The Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Hotel is a Florida gem. It is close to the beach and there are some fantastic new construction projects going up nearby. I have been going to this hotel for the past 6 years as I filmed a live show from there 4-5 times a year for the shopping network Evine.
Tried and Tested
The hotel is about 20 minutes to Fort Lauderdale International Airport and it is a quieter place than the beach hotels which Fort Lauderdale offer.
Close by there is Aventura Mall about 10 minutes away. This is one of the largest malls in the area. There’s also a development called Gulfstream which is a relatively new complex that has gambling and some great restaurants. Even a few stores.
The hotel has partial views of the ocean but the best sight lines have been taken up by new condos, such as the Hyde. The Hyde also offers the best dining close by. Nothing is particularly a cheap, but there are great views of the ocean and very modern fare. Small plates such as grilled octopus and a killer salad nicoise are my favs.
The Hotel is on the Intracoastal Waterway and the pool is large enough so that you never have to worry about getting a seat, even at the height of peak season. There is also a water taxi that can take you all the way to downtown Fort Lauderdale as you sip on a cocktail. The hotel has one dining room /bar and the staff have been there for years and are the friendliest crew that you will ever meet at a hotel. Ask for Jackie at breakfast and she will take great care of you. Concierge is great too and Jeff will get you sorted. He is a terrific guy who’ll help you with everything from renting a car to telling you the great eats nearby like Le Tub, a burger joint that was made known as the best burgers in America by Oprah Winfrey.
Sawgrass Mills outlet mall is 40 minutes away and this is well worth the trip. It is the best outlet mall I have ever been to. There is brilliant shopping. The latest part of this mall is called the Colonnade and boasts discount stores like Prada, Gucci, Feraggamo, Cavalli, YSL, Armani, Kate Spade, Burberry, Saks, Niemen’s and the usual like Coach. But all discounted. The Colonnade stores feel like you are at the regular stores as they are not the usual trampling of people and overflowing racks that we normally see in outlets. It’s more of a refined experience with great dining like Valaggio. This is a chain of wonderful Italian restaurants that have places in Bal Harbor and now in NY. If you want the outlet experience, then step into the mall from the Colonnade.
The Crowne Plaza is a great choice to be in a central location in South Florida without the mass attack of people you get on the beaches or near the cruise ship ports. It is a good price and a nice break without breaking the bank.
Daniel Green, the Model Cook is a Celebrity Chef known for his healthy approach to food and living well. With TV, books, magazines and live appearances, Daniel spends his time helping fans to cook better, feel better and live better. He’s also an avid traveler and a self-confessed Foodie.
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