Escape to Paradise: Deauville Fort Lauderdale's Luxurious Getaway
Escape to Paradise: Deauville Fort Lauderdale - My Messy, Magical, Mostly Marvellous Adventure
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to take you on a rollercoaster through the Deauville Fort Lauderdale. Think of it as my own personal diary, filled with the good, the bad, and the (surprisingly) sandy. SEO and metadata be damned, this is real talk… unfiltered.
(Metadata Snippet): { "name": "Deauville Fort Lauderdale Review", "keywords": ["Deauville", "Fort Lauderdale", "Luxury Hotel", "Spa", "Accessibility", "Beachfront", "Swimming Pool", "Restaurants", "Review", "Travel", "Florida"], "description": "My candid review of the Deauville Fort Lauderdale, delving into its pros and cons, quirky observations, and unfiltered opinions. From accessibility to the spa, this is real travel experience." }
First things first: Accessibility. This is crucial for some, and I gotta say, Deauville seems to try. Wheelchair accessible areas are present, which, honestly, is a HUGE win. Elevators? Check. That said, navigating the sprawling property still felt a little… challenging in places. It's not perfect, but they're making an effort, and that deserves a nod.
Getting Around: Airport transfer? Book it! After a flight from (let’s be honest, a cramped coach seat), the thought of a smooth ride to paradise was pure bliss. And the Car park [free of charge] is a godsend in Ft. Lauderdale – no hunting for parking spots, thank you very much! Bless those angels.
And the internet, oh the internet! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! And Internet [LAN]? Why would you ever use that in a place that's all about relaxation? Who even has a LAN cable anymore? But hey, the options are there. Wi-Fi in public areas was generally decent, allowing for essential social media stalking and email checking (because, you know, #adulting).
Now, let’s dive headfirst into the good stuff, or at least what I thought was good.
Ways to Relax: The Deauville, darling, screams SPA. Okay, I'm lying. The Deauville screams "beach," but the spa is there, and it delivers.
- Body scrub? YES, PLEASE. I’m a sucker for feeling like a brand new human. It was bliss, pure, unadulterated bliss. The therapist, bless her heart, probably had to scrape off years of stress and questionable life choices. (I won’t say why she might have thought that).
- Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, and Foot bath… All present and glorious. Spent so much time in the sauna, I think I sweated out my entire nervous system.
- Massage. Okay, I’m going to be honest. The massage was the highlight. I walked in feeling like a crumpled piece of paper and walked out feeling like a newly bloomed flower. I may have actually snoozed during some of the massage, which is always a good sign of relaxation achieved.
Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view: This is the magic right here. Picture this: the sun kissing your skin, a gentle breeze whispering secrets, and a shimmering pool inviting you to dive in. The views? Absolutely stunning. Maybe I spent a little too much time lounging by the pool with a fruity cocktail because now my tan line is fierce.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: This is where the Deauville really shines, and where it… sometimes… fails.
Breakfast [buffet]. It’s a buffet, people! What's not to love? I'm a sucker for the ability to sample everything! I went in on a mission: fresh juice, pastries (yes, all the pastries!), and an omelet station. I may have taken several trips… Side note: The Coffee/tea in restaurant was decent but I always sneak a cup of my own coffee.
Restaurants: Multiple, blessedly. I ventured into a couple, but the names escape me, and I'm too busy enjoying Florida to care. The international cuisine was pretty good, the western cuisine was a solid option, and everything felt casual, perfect for poolside sipping.
Poolside bar. Crucial. Essential. My favorite place. The bartenders were friendly, the drinks were strong (ahem), and the people-watching was top-notch.
Room service [24-hour]. This is the epitome of decadence, my friends. There’s something magical about ordering a club sandwich at 2 a.m. in your bathrobe. Do it.
Cleanliness and safety: This is where they really nail it. The Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas: The Deauville takes cleanliness seriously. Which is what you want, right?
- Hand sanitizer was everywhere, which is a definite sign of the times.
- Rooms sanitized between stays. This made me feel safe.
My biggest gripes?
- The Rooms sanitized between stays were great but did offer the option to opt out. I get why the opt-out is there, but it felt a little… iffy.
- Additional toilet could be a lifesaver. Okay I'm just saying this because I'm a worrier.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms!
- The Air conditioning was a lifesaver.
- Bathrobes? Check. Essential for lounging around and feeling like a pampered queen (or king, or whatever you are!).
- Blackout curtains? Godsend.
