Photos courtesy of Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale.
The Hyatt Centric Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale offers a unique but manageable getaway that Westchesterites will love.
At the start of the ascent to the Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale’s guest rooms, visitors are greeted by the sight of a Champagne-bottle vending machine mere feet from the elevators. Don’t be fooled, though: Fort Lauderdale offers vacationers a distinctly family-friendly escape. It’s a destination sure to bring out the bubbliness in all of us — no Moët or Veuve needed. If Miami’s sandy beaches and balmy weather sound enticing, but a locale that’s a bit more laid-back would suit you best, check out this distinctive resort city.
Affectionately nicknamed the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale is home to over 160 miles of canals. (Riverfront Gondola Tours leads relaxing yet fun jaunts that allow locals and vacationers to explore some of the most beautiful of them.) Idyllic beaches abound; Hillsboro Beach and Pompano Beach are especially lovely. For those who enjoy active adventures, a Sup Pup Paddleboard Tour is a must; on ours, we spotted egrets, iguanas, and flowering magnolia trees — all while getting our cardio in. With its scenic surroundings and far enough from the crowds, the environment transforms into an ideal place to rejuvenate.
The Hyatt Centric Las Olas, which opened its doors in 2020, provides a modern, uplifting home base perfect for a trip full of waterside activities. Guest rooms feature a soothing, gray-and-white color scheme, and the hotel’s terrace-top pool offers a restorative spot to spend a morning, afternoon, or evening (it’s open until 8 p.m. daily). An expansive yet cozy terrace overlooking Fort Lauderdale’s NSU Art Museum is a wonderful place for relaxing after a workout in the hotel’s state-of-the-art fitness center. Colorful, imaginative murals by local contemporary artist Danny Doya adorn the pool area, the hotel’s exterior, and guests’ keycards.
Harborwood Urban Kitchen & Bar serves locally sourced fare and refreshing craft cocktails, while ELEV8 Pool Bar provides a stylish yet unpretentious spot to enjoy poolside sips and bites. Reservations-only speakeasy-room Nine01, hidden behind a secret door within a guest room, offers a glamorous 1920s-inspired experience ideal for date nights and intimate birthday celebrations. Starting rates from $255 (winter), $249 (spring), $181 (summer), $189 (fall).
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