Originally Posted by worldspan

Been going over to Fort Lauderdale beach for over 60 years (from my nearby home in Naples) and bring my grandchildren there regularly to this day. So here is my 2 cents! Forgive the phrase, but you are dealing with a lot of old ladies there. The common thread amongst all of them is that the rooms are relatively tiny. That said, here is my take on each one:

1. Westin Beach - Nothing to write home about. So very "60's" from when it was built even with all its rebuilds/renovations.
2. AC - Certainly very new (6 months old) and the rooms/bathrooms are very contemporary and quite nice. The problem is that the pool deck and pool are extremely tiny. I would normally say this is the place to go but with kids and no doubt their likely to be spending a lot of time at the pool the AC will not work.
3. W - Not kid friendly and unless you are at 6% bodyfat, six pack abs and the tat's to sport, you will not be comfortable here.
4. Cadillac - likely too art deco atmosphere the kids will not enjoy
5. Courtyard FLL beach - Great location but again a tiny pool and very limited deck seating space
6. Marriott Harbor Beach - If it were me this is where I would go. This property having been built in the 1980's, the smack on the sand location makes it feel like a real resort you might find on a Caribbean Island. About 1/2 mile further south from the "main drag" on Fort Lauderdale beach you are not missing anything. The pool while still in its '80s rock/grotto motif is huge and the kids will have a blast. The beach is just feet away. There is a kids program to boot. At the time you are going most afternoons as many as 9 cruise ships will be sailing out of Port Everglades 1/2 mile south and the visual from Harbor beach of those ships so close the kids as well as adults will enjoy. Size of rooms/bathrooms not all that great here but if I had to go to a MC branded property with kids this is where I would go.

All that said, if brand loyalty was not an issue and just paying the nightly rate you might want to consider:

1. Fort Lauderdale Beach Hilton- All suite property, their "beach house" accommodations are double to triple the size of hotel rooms elsewhere in town. Just had beachfront 1 bedroom suite with 2 full bathrooms over July 4th. The staff is nasty but you cannot beat the accommodations.
2. Lago Mar - A real Ft. Lauderdale old lady as well that does need refurbishment. That said, the suites are a really generous size, the food and beverage operation is great, and another smack on the sand location that is even closer (short walk to the jetty at Port Everglades) where you can take the kids for a really exciting experience. The pool/deck area makes you feel like you are at a resort in Jamaica/Barbados/Grenada!

Hope that all helps!