Fort Lauderdale is one of my favorite destinations. The airport is far easier than Miami and it has connecting flights to most US Cities, lots of Canadian options and internationally with Emirates flying to Dubai and BA soon to LGW. And it now has a new ‘B’ on the Block.
I have stayed at most the big resorts here but was very excited at my most recent stay at the B Ocean Beach Resort on Fort Lauderdale beach.
The B Ocean Beach is the result of a huge overhaul and renovation to what was the iconic Sheraton Yankee Clipper. I had stayed at this hotel decades ago, as well as a few years back. So, I was happy to see how the entire hotel has been changed and redone to a modern, trendy and family-orientated resort.
The hotel was looking tired in recent years, but now boasts a South Florida modern flair. The hotel is at the beginning of the beach stretch, so it is an oasis of peace. It does not have the hub of the public beaches that are just up the road. It has direct beach access and only a select handful of hotels here offer that. They even can arrange private catered events, right on the beach. Only 3 other hotels in the area can do that.
There are 3 buildings situated here and each has its own unique charms. I was quite fortunate to have the presidential suite at the Pool Tower. What a view and space. A dining room, living area, huge bedroom and floor to ceiling windows of nothing but sand and sea. I was able to check out other rooms and they all have clean modern space with floor to ceiling windows. All thanks to the major renovation.
There is a pool with bar and restaurant (that’s about to be re branded) then a huge beach space with no worrying of getting a chair.
The hotel has a restaurant about to open called “The Naked Crab” which is only weeks away from the launch. Still I was able to sample the fair and they got it just right. Exactly what you think of at a beach resort. Land and sea. Fantastic seafood like massive tiger shrimp and oysters from New England. Surf and Turf but with modern sides like a killer carrot puree or sautéed spinach and cheese. Just the options you want, that also makes you feel like you are on vacation.
Then there is a bar with a twist. It looks like an old ship with windows which have views of the pool. And I mean in the pool. This hotel was known in years gone by for its mermaid show which brought in huge crowds when it was the Sheraton Yankee clipper. The B Ocean Beach Resort has now opened up 2 more windows and embraced this legacy. The show is on at 6:30 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. People love it and it is definitely worth checking out.
All in all, the hotel has everything you are looking for in a vacation. It is aimed at the leisure traveler and not the business traveler, making it very child friendly and a nice relaxed pace.
The big plus is its 10-15 minutes to Fort Lauderdale airport. It is not in the hub of the crazy party beach of Fort Lauderdale and it is spacious. Even the apartment building next door boasts some of the most expensive realty in town. The penthouse there, recently sold for $14 million.
B Resorts have another revamp in the Florida Keys on Marathon Key called Banana Bay and I am looking forward to checking that out.
Well done B. B for Bravo!
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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