Blue Seas Courtyard

This charming boutique hotel has a style all its own. Built in 1946, it’s modeled after a Mexican hacienda, with many special design features such as a terra-cotta roof, solid plaster walls, hand-blown glass exterior lighting from Mexico, and a brick parking lot and walkway. The owners, Marc and Cristie, have been at the hotel since 1971 and live on-site. Guests immediately know the place is different when they approach the lovely entrance, lined with a three-tiered fountain, terra-cotta pots, a cushioned hanging swing, colorful tile art on the wall, and potted plants. Cristie is the primary designer and artist, and she has a special touch that creates a warm, welcoming, and interesting environment. The hotel appeals to all types of travelers, and the clientele varies throughout the year. In winter, guests tend to be older and stay longer. In the spring and fall, middle-aged and younger couples arrive for short stays, and in summer, vacationing families are the norm. Regardless of the season, the property has a decidedly mellow yet cheerful atmosphere. 

The hotel is located on a block of small hotels in the resort town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, about a 20-minute drive north of Fort Lauderdale. The nearby Municipal Park just behind the property hass a playground, tennis, and basketball. It's across the street from the beach and just a five-minute walk from Pelican Square, a beachfront collection of restaurants, cafes, bars, entertainment, shopping, and Anglin's Pier for fishing. A Publix grocery store and shopping center is less than 10 minutes away on foot, and guests can borrow a cart from the hotel to transport their groceries if they walk (alternatively, it's a two-minute drive). Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the Port Everglades cruise terminal are both about a 30-minute drive south of the hotel. Miami Beach will take an hour to reach by car.

First things first: Every room here is a winner and comes loaded with plenty of inviting charm. They consist of two one-bedroom suites and 10 efficiency apartments. Decor is unique and fun, modeled after a Mexican-style hacienda. Decorative features include Spanish tile floors, and wrought iron, wood, and lace accents. Tiffany-style lighting goes nicely with sunny yellow and orange walls that are hand painted with pepper, flower, and sun motifs. Decorative pillows carry cheerful messages such as "smile" and "happiness." All units have full kitchens and dining areas, plus balconies or terraces with tables and chairs for outdoor meals. Each room offers either a king-size or two twin-size beds in the living area, as well as comfy seating near the bed. The hotel uses 300-plus-thread-count linens and memory foam mattress pads, and makes beds feel cozy along with white chenille bedspreads and cotton blankets. All rooms come with 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable, as well as free Wi-Fi and work desks. There's air-conditioning in all units as well as ceiling fans. Bathrooms feature decorative Spanish tile, showers or shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and organic toiletries in large eco-friendly bottles. Half the rooms face the swimming pool courtyard, three face the beach, and three look onto an interior courtyard. Keep in mind that there is no housekeeping on Sundays or holidays.

The free-form outdoor heated pool is small, but it's located in a lovely courtyard with a brick deck and lush tropical landscaping. Lounge chairs and umbrellas surround it, encouraging poolside relaxing. Hand-painted Talavera pottery, pottery animals, and a fountain add color and a sense of whimsy. This space is typically guests' favorite gathering spot. The beautiful beach is also popular. To get there, guests just need to walk south about 100 steps to El Prado Park, the town's largest beach entrance. Despite its popularity, the beach is quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. The hotel provides free beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas. The hotel has on-site laundry facilities as well as a barbecue area, but there is not restaurant or meal service of any kind. For early arrivals or late departures, there's a free Guest Courtesy Room with a restroom, TV, and computer station. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and parking is limited to on space per room.