THE POOL AT THE HILTON FORT LAUDERDALE MARINA

The pool at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina is nice, but not much different than the pool at any other Hilton. Good service. Plenty of chaise lounges, padded beds. The Florida Palms do sway quite nicely overhead and the weather is often temperate. It’s a relaxed, laid-back and fairly typical vibe. Nary a spring breaker in sight.

What’s really cool though, is the unique location. The property sits at the edge of the Intracoastal Waterway. On one side of the hotel you can see the big cruise liners making their comings and goings. It’s a grand spectacle. On the other side of the property, the pool faces a small inlet, a 33-slip marina.

Here’s where it gets fun. While sitting on a lounge enjoying a coffee, I saw a guy washing down his yacht. The property is  near the convention center so there are quite a few business travelers. And then since it’s just a few miles from the ship terminal there are also a lot of pre- and post cruisers. But also, it’s perfectly situated so that yachtsmen (and women) on sea journeys can stop in for a night of luxury, a shower, a hot meal. Or even a quick drink while they’re maintaining their vessel.

Families, business travelers and most anyone (but serious party people) would enjoy the pool at the Fort Lauderdale Hilton. It’s big. It’s luxurious. And fun. But I would think that fabulously eligible type looking to meet the kinds of people that travel by yacht might be the most intrigued. Some of you are thinking: “You’re telling me to hang out at the pool at the Ft. Lauderdale Marina if I’m looking to land a rich yacht-owning potential mate, ” right?  I’m not saying that. I’m just putting it out there. I’m just sayin.

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