THE RITZ-CARLTON, FORT LAUDERDALE

ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Not wanting to return home just yet, my husband and I opted for one more day by the beach, so we chose to overnight at The Ritz-carlton, Fort Lauderdale for one night after disembarking from a cruise in Miami. We quickly felt at home at the hotel for many reasons, but among them was the view of cruise ships in the ocean from our patio.

After an easy Uber from ship to the hotel, check-in was equally simple. And it offered a delightful surprise — we’d been upgraded to a suite!

GUEST QUARTERS: Our fifth-floor one-bedroom Oceanfront Suite, at about 600 square feet, opened into a small vestibule with a half-bath immediately to the left and a small wet bar area just ahead, leading into the living area with a couch (can convert to a sleeper sofa), coffee table, corner chair and table, and a TV mounted over a console. My husband departed early the next morning; I stayed on a bit longer as I was heading to a convention. I enjoyed a room-service breakfast that morning in the living area, where I was able to log into Netflix on the TV and spread out to work while eating.

I was surprised at the large size of the bedroom, especially considering the spacious living quarters. Another TV was mounted above a dresser. An extremely comfortable king-sized bed sat across, flanked by two nightstands. A large closet sat next to the bathroom entrance, where marble-clad dual sinks, a water closet, an ample shower and a deep soaking tub also awaited.

Both rooms boasted floor-to-ceiling windows and doors leading to our generous patio overlooking the pool and ocean.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Our first step after stopping in our room and rearranging some of our luggage? The beach, of course! Directly across the street from the Atlantic, The Ritz-carlton, Fort Lauderdale offers guests beach loungers, umbrellas, towels and bottled water. An attendant set us up, and we spent some time reading, enjoying a light lunch from one of the many surrounding eateries and soaking up some of our last sun rays.

Before heading out for the night, we stopped at on-site Burlock Coast. Expecting we’d want a bigger dinner later, we ordered herb foccacia and Old Bay baby shrimp appetizers. They were so generous, we were full for the rest of the evening.

Burlock Coast also serves breakfast, brunch and lunch. The Poolside Café serves cocktails and light bites.

While our one-night stay didn’t allow us time to visit, the hotel boasts the full-service The Ritz-carlton Spa, Fort Lauderdale, including a hair and nail salon. More than 24,000 square feet of event space can host a range of functions.

I’d be remiss not to mention the hotel’s location, directly on Fort Lauderdale’s main drag and across from the beach — guests have easy access to all the Florida city offers.

REVIEWED BY Kimberly Krol Inlander