Sands Harbor Resort & Marina Pompano Beach

Sands Harbor Resort and Marina was built in the 1950s. Visitors can expect a classic motel exterior with outdoor hallways and lots of fun, kitschy character inside. In the lobby, thatched palm trimming runs along the ceiling, Caribbean-style pop songs play from speakers, and pieces of shells and glass decorate several columns. The hotel embraces its vacation vibe further with painted Adirondack chairs sporting colorful cushions, murals on the walls, and a fish tank. It’s not fancy, but it’s got heart and remains a local hangout and popular pick for folks wanting a lively, low-key spot on the water with all the basics on-site. Expect families with small children, middle-aged couples, and boaters who dock at the marina. 

Sands Harbor Resort & Marina Pompano Beach has a great marina location right on the Intracoastal Waterway, about a seven-minute walk from Pompano Beach. Several restaurants, shops, and a Publix can be reached within a 10-minute drive. For those who prefer to travel by boat, the Pompano Beach Water Taxi has a stop right off the hotel’s marina out back. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport is around a 22-minute drive from the hotel, while a trip to Miami International Airport will take about 45 minutes. 

All 56 rooms at Sands Harbor were renovated in 2014, giving them a more contemporary look and feel than the rest of the hotel. Guests can expect a loose beach-themed color palette with carpet, yellow drapes, and walls painted seafoam green. Some units have more modern hardwood floors, beige walls, and distressed wood furniture. Air-conditioning units are basic, and in-room safes are old, metal, and rusty. Noise can be a problem, from both surrounding rooms and the bar downstairs. All have small kitchenettes with the basics like microwaves, toasters, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. Furnished balconies off every room are a big plus, and several have views over the marina. Upgrades to efficiencies add junior stovetops with four burners and minimal cookware. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and only generic bars of soap. 

Although this hotel is small, it is packed with resort-like features, including a pool, restaurants and bars, and conveniences like laundry facilities and shops. It also has a full-service marina with dockage for 50 boats up to 100 feet, and boaters can refuel or grab fishing gear from the bait and tackle shop. Docking fees are charged by the foot, plus there's a facility fee. 

Sand Harbor’s pool is small but deep and located out back between the hotel and the docks. There are only a handful of strappy loungers and they are often commandeered by visitors over guests during peak season, so most guests tend to sit at one of the many sets of tables and chairs on the deck. It’s a friendly, relaxed vibe and there’s nightly live music from under a tiny thatched stage. Both of the hotel’s restaurants have a good amount of dock-level deck seating. 

The Rusty Hook Tavern is open for dinner and serves up casual seafood dishes and daily food and drink specials in a nautical-themed space. The Sands Harbor Patio Bar and Grille is located on the marina and has easy seafood-focused bar bites like conch fritters and burgers. The rustic beach bar area is popular during the day, with both locals and guests alike. Boaters drive up and dock, a full bar slings frozen drinks, and Caribbean-style pop songs play on the stereo. There’s also a small bar located in the back of the hotel lobby. 

Freebies include Wi-Fi, free parking (which can get full during dinner hours), and a free continental breakfast spread. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are available 24/7 by reception. There's also a business computer in the front of the lobby, as well as an ATM and cigarette machine. Other on-site features include a third-party dive shop, souvenir shop, art studio, water-sports vendor, and hair salon.