I’m sitting here looking at hotels in Michigan for a wedding we’re headed to in a week. As I’m going through the amenities (….and prices #realtalk) of each place, I keep thinking about the hotel we spent the weekend in for Rohan’s 3rd birthday.
John and I wanted to take Rohan away, and also maintain our fit focused lifestyle. I researched and found a great hotel that suited all of our needs at the right price. The Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina. Rohan got spoiled and enjoyed himself as a little kid should, and John and I didn’t backslide on our routines. Plus I’m a Hilton Honors member so I get lil extra goodies.
I didn’t expect to love this place as much as I did. I figured it would be very…standard. But it surprised me from the fruit and cheese plate waiting for us in the room, to the unexpected child-friendliness. We fell in love with the beachy ocean-centric vibe of the place immediately. The service just put it over the top for us, and we started thinking about when we’d be able to come back, both alone…and with both kids.
The Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina is the perfect place for both families and fitness buffs and here’s why:
Families:
Friendly kid centered service from all staff
All tours pick up directly at the hotel’s front door (rare in this area!)
Pool is never crowded and has shallow bit for kids
Marina has lots of boats/yachts which is automatically cool for young kids (plus there are some huge fish you can look out and see.)
Walkable to Kids Indoor Play Arena
Water Taxi stops right on site
Fitness Buffs:
24/7 Gym w/ modern equipment
Outdoor stretch deck
Middle of walkable city
Convenient to beach/boardwalk
Healthy/clean fare easily available in both restaurants
Staff more than willing to make healthy swaps in their menu items
The energy in this hotel was very warm and welcoming. It wasn’t a kid-focused hotel with playgrounds and stuff (like you’d find near theme parks) but the staff was so kid-friendly, I almost thought it was. They must be used to lots of families since the cruise port is near. I heard several families mention that they were heading out on, or just back from a sailing.
Ft. Lauderdale has a lot to offer us as a couple and as a family. Though it’s not far from our house (about an hour drive) it’s nice to spend a weekend there to explore. We’ll be heading back to the Hilton Ft. Lauderdale Marina for sure. But first I need to figure out where the heck we’re staying in Michigan next week.
Have you had a great hotel experience lately?
