With a prime spot across from Ft Lauderdale Beach, an easy jaunt to shopping and dining, the minimalist, sophisticated Hilton Ft Lauderdale gives you convenient access to the best of both worlds. Even if you’re fully planning on cooking in, the onsite restaurants make a pretty convincing case for the occasional meal out. (Truth be told, it won’t take much persuading.) Ilios is the signature restaurant, starring fresh, seasonal fare. S3 – named for both surf, sun and sand, as well as seafood, steak and sushi – is a beachfront shared plates concept, with regular live music and fire pits ablaze at night. And the upscale, posh BalQony gives you access to an adults-only outdoor lounge with spectacular ocean views. If you want to keep it casual, opt for the Euro-style Le Marché Gourmet Market and Bakery. You’ll find it oceanfront on the lobby level with direct access to the beach, and a terrace for wine and cigars. Split your time between the beach and year-round, resort-style pool – carving out a day (or three) for the spa. Go a little overboard (you’re on vacation), treating yourself to multiple treatments in the outdoor spa cabana area, with its amazing ocean views.

Spacious suite options include studios, a junior suite and one-bedroom floor plans, all furnished in sophisticated neutrals. Celebrating a special occasion? Get fancy and spring for something more over the top, like the lavish three-bedroom, two-story penthouse with three full size baths, and a party size balcony and terrace. Each suite has breathtaking views of the Atlantic and Fort Lauderdale skyline, which just happens to be equally stunning at night. Your well appointed kitchen or kitchenette may get somewhat neglected with all the phenomenal dining options onsite, but it’s there for an easy breakfast or lunch, or for stashing your cocktail fixings – up to you. Recover from your beach lounging or late night socializing with a soak in the deep, jetted tub in your Italian marble bath. When the day’s adventures leave you wanting a low-key evening in, grab a pillow and claim a spot on the sofa in front of the 42-inch flat screen.

If you’re up for venturing beyond the beach, pool and hot tub, the boutiques, galleries, cafés and bars along Las Olas Boulevard are just a mile away and well worth a browse. In town for an event? The BB&T Center is an easy 22-mile drive. While you’re here, see what’s showing at the Broward Center for Performing Arts, a multi-venue complex that’s been bringing world-class entertainment to south Florida for over 25 years. The international trade and cruise ship hub, Port Everglades, is just three miles away – worth a look at the massive vessels, especially thrilling for your mini-fans of all things motorized-transport (trucks, bulldozers, Thomas the Tank Engine, etc.).