- Coffee/tea maker: Another win!
- Desk: Useful.
- Hair dryer: Hallelujah!
- Mini bar: Expensive, but convenient with lovely options.
- Wake-up service: Why you need that on holiday is beyond me.
Some other random tidbits that made me smile
- Doorman: Loved the doorman.
- Elevator: The elevator was a lifesaver.
- Balcony: The balcony views were awesome.
- Security [24-hour]: Felt safe.
- Valet parking: Sometimes I hate these things.
Overall:
Escape to Paradise: Deauville Fort Lauderdale is a solid choice! It’s got the beach, the pool, the spa, and the overall vibe that makes you feel like you've genuinely escaped. It's not perfect, and there are a few things that could be improved, but overall, I’d go back in a heartbeat. It gave me just what I needed: a break from reality, a dose of sunshine, and a whole lotta relaxation.
Final Verdict: Highly Recommended! (But maybe skip my table at the buffet – I’m warning you, I’m a big eater!)
Fairfield Inn Port Huron: Your Perfect Michigan Getaway Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your perfectly polished travel blog post. This is my Hotel Deauville Fort Lauderdale experience, warts and all, laid bare. I'm talking messy hair, questionable dietary choices, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by too much sunshine. Let's go:
Day 1: Arrival, Dreams, and Déjà Vu (or, "Have I Been Here Before? Also, Where's the Mini-Bar?")
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The humidity hits you like a wet, warm hug. Or maybe it was a smothering, sweaty bear hug. Either way, I'm already regretting the long-sleeved linen shirt. First impressions? Lots of retirees and slightly too many people wearing "sun's out, buns out" t-shirts for my liking.
- 2:00 PM: Hotel check-in at The Deauville. The lobby is… well, it was grand. Or at least, it tried to be grand. Now, it feels like a faded postcard from a forgotten era. A charmingly faded postcard, though! That enormous chandelier looks like it hasn't been dusted since the disco days. The receptionist, bless her heart, seemed genuinely thrilled to see me. Probably because she's seen everything at this point.
- 2:30 PM: Room reveal! The view… (drumroll) … faces the ocean. Which would be fantastic if the window weren't slightly smeared with something that resembles seagull guano. That's okay, right? I can fix it… with a towel? The room itself is… a time capsule. Think beige, with a splash of more beige. But clean, okay? And the bed? Surprisingly comfortable. I'll probably spend way more time on it than I should.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wandering the grounds. This is where things got really interesting. The pool! Glorious. The water has the perfect, just-warm-enough temperature and the sun’s is shining down on me in a way that’s actually making me feel content. It even has a working swim-up bar (score!). The beach? Gorgeous, white sand, beautiful view of the ocean, and the relentless ocean breeze. I managed to get sand into literally every crevice of my being. A very old man with a very sunburned nose was trying to sell me a "magic massage ball" .I politely declined, and then, I fell face-first into a sun lounger. The afternoon nap was divine.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant - “The Deauville Diner”. I ordered the Fish. I’m not sure what kind of fish it was, but it was fine. The people-watching, however, was prime. Saw a couple arguing over who had the most tan, a woman attempting to feed a seagull a french fry (don't, just don't), and a man in a speedo who should probably have reconsidered his choice of swimwear. The highlight? The waiter, who seemed utterly unfazed by the chaos, brought me my wine. God bless him.
- 7:30 PM: Sunset stroll along the beach. Magical, cheesy, cliché… and I loved every single second of it. The ocean air, the colors in the sky, the gentle waves… it was pure bliss. My feet are still covered in sand, I can't deny the fact that I feel a bit emotional about being here.
- 8:30 PM: Back to the room. Realized the mini-bar is empty. A small crisis ensued. The sheer injustice of it all! Fortunately, there was a vending machine down the hall, and a questionable selection of snacks. I will say this hotel has great lighting. Is it just me, or do Hotel Deauville rooms just feel like the ideal location for a low budget adult film? I’ll be journaling.
- 9:30 PM: Bed. Exhausted. Happy. Slightly sandy. I've got that weird feeling that I forgot to do something… but what? Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
Day 2: The Beach, the Bites, and the Burnt Bits (or, "I am Officially a Lobster")
- 8:00 AM: Woke up with a crick in my neck (curse you, awkward pillow!). The view from the window is still amazing, but the bird poop is still there. (sigh) Breakfast; a slightly stale croissant from the “hotel shop”, paired with instant coffee that… well, it did the job.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Beach time, round two! Went into the water. The waves are nice. I attempted a graceful entry, and failed miserably, but no one saw and so I’m fine. I swear I’m getting a tan. I think I have a tan. Sunscreen application was haphazard, clearly. I’m starting to feel the sting of the sun now. I’m pretty sure my face is getting redder.
