I wasn’t kidding when I wrote this post and said we had no plans to travel south this winter. But you know how in the movies they always say “Lets hop on a plane this weekend!” and end up somewhere exciting a few days later? That totally happened to us! We found the cheapest tickets to the warmest spot in the USA and booked a two-night getaway to Fort Lauderdale. We left at 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, which had us in Florida by 9:30 a.m., and we came home late Saturday night! We really maximized our time away with only two nights away.
I consulted with Sarah Struckmann, who used to live in the area, on a hotel that would be nice and on the beach and she said “Hands down, the W Hotel!” Little did I know that the Bachelor episode that week would feature the same hotel! That made it extra exciting when we arrived. (Recognize the lobby from their cocktail party?!)
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The hotel was super swanky from top to bottom. I’d definitely recommend it!
We were lucky to get into our room early, and our room had incredible views (and the world’s biggest balcony!)
We changed into our bathing suits and went straight to the pool for lunch. (We were starving because we had been up since 3:45 a.m.!)
Check out the stairway that is like an aquarium for humans!
We ordered a hummus plate, which was SO good, a quinoa and shrimp salad, and a summer roll. All of it was delicious!
Later that afternoon we went for a walk, and explored the area a bit.
We got dressed up for dinner – thanks to so many of you who commented on this Instagram post with sweet words and great recommendations!
How handsome is he?!
We settled on Casablanca for dinner, which had a lovely outdoor space. It was packed – a good sign that it was the place to go!
Our dinner was incredible, and it was lovely to eat in the open air despite getting a little breezy and chilly when the sun set. We had smokey bacon mussels to start.
I had a wonderful blackened snapper with rice, coconut, avocado, and a curry sauce. Delicious!!
We went back to the hotel, but it was too early to settle in for the night, so we stopped into the hotel restaurant to check out the dessert menu. This chocolate lava pot, with salted caramel iced cream and ganache, was amazing! I went to bed waaaay too full!
To be continued…
Wow! What am absolutely beautiful hotel! I’m a big fan of Fort Lauderdale, but haven’t been there in many years, but if I ever do happen to go back, I’ll definitely look into staying at that hotel!
The trip looks super fun and relaxing, Kath! Spontaneous trips are always the best – no expectations and total enjoyment! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Curious what airline you used?? was the W reasonably priced?
You were in my neighborhood (so to speak…I’m just 30 min north). Glad you had a great time!
How fun! My hubby and I love to do this, except usually, we drive but still!
Your lipstick matches your red pants and it looks really good, Kath.
I can’t believe the view from the room that you guys had! That is the type of place where time stands still! It is so fun to take spontaneous trips like that. Somehow they are always the most fun! Thanks for sharing Kath!
Looks like you guys had a great time. That W is awesome – I saw your pic on IG and knew just where it was! If you ever get the chance to stay at the W South Beach – you will not regret it!
I would totally stay at another W!