkedIn.com/in/MerileeKern.
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