So your Florida vacation starts in Fort Lauderdale? Congratulations, my friend, you’ve chosen a great place to begin!
With 24 miles of golden beaches, almost year-round guaranteed sunny and beautiful weather, fantastic dining and shopping locations as well as a rich arts scene – you won’t ever be short of things to do in this Floridian city.
Fort Lauderdale honestly has something for everyone. If you’re not the beach kind, there’s a thriving “wine and dine” scene and some local historical landmarks to check out. Though undoubtedly, the main reason people flock to this resort town is for its pristine beaches and watersports.
But, with every great tourist destination, there is a tonne of great accommodation options too. Vacation rentals in Fort Lauderdale are popping up left, right and centre, and the options can be overwhelming.
That’s why we prepared this guide on the best vacation rentals in Fort Lauderdale, to take the stress of finding accommodation away from you so you can focus on the itinerary.
You can thank me later…
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Vacation Rentals in Fort Lauderdale
Bright 3Br Home with a Pool & Fire Pit
- > $$
- > 8 Guests
- > Spacious home with beautiful outdoor landscaping
- > Close to Dania Beach
Peaceful 3 BR Home in Vibrant Middle River Terrace
- > $
- > 8 Guests
- > Spacious and stylish home on a quiet street
- > Located in Middle River Terrace
Studio Apartment in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Charming little home with basic necessities
- > Located within walking distance to Las Olas
Bright Modern Villa with a Pool
- > $$
- > 6 Guests
- > Bright, airy villa for the family
- > Located in Oakland Park
Huge Luxurious Mansion with Your Own Private Elevator
- > $$
- > 6 Guests
- > A stunning combination of home comforts with resort style amenities
- > Located close to the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Looking for other types of accommodation? Check out our guide to Where to Stay in Fort Lauderdale!
Types of Accommodation in Fort Lauderdale
Before we get into our top 20 picks of vacation rentals in Fort Lauderdale, let’s quickly skim over the types of accommodation available in this slice of paradise. This will help you decide what kind of accommodation is best suitable for you (and your wallet) and where you want to stay.
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Apartments and Condos
Fort Lauderdale does have innumerable apartments and condos that you can rent out for a vacation. From smaller studios and loft-type homes to larger, super-luxe apartments, you can easily find an apartment or condo to suit any budget.
Most apartments and condos can be found close to the center of Fort Lauderdale, especially next to the city’s Galleria Mall. If you’re here for a flying visit or want to check out the shopping or local nightlife, this would be perfect accommodation for you.
If you have a bit more money to spend, you can usually find a beachside apartment or condo overlooking the glorious ocean, but because of the insane views, this will cost you a little more than if you were staying in the city.
Houses & Cottages
Are you the sort of person who loves to wake up to views of water bodies, be it a river or the ocean? If you answered yes, you’re in luck, because Fort Lauderdale has some of the most beautiful waterfront houses that won’t cost you an arm and a leg to rent.
However, if you’re splurging on a swanky holiday rental in Fort Lauderdale because it’s a special occasion or simply because you want to pamper yourself (woo-hoo!), Pompano Beach has some really stunning houses and cottages for you to consider.
Luxury Mansions & Estates
If you’re going all out and want a vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale that will match your level of enthusiasm and spending, you’re going to be so spoilt for choice for mansions or estates!
This city has a huge number of luxury mansions, many of those are close to the waterfront as many celebrities own waterfront houses here.
Mansions are perfect for large groups or family gatherings where everyone needs a lot of space to spread out. They also usually come with some insane amenities that are perfect for a party blowout (if the accommodation allows it).
If you don’t go “wow” at both the prices and the mansion itself, I’ll eat my hat.
The Top 20 Vacation Rentals in Fort Lauderdale
To find an average vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale is not hard. However, finding the best vacation rentals depends largely on your taste and preferences.
But hey, no sweat, because we’ve done most of the heavy lifting for you. Here you will find 20 of the best holiday homes you can rent for your Fort Lauderdale vacation.
