We’re fortunate to live where others vacation. So why not take full advantage? Staying local, like at the newly renovated Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort, allows you to do just that while also supporting our local hospitality industry. Because, yes, while an international trip sounds exotic and luxurious, it can also be stressful to plan and execute. Skip the stress of PTO requests and airports by simply wandering a few minutes south to Pompano Beach, where powdery sand and poolside cocktails await.
Being someone who doesn’t live by the ocean, waking up to the sound of waves automatically shifts me into vacation mode. I’m not usually an early riser without an alarm, but surprisingly, a seaside sunrise has a way of enticing me out for a beach walk. As warm water splashes onto my feet and the salty breeze rustles my hair, I notice the tension in my neck and shoulders is replaced by two things: a calmness only nature can provide—and of course, an appetite for a waterfront breakfast.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, The Kester, is named after Pompano Beach pioneer William L. Kester. Thus, its globally inspired menu spotlights our local flavors with coastal lunch and dinner options such as smoked fish dip and ceviche. The breakfast I craved after brushing the sand off my feet and slipping back into my flip-flops offered plenty of comforting choices, like a lox bagel, a croissant sandwich and lemon ricotta pancakes.
With our hunger satisfied, the beach beckoned with complimentary lounge chairs and navy umbrellas. The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort also has a beachfront tiki bar for a refreshing afternoon cocktail or beer. After reading a couple of chapters and taking a dip in the ocean, it was lunchtime. Wrapped in a plush striped beach towel, we sat poolside at The Citrus Club. The all-day café serves casual fare including salads and handhelds like a smash burger, chicken wings and fish tacos, which is what I tried. The hearty portion (a pleasant theme throughout both restaurants) was topped with coleslaw, avocado, crema and cotija cheese.
The hotel has also launched a members-only program, also called The Citrus Club (TCC). For a monthly $250 fee per person, TCC insiders have access to pool and beach loungers, discounted cabana upgrades, concessions at The Kester and valet, and much more. By January, the resort will also debut its second tower, which will add an additional 119 rooms and 8,000 square-feet of indoor and outdoor oceanfront event space.
After lunch we swapped the beach for one of the pool’s private cabanas. Basking in the late afternoon sunshine on a daybed, our only concern was deciding what to eat for dinner as we overlooked the icy blue pool dotted with swaying palm trees. After a day out in the sun, we returned to The Kester for dinner and were drawn to its Italian-inspired dishes. Both the short rib pappardelle with whipped ricotta and the local wild mushroom truffle risotto were delightful. The highlight of the evening was the housemade sorbet—we chose a trio of lemon, raspberry, and mango—that were so refreshing we skipped dessert on our second night in Pompano Beach just to return to the hotel for the frozen treat.
Admittedly, we did venture off property during our stay to explore a bit of Pompano’s dining scene and were rewarded with several gems like The Vault, located in a historic 1920s bank that serves a variety of delectable sharing plates in a quaint setting. In the same area, we also visited South Bar & Kitchen, a southern-style restaurant with plush banquettes and an expansive outdoor terrace that hosts live music acts throughout the week. Other neighboring noteworthy concepts to check out during your stay include Beach House, Oceanic and The Foundry.
While I was impressed by the hotel’s inviting contemporary design complemented by charming coastal details and its serene beach and luxurious resort pool, what stood out the most during our stay was the staff. Every person we encountered—from the front desk to the housekeeping—made a significant positive impact on our staycation. They were proud to show off their redesigned hotel and passionate about ensuring we had the best staycation. So next time you need some R&R, celebrate that we live where others vacation, and instead of booking a plane ticket, simply reserve an oceanfront room at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort.
Trust me, your tense shoulders will thank you.
1200 N. Ocean Blvd., Pompano Beach; 954/782-0100; marriott.com