- 12:00 PM: Ouch. Okay, so maybe that “haphazard” sunscreen application was an epic fail. Red like a fire truck. Time for some serious aloe vera. (Oh, and water. Lots and lots of water!)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at that little beachfront shack. Best fish tacos I've ever had! Maybe it was the fact that I was starving after my beach escapade, or maybe those tacos were genuinely amazing. Either way, I am officially obsessed. The lime juice was particularly addictive.
- 2:00 PM-4:00 PM: More pool time. Slowly trying to recover from my sunburn. Making new friends, people-watching. I found an open seat at the bar and ordered a pina colada. The bartender - a lovely woman named Rita - made it perfect. The best part? People watching. Apparently, this establishment is the center of the universe for women in their sixties. God bless these women. I’m going to eat my heart out in my 60s as well.
- 4:00 PM: Attempted to find a pharmacy for aloe vera. Got hopelessly lost, ended up circling the block three times. (GPS fail.) Finally, found a store. Overpriced aloe vera acquired. I swear, I could spend an entire day just getting lost here.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a place with a live band (the music was loud, and I still can't remember what it was called). The food was pretty good, not as good as the Tacos, but ok. The band, however, was… well, let's just say they were enthusiastic. (And slightly off-key.) But hey, it’s all part of the experience, right?
- 9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Watching the sunset. Wishing I'd bought a bigger tube of aloe vera. Contemplating the meaning of life. Or maybe just whether I should order room service. (The answer is yes.)
- 10:00 PM: Room service. The burger was surprisingly magnificent.
- 11:00 PM: Sleep. Hoping to wake up not resembling a boiled lobster.
Day 3: Departure, Reflections, and a Promise to Return (or, "Goodbye, Beach. See You Soon, Maybe?")
- 7:00 AM: Dragging myself out of bed. The sunburn is still there; it has not gone down one bit. Goodbye, beautiful beach. I actually really love you.
- 8:00 AM: Quick hotel breakfast. Check out.
- 9:00 AM: Heading to the airport, carrying a lingering feeling of relaxation.
- 10:00 AM: Airport security. It was smooth!
- 1:00 PM: Heading home. I will probably be back, even I am a walking lobster.
Final Thoughts:
The Hotel Deauville? It's not perfect. It's a little faded, a little quirky, and definitely a product of a bygone era. But it has character. And a certain charm. And the beach right outside? Unreal.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Maybe with more sunscreen. And definitely a bigger tube of aloe vera. And possibly, a time machine to go back to the disco era.
Because, let's be honest, the Deauville has stories to tell. And I, for one, am ready to listen.
Escape to Paradise: Howard Johnson Ocala I-75 Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Deauville Fort Lauderdale - The Real Deal? (FAQs... Kinda)
Okay, so Deauville...is it *really* paradise? I see the pictures. They're… well, airbrushed, right?
Alright, real talk. Paradise? Depends on your definition. If paradise means pristine beaches and flawless tans and the kind of people who *always* look like they're on vacation… maybe. But if paradise means a laid-back vibe, a killer pool scene, and a chance to actually *relax* without feeling like you're constantly being judged by the perfectly-coiffed, then yeah. Deauville delivers. I went expecting perfection and, honestly? It wasn't. And that’s what made it… well, pretty darn great. Let me tell you about the pool… I spent an entire afternoon just floating around, dodging rogue inflatable flamingos (those things are EVERYWHERE), and eavesdropping on the most ridiculous conversations. That’s part of the charm, ya know? It's not sterile and perfect, it's *lived in*. Like, the chipped paint on the balcony adds character, not imperfection.
The rooms… are they actually as luxe as they claim? I'm talking, like, fluffy robes lux?
Oh, honey, the robes. They are *definitely* fluffy robe lux. And the beds? Divine. I'm not even kidding, I seriously considered smuggling the pillows home. Don't judge me! You can practically sink into them. Now, the whole "ocean view" thing… well, let's just say *my* ocean view was partially obstructed by a particularly enthusiastic palm tree. But hey, you're in Florida. Palm trees are kinda part of the deal. Plus, I got to see the most amazing sunset from that balcony, even with the palm tree’s little leafy intrusion. Also, the bathrooms are marble, the toiletries smell amazing, and the water pressure? *Chef's kiss.* Seriously, I spent a solid ten minutes under the shower head just marveling. (Don't tell anyone how long I spent in the shower, OK?)
