BEST WESTERN PLUS OCEANSIDE INN, Fort Lauderdale

The hotel sits on the south-east corner of a block just off the beach, making it a short two-minute walk to the sand and oceanfront. Port Everglades, the second largest cruise port, is 2 km away, and the Broward County Convention Center is also 2 km from the property. Las Olas Boulevard, known for its shopping, dining, and art galleries, is 1 km away, and the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center and Swimming Hall of Fame is 1 km as well. Sawgrass Mills, the largest outlet mall in the southeastern US, is 32 km away. The hotel is within a 10-minute walk to the marina area with bars and casual food stands. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is 5 km away, and Miami International Airport is 56 km away. Several nearby restaurants are within a 5-minute walk, including Island Bar & Grill (serving American cuisine for lunch and dinner).

Room types include double rooms with one bed, quadruple rooms with two beds, and suites. All rooms feature individually controlled air conditioning, a safety deposit box, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, and free local calls under 30 minutes. Some rooms have an ocean view, pool view, or overlook the neighboring hotel's pool. Balconies are available but can be narrow. Rooms have varied comfort conditions: some are spacious and clean with comfortable beds, while others show wear with peeling paint, musty smells, stained carpets, and outdated furniture. The AC units in some top-floor rooms may struggle during hot weather, and noise from hallway AC or adjacent rooms can be an issue. Rooms near the workout area may have bright floodlights shining through large glass doors. The property is considered older and basic, better suited for travelers prioritizing location over modern decor.

Breakfast is included in the room rate and is served as a buffet with hot and cold selections: eggs, turkey sausage, fresh fruit, grits, waffles (three waffle irons), breads, and cereal. Breakfast is served using disposable tableware. The breakfast team is known for keeping the area clean and well-stocked, even during busy times. The on-site restaurant and lounge, Island Bar & Grill, offers American cuisine, vegetarian and dairy-free options, and is open from 12:00 to 21:00/22:00 daily. The adjacent bar serves drinks and food, with reports of affordable prices. Service at the restaurant can be slow during peak hours, with reported wait times for food of up to 45 minutes. The breakfast area can become crowded, especially before cruise departures. For additional variety, several restaurants are within a 5-minute walk along the beachfront.

The outdoor heated pool is open from 08:00 to 20:00 daily and features sun loungers and beach chairs. Pool towels are provided. The sundeck on the second floor offers a pleasant area for relaxation. The fitness centre is free to use and includes basic equipment. For beach activities, the hotel is a two-minute walk from the sand; beach chairs are available to borrow, and umbrellas can be rented at a reasonable price. Snorkelling and fishing can be arranged off-site for an additional charge. The pool area can get busy, especially during spring break and holidays. Some reports note that the pool water can become too warm in summer. The poolside area and upper deck may require more frequent cleaning.

Wi-Fi is free in all areas and works reliably. The 24-hour front desk can assist with express check-in/out, luggage storage, and arranging third-party shuttles. The business centre is free, and meeting/banquet facilities are available for a fee. Coin-operated laundry is on site, and dry cleaning and ironing service are available at an additional charge. Safety features include key card access, CCTV in common areas, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers. Accessibility features include wheelchair-accessible public restrooms, accessible parking spaces, a ramp at the entrance, and visual aids for hearing-impaired guests. Some guests have noted that the single elevator can be slow and may feel unreliable. Parking is private on-site for $21.40 per night, with an electric vehicle charging station. The hotel does not offer a direct airport shuttle, but can arrange third-party shuttle service for cruise port drop-offs. Check-in deposit is $25 per night for credit cards, or $200 for cash/debit cards. Pets are not allowed.