Great Waterfront Hotels in Florida

Kara Franker

Kara on the Coast

There’s nothing better than resort water views that stretch for miles. And Florida has plenty of hotel options that offer panoramic ocean and gulf views.

"Waterfront hotels are the ideal escape,” said Amy West, travel and lifestyle blogger at AmyWestTravel.com. “They offer a level of serenity unique to the water and immediately transport even the most stressed out traveler into vacation mode."

“When I stay at a waterfront hotel, I always splurge on a room with a view,” said Claudia Miller, a.k.a. Keys Claudia, a Florida Keys-based travel writer. “My hotel room no longer becomes just a place to crash, but an extension of my vacation.”

Check out these Florida waterfront hotels beauties along the coast.

Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa

The setting is one of the most beloved beaches in America. The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa is an anchor destination on Florida’s central Gulf coast, with 10 acres of beachfront that are a short walk to gentle green-glass surf and the daily blessing of a sunset on Pier 60. The hotel can arrange snorkeling trips, deep sea fishing, and more outdoor adventures.

Pier House Resort & Spa in Key West

With the Gulf of Mexico on one side and Key West's vibrant Duval Street on the other, Pier House Resort & Spa sits on a prime piece of waterfront real estate in Old Town. Originally built in the 1960s as a retreat for artists and writers, the resort offers equal parts of relaxation and adventure. Kick back by the private white sand beach and pool or stroll to the lively restaurants and bars that line Duval Street. Fun fact: the hotel's Chart Room Bar is where Jimmy Buffet played his first Key West gig. 

JW Marriott in Marco Island

Home to some of the most stunning Gulf Coast sunsets you can imagine, the JW Marriott in Marco Island offers the ultimate beach vacation for families. The Balinese-style resort is located directly on the sand and the beach itself is massive. Hang out under one of the oceanfront thatched roof huts and get ready for a day of fun, sand and surf. The resort also has four pools and plenty of great dining options.

Delano in South Beach

A historic Art Deco gem situated on the shores of South Beach, the Delano has been attracting the in-crowd for years. Designed by Philippe Starck, this hotel is all about upscale luxury and the ambiance mirrors South Beach's 24/7 energy. The hotel's Italian restaurant, Bianca, is a crowd favorite and the Rose Bar is the perfect place to people watch. For late night revelry, check out FDR, a subterranean nightlife lounge. After a night out on the town, take a dip in the pool or unwind at the rooftop wellness center.

Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale

One of the only hotels located directly on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, rooms at the Pelican Grand Beach Resort feature jaw-dropping views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel exudes Old Florida grandeur and there’s a great oceanfront veranda, perfect for staring off and getting lost in the blue hues of the sea. Families love the lazy river and zero entry pool. And couples can’t get enough of the romantic waterfront dining at OCEAN2000. Tip: book one of the al fresco tables surrounded by tiki torches on the sand dunes for unobstructed views.

Conrad Fort Lauderdale

You are steps from North Beach on the Atlantic Ocean. A Conrad stay includes two beach chairs and an umbrella, beach staff service, morning yoga, and free-to-borrow bikes. There are five dining options, pool with private cabanas, Conrad spa, and fitness center with professional trainers. Panoramic ocean views are part of the experience in four restaurants, which feature fresh Florida seafood, sharing plates, and artisan baking.

Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa

Located north of Palm Beach, Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa sports a prime oceanfront location in the idyllic town of Jupiter. There’s plenty to keep the entire family entertained like sea turtle conservation walks along the sand dunes, kayaking through the warm waters, trips to the nearby lighthouse in the inlet or simply sipping tropical cocktails by the waterfront swimming pool. Spring training season in the springtime is a great time to go and catch a game at nearby Roger Dean Stadium.

Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach

Located directly on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the Sandpearl Resort is in the heart of all the action on Clearwater Beach. This resort knows how to roll out the red carpet to guests, and upon check-in you’ll be greeted by a friendly face and a glass of sparkling wine. Make sure you reserve a romantic evening for two at Caretta on the Gulf, the area’s only four-diamond restaurant. Then spend those warm lazy days in a private poolside cabana or kick back with a cocktail in one of the resort’s beachfront hammocks. Just don’t miss sunset—the show is particularly spectacular here on Florida’s west coast.  

The Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island

Situated on Florida’s northernmost coast, The Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island offers a potent combo of luxury and family-friendly fun. The sprawling resort boasts 13 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and there’s an 18-hole championship golf course nearby. Dining at Salt is truly a one-of-a-kind experience, especially if you order the chef’s special “steak and eggs” beef tenderloin Served on a 250 million-year-old Himalayan salt block.

Check out more great places to stay for Florida waterfront hotels.