
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale
Best for families and travelers who want a large ocean-view sundeck, direct Fort Lauderdale Beach access, and an active beachfront scene.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is a five-star beachfront resort on Fort Lauderdale Beach with a large oceanfront sundeck and family-friendly programming. The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is an ultra-luxury beachfront property in Bal Harbour; read this if you’re choosing between a polished Fort Lauderdale beach resort and a top-tier Miami-area brand.
Updated

Best for families and travelers who want a large ocean-view sundeck, direct Fort Lauderdale Beach access, and an active beachfront scene.

Best for travelers who want an ultra-luxury Bal Harbour address with multiple on-site restaurants, a full-service spa, and close access to Bal Harbour Shops.
When The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale wins: Choose the Ritz-Carlton if you prioritize direct Fort Lauderdale Beach access, a very large seventh-floor sundeck with an infinity pool and cabana options, family-friendly amenities, and proximity to Las Olas Boulevard.
When The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort wins: Choose The St. Regis Bal Harbour if you want a Bal Harbour address, slightly larger on-site food-and-beverage offering (multiple signature restaurants), two outdoor pools, and the resort-style service and facilities associated with St. Regis properties.
Bottom line: Both are five-star beachfront options; pick the Ritz-Carlton for a Fort Lauderdale–centered beach-and-family experience and The St. Regis Bal Harbour for an ultra-luxury Bal Harbour stay with a broader set of on-site dining and meeting facilities.
| Category | The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale | The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Polished beachfront resort with a large oceanfront sundeck and family focus | Ultra-luxury beachfront resort with formal service and designer retail nearby |
| Location | Fort Lauderdale Beach, steps from Las Olas Boulevard | Bal Harbour beachfront, adjacent to Bal Harbour Shops |
| Size (rooms) | 192 rooms and suites | 213 individually decorated guestrooms |
| Pools | Heated infinity pool on a 29,000-sq-ft 7th-floor sundeck; cabanas and poolside bar | Two outdoor pools, poolside bars and beach cabana service (surcharge) |
| Beach access | Private skywalk to Fort Lauderdale Beach; immediate beach access | On the beach; beach loungers, umbrellas and cabanas (some surcharges) |
| Restaurants & bars | Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits (main) plus Sea la Vie Sundeck pool bar and marketplace | Four restaurants including Atlantikós (Greek) and multiple bars/pool bars |
| Spa & wellness | The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Fort Lauderdale — ocean-inspired spa with treatment rooms, salon, steam rooms | |
| Meetings & events | Extensive meeting space with multiple ballrooms and ~24,000 sq ft of event space | Conference and banquet facilities (conference space ~17,651 sq ft; 9 meeting rooms) |
| Accessibility & family | Family-friendly; children's offerings and babysitting available (surcharge); pet policy allows small pets | Family-friendly (not adults-only); pets by arrangement; multilingual staff and wedding services |
| Notable extras | 24-hour fitness, NBA-approved basketball court in fitness center, private cabana level | Rooftop garden, on-site art gallery, designer stores on site, free bicycle use |
The Ritz-Carlton sits adjacent to Fort Lauderdale Beach and within easy walking distance of Las Olas Boulevard.
Best if you want direct Fort Lauderdale beachfront access and quick access to Las Olas.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is on Bal Harbour’s beachfront and is steps from Bal Harbour Shops.
Best if you want a Bal Harbour address and immediate access to high-end shopping.
The Ritz-Carlton offers 22 room types (192 rooms total), many with balconies and ocean or intracoastal views.
Choose the Ritz-Carlton for a straightforward selection of ocean-view rooms and larger multi-bedroom suites for families.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour has 213 individually decorated guestrooms with balconies and private furnished balconies in many rooms.
Choose St. Regis Bal Harbour if you prefer individually decorated rooms and a classic St. Regis room standard.
Ritz-Carlton’s dining anchors on Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits and the Sea la Vie pool bar.
The Ritz-Carlton offers focused coastal dining with a prominent oceanfront restaurant and poolside bar.
St. Regis Bal Harbour lists four on-site restaurants and multiple bars, including Atlantikós for Greek cuisine.
St. Regis Bal Harbour is better if you want a wider range of on-site restaurants and bar choices.
The Ritz-Carlton’s signature feature is the 29,000‑sq‑ft seventh-floor sundeck with a heated infinity pool and cabanas.
Choose the Ritz-Carlton for a very large sundeck and a distinctive oceanfront pool experience.
St. Regis Bal Harbour provides two outdoor pools plus beach loungers, umbrellas and paid cabana service.
St. Regis Bal Harbour offers multiple pool options alongside direct beach access and cabana services.
The Ritz-Carlton features The Ritz-Carlton Spa and a 24-hour fitness center with additional sports facilities.
Choose the Ritz-Carlton for a comprehensive spa program plus round-the-clock fitness and easy access to Fort Lauderdale nightlife.
St. Regis Bal Harbour has a full-service on-site spa and on-property wellness programming.
St. Regis Bal Harbour suits travelers who want full spa services combined with Bal Harbour’s upscale evening scene.

The Ritz-Carlton — family programming, children’s pool references, babysitting services and larger suite options.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort — four restaurants, multiple bars and broader in-house dining choices.

The Ritz-Carlton — a 29,000-sq-ft 7th-floor sundeck with a heated infinity pool and ocean-facing cabanas.

The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort — steps from Bal Harbour Shops and designer retail.
The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale is explicitly marketed as family-friendly with children's pool references, babysitting options (surcharge) and larger multi-bedroom suites; St. Regis Bal Harbour is family-friendly as well but positions itself more toward ultra-luxury.
Yes. The Ritz-Carlton has The Ritz-Carlton Spa with 11 treatment rooms and ocean-inspired signature treatments; The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort also lists a full-service spa on site.
The St. Regis Bal Harbour lists four restaurants and multiple bars. The Ritz-Carlton’s key outlets include Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits, the Sea la Vie Sundeck and the Marketplace.
No. Both properties accept guests of all ages; neither is listed as adults-only.
Policies vary: The Ritz-Carlton sells day-passes via third parties in some cases and has specific beach-access rules; The St. Regis lists pool access and cabanas but some services incur surcharges. Confirm current non-guest access with each hotel before arrival.
Explore how The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·