by Denise Gabbard

Created on: December 22, 2009

Hollywood, Florida’s beach and the Intracoastal Waterway are well known for boating, snorkeling, and diving fun.  Being halfway between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, there are numerous walking trails, including the Hollywood Broadwalk that follows the ocean and is popular with walkers, joggers, bikers, and rollerbladers alike.  After a day of fun in the sun, retiring to a hotel that is immersed in history is the crowning touch to a unique Hollywood vacation! The following hotels are filled with Hollywood history.

Ramada Hollywood Beach Resort

The granddaddy of all hotels on Hollywood Beach, the Ramada Hollywood Beach Resort is in the midst of a $20 million renovation, the goal of which is to return the property to its former splendor.  Thankfully, a concerned group of residents/owners took control and has saved this historic gem; the hotel is a true diamond in the rough currently, but visitors still rave about the location and the history of the hotel.  Taking advantage of the ideal location, the Hollywood Beach Resort, including the massive oceanfront pool, was built in the Mediterranean Revival style similar to the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach and the Biltmore in Miami, and opened in 1926.  From now until the renovations are complete, rates are extremely low for a beachfront property, averaging around $100 in 2009.

Ramada Hollywood Beach Resort

101 North Ocean Drive

Hollywood Blvd & Ocean Drive

Hollywood, FL 33019 US

954-921-0990

Ramada.com

Desoto Oceanview Inn

The Desoto is a small, family-run inn that is completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and parks. Built in 1953, it has been lovingly renovated and maintained, with studio and efficiency rooms shaded by bougainvillea vines.  Off the beaten path and in the midst of a lush tropical landscape, you will be just steps from the ocean or the park. Borrow a bike that the owner provides free for guests and take a ride on the Broadwalk or on the trails in the North Beach Park nearby. Travel reviews of the Desoto are glowing, with many comparing it to the ambience of Key West.  This is an award-winning Superior Small Lodging property. Rates in 2009 average around $150 per night, and $700 per week.

Desoto Oceanview Inn

315 Desoto Street

 Hollywood, FL 33019

954 923 7210

Thedesoto.com

Villa Sinclair Beach Suites and Spa

Built in 1940, this unique Hollywood boutique hotel was a 2 story Spanish mansion in a previous life.  Renovated and converted to its current use while keeping the main character of the building intact, it now boasts six quaint beach suites surrounded by lush grounds and lots of privacy.  Located just steps to the hustle-bustle of the Broadwalk and white sandy beach, you will feel world’s away. The grounds feature tropical plantings and outdoor fire pits to gather around with a glass of wine in the evening, and the owners put a lot of thought into their guest’s comfort.  The hotel is rated three diamonds by AAA, and it has also won awards from the City of Hollywood for historic renovations (2004) and from Superior Small Hotels and Villas of the World in 2009. Rates in 2009 averaged around $150 per night.

Villa Sinclair Beach Suites and Spa

317 Polk Street

Hollywood, FL 33019

954-450-0000

Villa-sinclair.com

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