Doubletree by Hilton Sunrise – Sawgrass Mills

Palm trees surround the tall, peach and cream tower housing DoubleTree by Hilton Sunrise - Sawgrass Mills. Inside, the lobby is modern and spacious, with marble floors and a white, curved front desk. There aren't many surprises here, though the interiors are more contemporary than other outposts in this chain, and bright abstract art, modern chrome and steel fixtures, and blocky low-rise furniture all combine to create a fresh, if unremarkable, look. Guests receive the chain’s signature warm chocolate chip cookies on arrival, and there are a few decent places for guests looking to kill some time inside of the hotel. These include a small coffee shop and a bar in the hotel's restaurant. Outside, the pool area has a brick deck and is surrounded by palm trees and serves as another place for everyone to socialize. Guests at the hotel are a mix of business and leisure travelers, including those coming to visit the nearby outlet shops. 

The hotel is located across the street from Sawgrass Mills, one of the biggest outlet malls in the country, with more than 350 stores. The mall has a number of dining options that will be familiar to many, including California Pizza Kitchen, Rainforest Cafe, and The Cheesecake Factory, and there are plenty of casual restaurants nearby. The area is mainly suburban, and it’s around a 30-minute drive to the nearest beach in Fort Lauderdale. BB&T arena -- home of the Florida Panthers hockey team -- is only a three-minute drive from the hotel, and a free shuttle is available to take guests anywhere within a three-mile radius. It’s around a 20-minute drive to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Rooms at DoubleTree by Hilton Sunrise - Sawgrass Mills are pleasantly modern and simple. Again, as with most Doubletrees, there won't be any surprises when it comes to style, and all rooms have patterned beige carpeting and mid-tone wood-veneer furniture that has a suburban-home look. Modern touches include round mirrors and chic tree-branch table lamps. There's little in the way of wall art, save for tropical print or two, and rooms with additional seating have modern tan upholstery. Beds are made with white duvets and sit under handsome headboards. All rooms have mini-fridges, microwaves, multi-function alarm clocks, air-conditioning, and coffeemakers. Bathrooms have tile floors, large mirrors, lots of granite counter space, and shower/tub combos. There are a variety of room types, and some offer lake views. Suites are also available with separate living rooms and pullout sofas. 

The Doubletree has all of the amenities guests would expect from a property in the chain, including a restaurant with a bar, plus a small coffee shop and a pantry with snacks for sale. Breakfast is available, but not included in room rates, and while the spread includes a decent amount of hot and cold options, it is extremely pricey for the quality. There’s also an outdoor pool and a whirlpool with lounge chairs -- it's hidden from the sun for most of the day, which is a pro or a con depending on your point of view. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and the lobby has a business center with five computers. Eleven meeting rooms are available for private events, and parking is free. There’s a fitness center with exercise machines, free weights, towels, and a water dispenser. Dogs are allowed for a fee.