Sun Tower Hotel & Suites

Located on the beach off busy A1A, Sun Tower Hotel & Suites is a six-floor property that has undergone extensive renovations. The exterior of the building is a light-yellow with terra-cotta colored accents. The cramped lobby is beach themed, with sea-green walls and a wood-shuttered check-in desk. Other beach accents include wicker furniture, palm tree prints, and tropical plants, but the ATM and vending machine, while convenient, somewhat diminish any attempt at decor. Other conveniences include a rack with tourist brochures, a tiny desk with a public computer and printer, and a souvenir shop that sells such essentials as sunscreen and snacks.

The hotel's tiny free-form pool is surrounded by lush tropical greenery and looks like a small piece of paradise. It has a stone deck, and a dozen or so beach chairs surrounding the swimming area. A large second-floor sundeck houses the Sandbar Grill restaurant, which offers outdoor seating at dark-brown wicker tables, and an indoor bar with table seating.

The Sun Tower Hotel & Suites is mere yards from the beach, and has its own restaurant and bar. Several other restaurants are located within a five-minute drive of the hotel, including Nick's Italian, Cafe Martorano, Cafe Seville, and Catalina Restaurant. Nearby attractions include Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, XBK Zone for Xtreme Bowling & Karting, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Fort Lauderdale International Airport is six miles away. The resort fee covers parking. 

Rooms at Sun Tower Hotel & Suites continue the beach vibe found in the rest of the hotel. Each is decorated with beige and blue accent walls that mimic the sand and water, and large sliding glass doors let in natural light. White bed linens and brightly painted walls add a pleasant contrast to the dark-wood furniture. Suites come with a partitioned sitting area, a dining area, a sleeper sofa, and a kitchenette. The Standard Rooms are one-room units with either one king bed or two queen beds, mini-fridges, and microwaves. Bathrooms are small and basic, with single sinks set in a contemporary vanity and shower/tub combos that have plastic curtains. Balconies are on the smaller side and furnished with cheap plastic chairs, but some have up-close-and-personal beach views.

By far the best reason to stay at Sun Tower Hotel & Suites is its proximity to the beach. The hotel's Sandbar Grille restaurant offers a wide-ranging menu, and the bar can craft almost any beach cocktail. Other amenities include a small fitness center and game room. A resort fee covers Wi-Fi, parking, and beach access, which includes use of the beach umbrellas and chairs, so there are no true freebies. The pool, while small, is surrounded by lovely tropical landscaping and has a small waterfall feature. Patio furniture and sun loungers look new.