Best Overall Holiday Rental in Fort Lauderdale | 3BR Home W/ Pool
This Florida Airbnb ranks as the best overall because of several reasons. Firstly, it has enough space for the entire family or group friends to comfortably spread out, and it has every modern amenity you would need to have a comfortable stay.
The interiors are bright with pops of blue throughout. There’s a complimentary coffee bar, smart TV in every room, a fully stocked kitchen, and even board games and puzzles to keep the kids happy.
The backyard has a beautiful heated pool, a Jacuzzi, a grill, a firepit and lounge chairs to relax on after a long day of exploring!
Best Designer Holiday Rental in Fort Lauderdale | 3BR Home
This fashionably renovated home is full of the little details that make a holiday home memorable. The interiors are kitted out with hardwood floors, lending a warm, cozy look to the house.
With luxury amenities like high-thread-count linen, a modern and fully-stocked professional kitchen, top-of-the-range appliances, the house is the perfect base for your Fort Lauderdale vacation.
The heated natural saltwater pool and spa outside are surrounded by palm trees on one side, making the backyard a stunning tropical oasis that also offers some decent privacy.
Best Pet Friendly Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale | 2BR W/ Yard
If you are traveling with your pet, and need a vacation home in Fort Lauderdale that has a fenced yard as well as modern necessities for yourself, this home will tick all the boxes.
The house has a beautiful pool and a hot tub for you to relax in as well as a large, fenced-in outdoor space for your fur babies to run around in safely.
Inside, there’s a full kitchen if you want to cook. The house is furnished in a simple, yet cozy style, with small details that will make your stay comfortable. Take, for example, the little bar cart with cocktail-making accessories, or even the full-length mirror that so many places miss out on!
The TV in the living room comes with most streaming apps. There’s more than enough wardrobe space in case you are interested in a longer staycation.
Best Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale for Weekends | 3BR Home W/ Pool
Perfect for a group of friends, family, or three couples traveling together, this modern home is a cozy and yet affordable place to stay in Fort Lauderdale.
Guests can take advantage of the bike rental service and an in-house massage therapist, both for an extra fee of course. If you want to bring a dog, pets are also allowed for an additional fee.
The house has been styled using modern, monochrome interiors and there is tons of space throughout. There is a full kitchen with the necessary gadgets.
The backyard of the house is a decent size with enough space for kids to play if you are traveling with family. The saltwater pool is heated and there are comfy outdoor lounge chairs to soak up the Florida sun.
Best Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale for a Couple | Budget Cottage for 2
If you want to save on accommodation costs so that you can splurge on other Fort Lauderdale attractions, this budget airconditioned cottage offers the basic comforts, while being close to all the best activities that the city offers.
There’s a full kitchen if you intend to cook and a cosy living space. It also has free parking and a shared garden.
While the cottage can actually sleep 4 guests with 1 queen bed and 2 single modular sofa beds, the space might become too cramped. Hence, we would recommend this for a couple, but if you want a vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale only to crash at night, this may be one of the cheapest options you might find.
Best Holiday Rental in Fort Lauderdale for a Family Getaway | 4BR Tropical Villa
The first thing that you will notice about this four-bedroom vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale is how bright and colorful the rooms are. Each bedroom is done up in a different theme and color scheme.
The adult rooms are called The Banana Leaf, Birds of Paradise, and the Hibiscus- these should give you enough clues of the graphics used! If you are traveling with kids, the Jungle Room is best suited for them, with four separate single beds.
Outside, there’s also a beautiful pool area that almost looks like an oasis with its comfortable lounge chairs and surrounding greenery. It is also ideally located near the beach and Hard Rock Casino.
Best Holiday Rental in Fort Lauderdale for Couples | Studio in Downtown
If you’re on a budget or are in Fort Lauderdale or looking for a shorter duration, this budget space should suit you well.
The interiors are a cheerful blue colour and the whole property has been designed to maximize space. There’s pretty much everything you would need to be comfortable on a holiday, but this isn’t a fancy, luxurious place.
