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Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale Review + Tips

resort pool

My dad, my four-year-old daughter and I headed to South Florida this March to get some much-needed sunshine and spend some time together. I did a bunch of research to find the right place to stay and settled on the Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale 17th Street.

I chose this hotel because:

  • It has large one-bedroom suites that would allow us to all stay in one room together
  • I could book it using Hilton Honors points and pay nothing out-of-pocket!
  • It provides complimentary breakfast and a manager’s reception every evening
  • It’s located close to the airport, beach, and other attractions

sitting area in hotel lobby

I shared a trip report in this post including how I paid only $90 out-of-pocket for the whole vacation!

I’ll share a thorough review of the hotel in this post, plus some tips for staying at this and other Embassy Suites.

Overview & Amenities

Embassy Suites Exterior

Embassy Suites is one of three all-suite brands in the Hilton portfolio. The Hilton website describes Embassy Suites as having “a relaxed, upscale environment” and that is exactly the vibe I got from this hotel.

Embassy Suites Atrium

All of the suites open into an atrium, which I think is common for Embassy Suites hotels. This hotel had 17 floors, so if you aren’t a big fan of heights, I’d suggest opting for a room on a lower floor!

You can select your exact room before you check-in with the Hilton app (I walk you through the Hilton online check-in process in this post).

rock and water features in the hotel atrium

I thought the public areas of the hotel were lovely, especially the rock and water features in the atrium.

It lent a tropical feel to the hotel, which is what we (and most others, I’d guess) came to the area for!

koi pond

The grounds of the resort were equally tropical and charming, though fairly small.

The hotel’s website describes it as “an oasis on the 17th street causeway” and you really can’t tell you are right in town from the pool area.

hotel pool

hotel pool

The pool was a big draw for us since my daughter LOVES to swim. We ended up spending hours at the pool every day since it was too windy to go the beach.

We were so grateful that the pool area was protected from the wind and had a hot tub so we could warm up if we got too cold!

Dining

breakfast plate

OK, I’m not gonna lie… the free food was one of the main reasons we stayed at this hotel.

It helped lower the overall cost of the trip substantially and made life easier since we didn’t have to leave the hotel as often as we would have otherwise.

Cooked to Order Breakfast Sign with options listed

All Embassy Suites offer a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast every day.

I didn’t have overly high expectations, but the food ended up being the best free hotel breakfast I’ve ever experienced (by far)!

hotel breakfast buffet

hotel breakfast options

There was plenty of healthy options and stuff that kids will love. I waited in a short line for a made-to-order omelet and was glad I did – it was amazing!

complimentary evening reception sign

All Embassy Suites also offer a complimentary evening reception every night of the week.

This sets Embassy Suites apart from all-suite hotels from other brands, such as Residence Inn which only offers a reception Monday through Wednesday nights.

hotel bar area
I expected a few bottles of wine and a few beers on tap, similar to what we experienced during our stay at a Staybridge Suites last summer.

Instead, there was basically an open bar where a bartender would make you whatever you’d like, on the house. I’m not much of a drinker but I did enjoy a few fun mixed drinks that I would never normally have!

 

little girl playing with cucumbers over her eyes

We enjoyed the snacks that were included in the evening reception, too, as you can tell from the above picture.

There were fresh veggies and dip, pretzels, chips, pita chips and hummus, popcorn, and lemonade available.

outside seating area

There was plenty of seating available both indoors and out close by, and we enjoyed our appetizers and drinks on the patio.

I was very impressed by the quality of the evening reception, and based on the crowd that gathered there each night I’m not the only one!

The Rooms

hotel room interior

Every single room at Embassy Suites consists of a one-bedroom suite. There was a large bedroom with two double beds (you can also choose a room with one king), one bathroom, and a living room with a pull-out couch.

sink in hotel room

There were actually three sinks in the suite as there was this sink in the bedroom, a sink at the minibar in the living room, and a sink in the bathroom.

