ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: My Fort Lauderdale stay was due in part to the Cruise World Convention taking place at Broward Convention Center. Industry leaders from around the world attend the convention to share new cruising destinations and itineraries, as well as the latest ship enhancements and other items of cruising interest. Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton hosted my stay, less than 10 minutes from the convention center and right on Las Olas Beach. Hotel Maren is also a recognized staple on A1A with its unique stairstep-style exterior and ideal location.

As I arrived, general manager Ryan Koppl greeted me and offered a warm welcome to the hotel. I interacted with several staff members who checked me in, walked me to the elevators and showed me to my room on the 10th floor.

© Carrie Cox

GUEST QUARTERS: The flow of my room could best be described as “horseshoe-shaped,” with a long hallway entry on the left side, king-sized bed and lounge in the center, and closet and bathroom rounding out the opposite side of the horseshoe. Sizeable and with high ceilings, the room also featured a working area and separate sink, mini- fridge and coffee station. Shades of blue and cream filled the space, resembling sand and the ocean. The lighting was especially good — which is not always true for hotel rooms of this size.

Although it’s hard to have low expectations when staying at a beachside hotel, this property exceeded even my mid- to high-level expectations when I looked outside my balcony and saw the Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, extreme winds in the area kept me from spending too much time outside. However, on several occasions I threw open the floor-to-ceiling drapes and marveled at the view from indoors.

© Hotel Maren

SERVICES/AMENITIES: I decided to treat myself to a meal at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, Riviera. My server, Austin, suggested the Riviera meatballs made with Angus beef and served alongside ricotta, tomato and toasted sesame seed bread. My main course consisted of frutti di mare with mussels, clams, calamari and shrimp soaked in lobster butter. And for dessert: a slice of light lemon cake with berries, coconuts and coated hazelnuts on top. All three items were delicious, and the service was excellent.

Hotel Maren also boasts Acqua Pool Bar on the fifth floor, a fitness center, extensive lounging areas with fire pits and valet parking.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Literally steps away from Las Olas Beach, Hotel Maren is an ideal location for water lovers and beach bums.
• An excellent option for families; there’s a park next door with fun things for kids to climb and enjoy while exerting energy.
• Easily within walking distance of numerous shops and several restaurants alongside the beach

HOTEL MAREN FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON
525 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
tel 954 524 9595