The kitchen has a huge fridge in case you want to stock up on drinks for your stay. The bathroom has a bathtub where you can soak and relax in after a day of exploring.
Most Modern Apartment Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale | Las Olas Apt
This apartment in Las Olas has two bedrooms with double and queen beds. There’s also a sofa bed for two extra guests in the living area.
The property comes with a full kitchen and has everything you need to cook a meal. However, seeing that the apartment is located near Las Olas Boulevard, where you’ll find the city’s best eateries, you might be tempted to eat out daily!
The building also has a shared rooftop pool, outdoor poolside lounge area, and a fitness space. While there is parking available, you will need a parking pass to access this area.
Best Holiday Rental in Fort Lauderdale with a View | 2BR near The Beach
This condo in Fort Lauderdale sure has some unbeatable views! The place can actually sleep six guests if you count the sofa bed in the living room.
However, this would be the perfect romantic escape for two couples traveling together. With expansive waterfront views and being super close to the beach, the condo might cost a little more than average. However, I personally believe that considering the location, this is a value for money deal.
There’s a shared pool in the building, as well as a dock area with intracoastal views. Considering this apartment comes with a dock, you should definitely consider checking out a boat rental in Fort Lauderdale for a truly memorable experience.
Best Holiday Rental in Fort Lauderdale for a Friends Getaway | 3BR W/ Pool
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is the perfect Fort Lauderdale base for a getaway with friends. With a big outdoor pool area, complete with a shaded patio area off the kitchen, as well as lounge chairs, there’s more than enough space for everyone to be comfortable.
The house has a fully-equipped kitchen, as well as a laundry room if you are staying for a longer time. The rental itself is furnished tastefully but is not super luxe. However, it does include most things that you would expect for a comfortable stay.
Best Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale for Big Groups | 4 BR W/ Spa Pool
This two-storey vacation rental has been designed to cater to every want and need any traveler ever had!
The bedrooms are all spacious, sparkling clean, and have premium mattresses and high-thread-count linen. All bedrooms have a TV. The kitchen should please any foodie with top-of-the-range stainless-steel appliances and full sets of pots and pans. Both living rooms, upstairs and downstairs, have Smart TVs.
Outside, the patio area has a grill and a covered lounge area. Of course, the private pool and spa are the highlight of the property.
Best Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale for a Budget Family | Villa W/ Pool
With a big pool that has floaters, balls, and a volleyball net, this vacation rental is super family-friendly. The backyard also has a gazebo-type seating area with outdoor furniture to relax on after you get out of the pool.
The interiors are spacious and tastefully decorated with comfortable furniture and bright pops of color. The three bedrooms have one king and two queen beds, with smart TVs in every room. The master bedroom also has a direct door out to the pool. There’s also a small grill if you’re in the mood for some BBQ.
Best Centrally Located Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale | Outdoor Oasis
This top-rated vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale has pictures that don’t do it justice!
This three-bedroom villa is located in the middle of the city but is a tropical island oasis in itself. It is located on a cul-de-sac nestled by matured trees, giving you loads of peace and quiet, even though you are in the heart of the city.
The house is a two-storey property, with all the bedrooms on the top floor. The bottom floor has an open-plan-style kitchen and breakfast area, living area, dining room, and a family room.
Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale with the Best Pool | Modern Villa
What I love about the pool in this vacation rental is the two little chairs partially in the pool. Imagine sitting there with a glass of wine in the evenings with your feet dipped in the water – total bliss!
The pool is heated and comes partially surrounded on one side by beautiful tall trees and shrubbery, making for a private spot to bath under the Floridian sun.
The house itself has two bedrooms, both with queen beds, and the living room has a sofa bed. The interiors have a very coastal chic vibe to them, giving the overall house a very chilled-out feel.
Most Beautiful Holiday Rental in Fort Lauderdale | 3 BR on Private Island
This vacation rental, located on a quiet, gated residential island, is connected to the mainland by a small bridge. The house offers complete serenity, especially with its stunning tropical tiki hut outdoor area.
