Looking for a beach resort in Sunny Florida?
You’ll love the newly refurbished B Ocean Resort in Fort Lauderdale.
Built in 1956, the resort was originally named the Yankee Clipper for its ship-like structure. It quickly became a hangout of leading celebrities of the time including Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio.
Fast forward to today. B Ocean Resort is a modern and sleek resort that still maintains several historic elements. And, importantly, it is one of the few properties located directly on the Fort Lauderdale beach.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
As you enter the spacious and bright lobby you take in the contemporary nautical motifs that serve as the backdrop to the check-in area. In the far end, the coffee shop Clipper Grab-n-Go dishes out steamy cappuccinos and casual bites.
On the right side of the lobby you notice a wooden wall shaped like an old ship. Next to the door there’s a small photo of Robert DeNiro and Billy Crystal in a scene from the 1999 movie “Analyze This,” that was filmed here. This is the Wreck Bar, a favorite of locals and travelers since the 1950s. It resembles a shipwreck with large porthole shaped windows looking into the hotel’s pool where an adult underwater Mermaid Show takes place every Friday and Saturday night.
ACCOMMODATIONS
There are 484 guestrooms and suites ranging in size from 300 sq. ft. to 1,700, many with ocean-facing balconies. The rooms are in three buildings: the original Clipper Tower, a newer Beach Tower right on the beach, and an interconnected Marina Tower overlooking the marina and ocean.
We stayed in the Clipper Tower, in room 1502, a spacious suite in front of the clipper building with a terrace shaped like a ship’s bow facing the marina, the A1A and the seashore. A second terrace overlooks the Atlantic ocean and sprawling beach dotted with palm trees, picnic tables and volleyball courts.
The living room’s décor is modern and casual, accented with white and blue colors and airy furniture. A wet bar, a mini fridge and a Keurig coffee machine make this room a home. Next to the bedroom you’ll find a modern ensuite bath appointed with shiny marble, glass walls and Aveda toiletries. All rooms are similar in décor and amenities.
DINING ON THE PREMISES
The hotel’s main dining spot is the Naked Crab, a casual restaurant created by chef and TV personality Ralph Pagano. The restaurant is reminiscent of a fish market and is decorated with nautical themes and appointed with black boards depicting maritime scenes. They specialize in fish and seafood but also offer meat dishes. We enjoyed the Two Beet Salad made with red and yellow beets in a tangy vinaigrette, the Lobster Knuckle Sandwich and the Branzino cooked Greek style with olive oil and lemon.
WHAT TO DO?
Arguably the best way to enjoy the resort is to spend your day at the beach or by sipping margaritas by the infinity edge pool. You can also partake in other activities such as working out at the fitness center and getting pampered at the spa.
For some offsite nautical action, cross the road to the busy marina and charter a fishing boat, take the Jungle Queen Riverboat sightseeing cruise or embark on a narrated Water Taxi trip that will take you along the mansions and mega yachts that line the Fort Lauderdale canals. For more activities check out our post on Fort Lauderdale.
For reservations visit the hotel’s website or call 866-755-1102.