Pool or beach? Which is better? (And REALLY, how crowded is it?)
Okay, this is a tough one. The beach, naturally, is Florida beach. Soft sand, warm water, the whole shebang. The pool? That’s where the *action* is. I'm talking cocktails, music, people-watching olympics. (Seriously, the people-watching is gold). The good news is, the hotel is right on the beach so you can easily go back and forth. It’s a short walk, so if you prefer the pool but want to take a stroll you can. As for how crowded? It depends on the season. I’m told in peak season it's nuts, but when I was there, it was manageable. You could always find a spot, but you might have to stalk a sun lounger for a bit if you're picky – that’s how it goes, baby. I'd generally avoid weekends. Also, I witnessed a rather hilarious incident where a lady tried to claim a sun lounger with a towel BEFORE she even *arrived*. The staff politely intervened, but trust me, the unwritten rules of sun lounger warfare are REAL.
The food - worth it? I've seen hotel restaurants… am I better off venturing out?
Okay, this is where things get a little… messy. The hotel restaurant, *The Beachside Bistro* – as I recall – was decent, with a reasonable menu. The breakfast buffet was pretty great, especially if you like your eggs cooked every way imaginable. The coffee was… well, it was hotel coffee. Let’s just say I may have made a few trips to a local coffee shop (I'd recommend that). Lunch at the pool? Convenient and tasty. Dinner? Hmm… There are *plenty* of restaurants within walking distance (thank goodness!). The location of the hotel is great when venturing out. Also, if you're prone to overeating like me, the buffet situation is a recipe for disaster. I’m talking, several trips to the pastries section disaster. The pizza was divine, however. I went three times, which is pretty bad. But don’t get me wrong. There's some excellent stuff on the menu and in the area, and you can always order room service if social interaction isn’t your thing.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Do they actually care?
Okay, this is a big one for me. And the answer? Mostly, yes! The staff were genuinely lovely. They were helpful, friendly, and actually seemed to enjoy their jobs, which is a refreshing change from some of the… let's just say, less-than-enthusiastic hotel staff I've encountered. One particular bellhop, can’t remember his name, was so incredibly helpful with my luggage (I overpacked, sue me!). And the pool attendants? Always quick to bring you another cocktail. Okay. They were super awesome. I felt really bad for the overworked housekeeping staff. You could see the faces of pure exhaustion as they whizzed around keeping things tidy. I ended up leaving a generous tip, because, man, those folks deserve a medal. They really strive to make your stay pleasant. I had one tiny hiccup (which I won't go into – hotel industry secrets, y'know?) but it was resolved quickly and with a smile. So, yeah, the staff get a big thumbs up from me.
Is it good for couples? Families? Solo travelers?
Alright, let's break it down. **Couples:** Romantic? Absolutely. Sunset cocktails, long walks on the beach (palm trees obstructing your views notwithstanding!), the whole deal. **Families:** They cater to families. Are there screaming children at the pool? Let's be honest, probably. But the hotel usually has a spot for that. **Solo travelers:** Yeah, definitely! I saw plenty of solo travelers, and honestly, the pool is a great place to strike up a conversation. There's always someone lounging nearby who'll happily chat. Being alone can be kinda awesome, but it is up to you. The hotel itself offers a good sense of security and safety. Regardless of the situation, you'll find a good vibe.
Anything else I should know before booking? Any hidden gotchas?
Okay, a few things. First, the parking situation. It can be a bit… pricey. Factor that into your budget. Second, the Wi-Fi. It's functional, but not lightning-fast. If you're planning on doing serious work, maybe bring a portable hotspot. Third, be prepared for a little bit of a crowd, especially during sunset. Fourth, the beach itself is beautiful, BUT… seaweed. Sometimes there's seaweed. This is nature, folks. Embrace it (or, you know, stick to the pool). Fifth, the sun is strong. Seriously. Wear sunscreen. I made the mistake of thinking my "built-in tan" could handle it. I was wrong. So very, very wrong. Trust me. Finally, it's not cheap. But hey, luxury rarely is. And overall? Would I go back? Absolutely. Even with the seaweed, the slightly obstructed views, and my questionable sunburn. It's not perfect. But it's a good time.
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