This made it easy for everyone to get ready at once, which is always a struggle on vacation, right?

hotel room interior

hotel room interior

The living room was spacious and included plenty of seating. I liked that there was a table at which to eat and work.

hotel room bathroom

The bathroom was on the small side but was totally functional.

hotel room balcony

Don’t expect much from the balcony, as they are tiny. Our bummer of a view was of the roof of the restaurant. I booked a low room close to the pool hoping for a nice pool view but got this instead.

The suite had lots of room to move around in and was in good condition. This is a busy hotel and some of the fixtures showed a little wear and tear, but nothing that detracted from our stay. Having two rooms was essential because we were traveling with three generations with very different bedtimes.

A manager checked in with us via text a day into our stay and asked if there was anything she could do to improve our stay.

The door between the bedroom and living in our suite was broken and making a horrible clacking sound, so I brought that to her attention and told her that otherwise, we were having a perfect stay.

customer service text message

She sent someone up to fix it that evening and gave us a $50 voucher to the restaurant for our inconvenience, which I certainly didn’t expect!

I thought the service was great at the hotel and liked how management was proactive about addressing any concerns. I would suggest letting management know if there’s anything they can do to improve your trip, since it makes their job much easier!

Cost & ValueRoom with Hilton Honors Points per night

I was able to book our stay at this property with my stash of Hilton Honors points.

Considering the out-of-pocket cost for our room would have been over $900, I think I got good value from these points!

The fact that we got a two-room suite with points made them even more valuable. We would have had to book two separate rooms at any other hotel, which would definitely have set up back way more points. If you are traveling with kids or just like more space, I’d recommend looking for a suite that will stretch your points even further.

The price of a room at this hotel seems to vary dramatically throughout the year.

I found rooms in May for $155 per night when you book through the Hilton site.

Considering that you get a two-room suite, and awesome breakfast, and the evening reception, I think $155 is a steal for this place.

hotel valet

If you have a car with you, there is a pretty steep $22 per night fee for self-parking.

However, there was no resort fee, unlike many other hotels in South Florida, which was a big plus for me.

hotel lobby

Overall, I thought we got incredible value from our stay on points.

Aside from a rude server in the restaurant, I enjoyed everything about this hotel. I especially enjoyed the large two-room suite and all of the quality food that was included in our stay!

I would recommend the Embassy Suites in Fort Lauderdale without hesitation.

This was my first time staying at any Embassy Suites, and I was really impressed by the brand.

What do you think? Have you ever stayed at an Embassy Suites? Do you think it would be a good fit for the way you like to travel? Please leave a comment below!

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Von

Tuesday 7th of May 2024

I have read so many negative reviews about the hotel being dirty/filthy. I want to book rooms next year but I am unsure do to all of the negative reviews except for yours

Leah Crocker Althiser

Wednesday 8th of May 2024

When I stayed in 2018 it was great, but sometimes things go downhill. Overall Embassy Suites is well run so I always take negative reviews with a grain of salt.

Kare

Thursday 13th of July 2023

Can you swim and enjoy the amenities prior to check in?

Leah

Sunday 16th of July 2023

Yes, we did! They will send you a text when your room is ready.

Theresa

Sunday 8th of May 2022

I had to stay with my dog for a week in between moving. The first room I was in ended up with fleas. But the staff at the hotel got me a new room instantly and gave me the $100 voucher at the restaurant.

Lisa

Monday 2nd of May 2022

Hi I couldn't agree even more! Go Embassy suites ft Lauderdale..your the Best!

Theresa

Monday 5th of July 2021

I ALWAYS book Embassy Suites if there's one available where I'm going. I was a Sales Manager for Sheraton & Hiltons in the past & although their hotels are nice & the service awesome, whenever I am travelling with my family for pleasure we always stay in a Embassy Suites! You can't beat ambience of the hotel along with all you get for the price you pay. My family loves you Embassy Suites ❤️..

Leah

Thursday 8th of July 2021

I agree they are awesome!

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