A Classic Reimagined

The Newly Refreshed Beach House Fort Lauderdale is Elevating South Florida Sands

I’ve been coming to Fort Lauderdale Beach for decades: for brunches, picnics, and celebratory dinners, but during my recent stay, I was reintroduced to a familiar icon. Opened in 2007, The Hilton Fort Lauderdale underwent a rebrand and restyle last year, emerging as the stylish Beach House Fort Lauderdale, A Hilton Resort. 

“The reimagination of Beach House Fort Lauderdale was driven by an intentional design that’s stylish and sophisticated with the comfort of a true home-away-from-home experience,” says Laurens Zieren, General Manager at Beach House Fort Lauderdale. “It’s created to be a space that feels comfortable, intimate, and indulgent all at once.”

A staple of Fort Lauderdale’s shoreline, the hotel has a chic new identity. Eager to explore the latest transformation, I spent a breezy weekend rediscovering exactly why Fort Lauderdale Beach remains one of my favorite coastal escapes in South Florida.

New Dining Outlets 
The new dining outlets at Beach House Fort Lauderdale are perhaps its most buzz-worthy update. I kicked off my stay at Barto, the new lobby bar and lounge, with crab empanadas and a smooth Las Olas cocktail (made with rum, coconut, and lime), which immediately put me in vacation mode. 

For sexy views, Nubé (perched on the 26th floor and only accessible from the lobby) has already redefined the local nightlife scene. Opened in 2024, it’s the only rooftop lounge on Fort Lauderdale Beach, and serves signature dishes like wagyu dumplings and short rib empanadas against a backdrop of panoramic Atlantic sunsets. 

The hotel also has two long-standing dining outlets. Downstairs, the beloved S3 (Sun, Surf & Sand) is one of my longtime brunch go-tos with its expansive sushi menu and sharing-style plates, and a dinner menu featuring steaks and Chilean sea bass. Another hotel mainstay is Ilios, the hotel’s 6th-story poolside Mediterranean restaurant. During my stay, some of my favorites at the daytime-only restaurant were the Greek-Style Avocado Toast topped with feta, and the mahi mahi filet served on a bed of seasoned couscous. 

Upgraded Accommodations
The property has completely overhauled its 375 accommodations, transitioning to an all-suite property. Each suite is designed as a residential-style sanctuary, ranging from 640-square-foot studios to huge three-bedroom layouts. 

I spent my staycation in an Ocean View One Bedroom Suite that incorporated a soothing palette of creamy whites and pale blues. A major draw for long-term travelers and luxury seekers is the inclusion of full kitchens or kitchenettes in every unit, alongside separate living and sleeping areas. I loved the flexibility of ordering room service and eating my meals in the suite’s breakfast nook, as well as the option to order groceries and make my own meals. 

The crown jewel of the Beach House Fort Lauderdale’s renovation is the glass-walled Penthouse, which features an 845-square-foot wrap-around balcony. While the Penthouse and its massive wrap-around balcony are the clear showstoppers, you don’t need the top floor for a “wow” moment; every room features floor-to-ceiling views that keep the Atlantic Ocean front and center.

Perfect Family or Couple Getaway  
What makes the Beach House a standout is its adaptability for different travelers. For families, the suite setups are a total game-changer; having a full kitchen and the option for adjoining rooms gives you that “home away from home” vibe that’s usually so hard to find at a luxury beachfront resort.

If you’re traveling as a couple, the energy is just as right. You can spend your days tucked away in a poolside cabana or getting oceanfront spa treatments, then wrap things up with a sunset dinner at S3. Whether you’re planning a low-stress family retreat, romantic weekend, or a solo retreat like mine, the new Beach House feels sophisticated in a way that’s both high-end and completely relaxed.

Mariette Williams is a frequent globetrotter whose food and travel writing focuses on Florida and the Caribbean.

Photos: Beach House Fort Lauderdale