Manhattan Tower Apartment Hotel

This two-story hotel was built in 1952 as a corporate retreat for General Motors executives, and its midcentury look has been restored and maintained. A 50-foot iron tower that mimics the hotel's signature Frigidaire logo stands at the entrance and supports its sign, creating a distinctly vintage vibe right off the bat. Guests enter through a glass door into a courtyard with tropical plants, and herbs grow in a small garden. There's a bright and airy loggia with floral-print chairs and a small wooden bar lined with leather stools where guests can sit and drink coffee or tea in the morning. The current owners previously helmed an antiques shop on Las Olas Boulevard, and the hotel is filled with items from the store mixed with newer pieces. It's an unusual and quirky mashup of periods and styles, but somehow it all works. The setting is quiet and low-key, yet it's only a few blocks from Fort Lauderdale's hub of activity. The hotel primarily appeals to couples and families who want a quieter spot, a little more space, and the ability to do their own cooking. 

This hotel is located on a quiet street on the Intracoastal Waterway, a few blocks from the beach and Fort Lauderdale's famed ocean promenade. It's surrounded by condos and other rental units. The closest stretch of beach is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which has a slice of shore as well, is about five minutes away by car or 15 minutes on foot (the park also has paths further inland for those looking to stroll). There's a Publix Super Market about a mile and a half away for stocking the kitchens. Restaurants, bars, and shops are within a five to 10-minute walk, though Fort Lauderdale's main drag, Las Olas Boulevard, is a 15-minute drive inland. Guests can get around the area via water taxi, which stops at the hotel on request. The water ride is especially appealing -- and romantic -- at night when the lights are twinkling. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is about 25 minutes south by car or an hour by train (the Tri-Rail commuter train services the area). The Port Everglades cruise terminal is about a 15-minute drive south.

All accommodations are studios or apartments, the latter of which have one or two bedrooms. The overriding theme for the decor is midcentury modern, but each unit is individually decorated with an eclectic mix of furniture and artwork that combines many periods and styles. Expect to see white walls hung with large, bright murals depicting everything from jungles to vintage French advertisements alongside minimalist art. There are plenty of pops of color that are balanced by neutral tile floors, some with fragmented-tile inlays. Waterfront units have beautiful views of the Intracoastal Waterway from floor-to-ceiling windows and furnished balconies or patios. Rooms have full kitchens supplying everything needed for cooking and dining, though appliances are newer in certain units. Many bathrooms show classic midcentury modern features such as pink tubs plus pink, blue, and black-and-white tile. In some cases, original features have been combined with more up-to-date elements such as granite countertops and new tiles and fixtures. A few bathrooms only have showers, and we spotted some mildew on tiling and cabinet doors that don't close properly in some units. All units have free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Ironing facilities are provided, but only some units have washers and dryers. 

One of the hotel's best features is the waterfront terrace along the intracoastal waterway. It's lined with seating and umbrellas, and decorated with fountains, potted plants, and tropical landscaping. It's a quiet, relaxing place to hang out and watch the boats go by, and there are grills for guests to use. There's no meal service here, but free coffee and tea are served in the loggia every morning. The rectangular outdoor pool is surrounded by a brick deck with lounge chairs, palm trees, and potted plants. Pool and sand toys are provided for the little ones. The owners are available 24 hours and can offers tips on local attractions and restaurants. Wi-Fi and parking are both free. Pets are allowed in some rooms, so check ahead.