Plunge Beach Resort is a postcard perfect throwback to Florida beach vacations of the 1950s. Set inside a restored motel, it’s a kitschy getaway redesigned with the modern traveler in mind.
Location 9/10
Located about five miles north of Fort Lauderdale Beach’s main drag, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a quaint oceanfront town with both low-rise historic motels and modern condominium towers. Plunge is located on an oceanfront campus in the heart of town about a half-mile north of Anglin’s Fishing Pier and Commercial Boulevard, which are filled with inviting cafes and bars with live music. It’s a charming, off-the-beaten path destination offering a one-of-a-kind Florida beach getaway. One of the advantages of this location is that the hotel is truly oceanfront without a busy road standing between the hotel and the beach in the way that Fort Lauderdale Beach is designed.
“‘Help me not to be empty,’ I say to god in the Best Western parking lot.”
Melissa Broder, ‘Death Valley,’ 2023
Design 7/10
The hotel is composed of three buildings with one housing the lobby, a breakfast restaurant and adjoining coffee shop. It’s an airy space with an industrial vibe featuring polished concrete floors and an exposed ceiling softened by beachy pastel upholstered furniture and work by regional artists. The overall aesthetic is young, inviting and hip. While this building is technically across the street from the beach, it’s a pleasant amble across a quiet street to the oceanfront tower and bungalow buildings.
Amenities & Hospitality 7/10
Service is friendly and warm with a staff that’s invested in your enjoyment of the property. The hotel is home to two swimming pools, one reserved exclusively for the adults-only Bungalow wing. There’s also beach service and a fitness center, and beach cruisers are available complimentary on a first come first served basis. The area is extremely bike-friendly, so take advantage of this amenity to cruise around the charming town with ease.
With coral reef heads just offshore, this part of Fort Lauderdale is considered the diving capital of Florida and there’s plenty to discover under the sea from the hotel with a simple mask, snorkel and fins.
Rooms 7/10
Rooms are bright and colorful with surf-themed art above extremely comfortable beds. There’s also bright furniture with creative touches. Bathrooms are refreshingly modern with rainfall showers, glass walls and slate grey tile. Traditional travelers might desire more drawer and closet space, but I appreciated the simple bar with hangers and luggage rack off to one corner for a streamlined and practical use of space. Some room types boast kitchenettes and balconies, and with such affordable rates, an upgrade is easily attainable. Overall, rooms are fun and inviting and elicited an easy smile on my face.
Food & Beverage 7/10
The beachfront Backflip bar and restaurant is the place to enjoy fish tacos and tiki-style cocktails, while Octopus, back by the lobby, serves a hearty breakfast daily with dishes ranging from huevos rancheros to steak hash and eggs until noon. The onsite Bean & Barnacle coffee shop serves grab-and-go bites throughout the day.
Value 9/10
Rates from about $99 in low season and $159 in high. Book
The Bottom Line
A charming throwback South Florida beach vacation in an off-the-beaten-path stretch of Fort Lauderdale, perfect for snorkelers, divers and budget travelers.
Contact
4660 El Mar Drive; 754-312-5775; plungebeachresort.com