The interiors of the house are aesthetically done up to give you a very minimalistic chic feel. There is a full chef’s kitchen, with some state-of-the-art gadgets. The bedrooms and bathrooms are both comfortably sized, with enough room for everyone to sprawl out in.
Despite being on a private island, the villa is a short drive away to several amazing restaurants, supermarkets, and neighborhoods like Pompano and Lauderdale by the Sea.
Most Luxurious Holiday Rental in Fort Lauderdale | Luxe 4BR Property
This four-bedroom home has been designed for the traveler who enjoys pampering themselves while on vacation. How else do you explain the sprawling rooms, the tastefully decorated muted interiors, and the huge kitchen with high-end appliances?
This holiday home has a patio directly on the waterfront. It also includes kayaks and bikes for guests to use.
All four bedrooms have an en-suite each, meaning more space for everyone and no sharing of bathrooms. If this hasn’t sold you on the house yet, there’s also a pool table in the house, as well. The outdoor pool is heated and there’s a comfy lounge area to get some Vitamin D too.
Best Waterfront Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale | 4BR Home by River
Oh to be able to forever stay in this vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale! With direct views of the water from the backyard, there’s no reason you can’t while the day away from your private pool or Tiki Hut overlooking the river.
Inside the house, the modern furnishings make for a comfortable stay. Two bedrooms have king-sized beds and the other two bedrooms have queen beds.
There are also four full bathrooms in the house, giving everyone enough space and privacy. With a well-stocked kitchen and other thoughtful touches like a pool table, this vacation rental is a great choice for your Fort Lauderdale stay.
Best Budget Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale for a Group | 3 BR Home
If you want to be close to the hubbub of the heart of Fort Lauderdale, while also being able to come home and have a quiet night’s rest, this vacation rental will suit you well.
This holiday home is only a mile away from Las Olas, but is located on a quiet dead-end street, giving you enough serenity and calmness for a peaceful night’s sleep.
The house itself has three bedrooms with one king and two queen beds. However, the sofa in the living room folds out into a queen-sized bed for extra guests. The house is very affordable and is great for a group on a budget.
Budget Tip: Dorms in Fort Lauderdale start from $10USD per bed. They’re the cheapest accommodation in the city. Search for hostels in the area!
Cheapest Luxury Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale | Huge Mansion
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you stay at this vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale. The rental is a wonderful combination of old-school comforts and resort-style facilities.
As soon as you step into the luxurious foyer and admire the grand interiors of this 4,363 square feet mansion, you will be blown away by what you see.
The 4,363 sq. ft. home opens up through the dramatic entrance to reveal the grand salon and a private elevator. There are 3 bedrooms (master suite with large sitting area + 2 ensuite bedrooms), plus 3.5 baths, so there is plenty of space for everyone. There is also a formal living room, formal dining room, separate family/TV room, breakfast nook, wrap-around terrace, large kitchen with island and breakfast bar with all the top-of-the-range appliances
Your stay there will also include a complimentary club membership access to the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, where you can enjoy amenities like umbrellas and lounge chair service, multiple pools, jacuzzi, cabanas, spas for adults, and much more.
Accessible Vacation Rental in Fort Lauderdale | Wheelchair-Friendly Home
This charming single-level private guesthouse may only have 2 bedrooms, but can comfortably sleep 10 guests, making it also perfect for people on a strict budget.
The outdoor private patio features two unique outdoor bathtubs, as well as an outdoor shower and pool. Guests will share the pool with the owner who lives in the main house on the same gated property.
The large outdoor pavilion next to the pool has a bar, sink, ice chests, grill, refrigerator, TV, and sound system to keep you entertained.
Final Thoughts
There is no dearth of good vacation rentals in Fort Lauderdale, and we feel we have found the best. While many vacation rentals offer stunning water views, both of the ocean and the little inlets of the New River, and others located bang in the middle of all the action – there is no shortage of excellent options to choose from.
Having a good home base to come back to at the end of the day will make your vacation even more enjoyable and memorable. I hope this post helped make things easier in choosing a vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale. Did you have a favourite on our list? Let us know in the comments.
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