Travel Thursday: B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale Continues To Shine

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Fort Lauderdale from day one has been known as a beach destination city. There’s a great history of vacationers selecting this southern Florida destination as THE place to be for relaxation, excitement, and ocean enjoyment.  One sanctuary that has been here for generations, building upon and embracing that history and reputation, and moving the Fort Lauderdale Beach area into the future, is the B Ocean Resort.

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Origins

Originally built in 1956 as the Yankee Clipper, B Ocean Resort has been a favorite hot spot for beach-goers and American icons throughout history, including Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio, and Robert De Niro, to name a few. It was the presence of the New York Yankees at the hotel and the outward appearance of the resort, looking like a ship, that gave the resort the Yankee Clipper name.  Even this Boston fan can appreciate that!  It has a powerful and historical presence in the history of Fort Lauderdale, but as well as commanding physical presence on the coastal road of A1A. 

A1A view
View from A1A northbound approaching the Valet and front desk. Looking like a cruise/clipper ship with its terracing and mast (photo from B website)

Beachfront Bliss

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As one of the few true beachfront hotels in the city with most of its property east of the highway, this resort is one that everyone knows and loves, and even more so with its recent beautification. B Ocean Resort embraced its historical elements when going through a multimillion-dollar refurbishment to create a more modern, sleek, and stylish campus that thrives off its past and looks toward the future. Walking around the hotel, gazing at the beautiful lobby, the multiple meetings spaces, or enjoying one of the 484 guest rooms and suites, guests and visitors will feel the refreshing vibes and appreciate the contemporary look that incorporate the blue and grey hues pulled from the ocean and the extra subtle touches of wood trim in the halls that add warmth, texture, and depth. Desiring that special place to stay? The resort recently renovated otherwise used space into a lavish two-story penthouse with a private elevator, spacious sitting and entertaining area, well-appointed kitchenette, a guest bathroom, and exquisite views of the Atlantic Ocean, the beach, and Fort Lauderdale.

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B Ocean Resort Penthouse view of the Atlantic shore and Fort Lauderdale Beach (photo from B website)

Inner Bliss

The resort is quite spacious as The B is made up of four different buildings, multiple infinity pools, and food options a-plenty.  Chef David Morales overseas the menu and creative direction for all food on property. With more than 20 years of culinary experience, Morales draws on his Latin heritage, blending fresh ingredients and spices to create contemporary Mediterranean dishes influenced by the flavors of Europe, North and South America. He sources his menu locally in South Florida, using fresh seafood and produce from local farms. The Naked Crab, a 150-seat restaurant is the anchor for food and dining at the B. Its curbside outdoor patio is a one of many dining areas as the restaurant also extends its offerings into the expansive lobby area as the very inviting Florida Bar, with its wrap around counter service and lounge seating. The Salty Siren, the Clipper grab-n-go, and the Wreck Bar are the other dining options offered at the B Ocean Resort.

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Wreck Bar & Entertainment

Besides the shape of the original building, The Wreck Bar may be the most iconic part of the resort.  Around since the 1950s, it was originally designed to resemble an underwater shipwreck. The historic hangout is highlighted with porthole-shaped windows that look into the hotel’s main pool, where guests can view the water shows. We’ve watched many times the MeduSirena Mermaid Show, a live underwater aquatic performance that is for all ages on Friday and Saturday nights and Mermaids & Mimosas Sunday Brunch, but becomes adults-only burlesque shows of Sirens & Sailors on Wednesday Nights, AQUAMEN on Thursday nights, and late sultry mermaids performances on Friday and Saturday. For a review and vide of the AQUAMEN show, head over to Travel Thursday: AQUAMEN of B Ocean Hotel Fort Lauderdale.

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Photo of the AQUAMEN. We have our favorites. Come see them Thursday nights and make your selection (Photo courtesy of B Ocean Resort)

Location Can’t Be Beat!

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Living in the wide-spread Fort Lauderdale, sometimes I do not get over to the beach as much as I want to, even though it is just 3 miles away.  Having at the staycation at the B Ocean Resort gave me a chance to enjoy multiple venues in the Fort Lauderdale Beach Area. Walking, dining, and shopping on Las Olas is one of my favorite things to do in Fort Lauderdale

Las Olas Boulevard in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Florida is at the forefront of everything from fashion boutiques and art galleries, to memorable restaurants, sidewalk cafes and bars… set the stage each evening for South Florida’s most architecturally unique, authentic, and eclectic shopping and dining district.

Many have traveled to Fort Lauderdale just for the beach, but once there, there’s more than just the sand.  Restaurants, bars, a healthy nightlife, and major entertainment call the beach home and the B Ocean Resort is the prime location to enjoy it all.

Fort Lauderdale Beach features an array of shops, restaurants, sidewalk cafes, and entertainment venues. The beach offers a wide range of activities including boating, wind surfing, jet skiing, volleyball, snorkeling, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and rollerblading.  You will find some of the largest of Fort Lauderdale events being held on the beach, like Riptide Music Festival, Tortuga Music Festival, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and soon the Pride of the Americas.

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If you’re visiting with no car, you’re in a great spot.  Ride shares are everywhere of course, but how about sharing a boat instead of a car? May it be just for a 5 minute ride or a full 3 1/2 hour tour (longer than Gilligan’s), i highly recommend the water taxi experience to see sides of Fort Lauderdale you would miss otherwise. 

Water Taxi – Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” because of its many beautiful waterways. One of the best ways to Explore Fort Lauderdale is from the water. The Water Taxi is more than just a boat ride. The Captains and Crew are well versed on the city and the many attractions that can be viewed from the water. As such, they provide a narrated excursion that includes historical information as well as fun and interesting information about the many Mansions and Mega Yachts that line the waterways.

There are a 10 stops in Ft. Lauderdale, and 1 stop in Hollywood at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort and the Historic Hollywood Boardwalk offering live entertainment nightly. Additionally, Water Taxi operates a complimentary Water Trolley that is supported by the City of Ft. Lauderdale that makes 8 stops along the River Route.

See You There In April 2020!

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Today, the B Ocean Resort stands as a modern ocean front destination, complete with thoughtful nods to its storied past. With its multiple options for dining, drinks, several pools, private beach, wonderful service from everyone involved, and unbeatable location, we feel this needs to be at the top of your list for when you visit Fort Lauderdale.  Now may be the time to start booking your stay for the Pride of the Americas in April, 2020. 


If you have any questions about one of our places we stay/visit/review, feel free to email us! As usual, I’ll end with some extra pictures of my review.

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With my Salty Siren Margarita from the Salty Siren in hand, I strolled down to the B Ocean Resort’s private beach
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my room
A pic I snapped of my room. As soon as I walked in, relaxation and calmness set in. Thanks for a great stay-cation at a place I highly recommend.
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We had a chance to take the helm of the B Ocean Resort, an original artifact from the beginning days of the resort.
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The second floor of the main building provides flexible meeting/banquet/wedding space and gym (photo from B webpage)

 

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You’ll see the location of the B Ocean Resort (lower right) is close to the FLL airport, Port Everglades (cruise ships), of course close to the beach and not that far away from one of the best LGBT cities in the nation, Wilton Manors (top of map).

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