• Relax on a palm-tree-dotted beach while staying at a Florida hotel.florida beach image by itsallgood from Fotolia.com
  
  The Florida cities of Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton lie about a half-hour apart on the southern Atlantic Coast. Both cities offer a wide array of hotel accommodations, many with beachfront access and amenities such as fine dining, spas and golf courses. Florida's beaches attract visitors in droves, and Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale also offer shopping and cultural events.
  
  

Lago Mar Resort and Club

• The signature attraction of Lago Mar Resort in Fort Lauderdale is a pool that spans 9,000 square feet and has an island that functions as a stage for performers. A second pool allows guests to swim laps. Beachgoers will enjoy the private beach, where they can lie under palm trees. After a morning swim, retreat inside your room, where you can call home on a cordless telephone. Unpack your toiletries on the bathroom's granite counter tops, take a shower, and then wrap yourself in the bathrobe provided. Brew a cup of coffee in the room's coffee maker, then sip it outside on your private balcony. Upgrade to a one- or two-bedroom poolside suite, or opt for the penthouse suite with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The hotel offers six dining options plus 24-hour room service. Eat dinner at Acquario Modern American Bistro or dine casually outdoors at the Palm Garden Dining Room and Seagrape Terrace. The resort also has a spa and fitness center.
  
  Lago Mar Resort and Club
  
  1700 S. Ocean Lane
  
  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
  
  954-523-6511
  
  lagomar.com
  
  

The Atlantic

• This award-winning beachfront Fort Lauderdale destination has rooms with private balconies, marble bathrooms with separate soaking tubs, and kitchenettes for those nights when you feel like relaxing and eating in. Or, if you care for formal indulgence, visit the oceanfront Trina Restaurant and Lounge, which serves world-fusion cuisine created by an award-winning chef. The hotel earned honors in 2010 by Travel + Leisure Magazine, which ranked the Atlantic as one of the world's best. Guests can relax in the spa, where select treatments reflect inspiration from ancient Mediterranean, Indian and Arabian practices. Traditional facials and massages are also available. The hotel offers free wireless Internet, a heated outdoor pool, whirlpool and boat rentals so you can escape the confines of your room and journey onto the ocean.
  
  The Atlantic Hotel
  
  601 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
  
  Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
  
  954-567-8020
  
  atlantichotelfl.com
  
  

Boca Raton Resort

• The Boca Raton Resort, part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection, rests on 356 acres with a spa, two golf courses, tennis courts and a marina. From the marina, book a deep-sea fishing excursion or plan a sunset yacht cruise. Spend the morning sailing or flying over the open sea on jet skis. The resort's numerous pools, some of which are reserved for guests staying in specific buildings, include the Pool Oasis at the Boca Beach Club, where an oceanfront bar complements three swimming pools. Guests at the spa receive complimentary day access at the Spa Pool. Those seeking personalized service might opt for a cabana at the Tower Pool, where a personal butler will attend to your needs. Guests can choose one of five buildings in which to stay. The Yacht Club, inspired by a Venetian palace, overlooks the marina. The Boca Beach Club offers waterfront accommodations, and the Tower's rooms encompass 27 stories that overlook the resort grounds and golf course. Envelop yourself in old Florida at the Cloister, built in 1926. Finally, the Boca Bungalows offer private, apartment-style accommodations with two-bedroom suites.
  
  Boca Raton Resort
  
  501 E. Camino Real
  
  Boca Raton, FL 33432
  
  888-543-1277
  
  bocaresort.com