Check-In: I must start with praise for the valet service. As soon as we pulled up, the valet was attentive and made sure my Cadillac Sixt rental was well taken care of. Walking into the lobby, I noticed how absolutely beautiful it is; between the chandeliers and the floral arrangements, it really couldn’t get much better. The check-in service was just as welcoming. The helpful front desk staff checked me in within five minutes. They even walked me to the elevator. I’ve never experienced this before, so I thought it was a nice touch.

Guest Quarters: Entering my junior king suite, I felt like a queen. Immediately to my right was the bathroom with a double sink and large shower. The shower had an extra bar to put your feet on — smart! The other end of the bathroom held a beautiful, deep, granite tub and — you guessed it — a robe for afterward. I am a robe snob, and this one was super-soft but not too fluffy. (You can buy this robe online if you like it as much as I did.)

To the left of the bathroom was a kitchen area. I didn’t have time to whip up any meals, but it’s nice to have even a microwave in a guestroom, great for leftovers.

What would a junior king suite be without a California king-sized bed? This one featured a plush down comforter and pillows and faced a TV and bar area. To the right of the bed was a handy work area, in a good position since I was in Florida on business and it inspired me to get some work done before starting my day.

A sitting area with another large-screen TV and a large sectional offered plenty of room for guests to wind down from the day with friends or family. I utilized it as I watched the Philadelphia 76ers win their third playoff game against the Miami Heat. The end of the suite opened to a balcony, where I sat most of the time. After appointments all day it was nice to sit, listen to the ocean and unwind. Perfect.

Services/Amenities: This newly renovated Conrad was absolutely gorgeous and perfectly placed along the beach. Terra Mare, the tapas restaurant on the ocean side of the hotel, offered a great breakfast menu. My colleague and I enjoyed plates like avocado toast, smoked salmon Benedict and an acai bowl. If you need a little heat, the restaurant provides mini Tabasco bottles, which I love. The Cornucopia gourmet market is conveniently open 6 a.m.–9 p.m., with a morning and market menu for everyone on the go. I also stopped by Atlas, the contemporary lobby bar, and enjoyed watching the bartender make “art pieces” of cocktails; I had to try one for myself. Looks were not deceiving, as the colorful cocktail was perfect for this Philly girl with the summer blues.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ Wake up with 8 a.m. yoga on the beach.

◆ Cornucopia makes homemade gelato!

◆ Beach chairs, towels and umbrellas are included.

◆ Soon to come: Underwater spin class.

CONRAD FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH

551 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
tel 954 414 5100
conradhotels3.hilton.com