The Essential Guide to Business Travel in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale’s job market is booming, attracting top professionals from across the country.  With this growth, a lot of companies are sending their very best employees there to strengthen partnerships and expand their networks. While traveling for business can be really exciting (especially when the company’s footing the bill for those cushy business class seats and fancy dinners), exploring a new city can also feel a bit daunting.

Luckily, Fort Lauderdale is really welcoming, and with some planning, you’ll settle in in no time. Whether you’re looking to explore top dining spots, for packing advice or to find a hotel in the area, these tips will help:

Where to Stay

With your flights sorted by the company, it’s time to focus on where you’ll be staying. After all, the right hotel can make all the difference in maximizing productivity. Here’s a look at some of Fort Lauderdale’s best business hotels:

The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton in Fort Lauderdale sits right on the beach, offering beautiful ocean views and luxury amenities. Inspired by the ships sailing along the coast, the hotel’s design features an incredible infinity pool six stories up, where guests can enjoy views of the ocean.

For business guests, this hotel provides over 24,000 square feet of conference space, where you can host anything from trade shows and board meetings to corporate retreats and banquets. Meeting spaces come with full support, including catering, audiovisual services, and unique touches like a photo concierge to capture event highlights.

When it’s time to take a break from work, you can enjoy an a la carte meal at Burlock Coast, the hotel’s waterfront restaurant. It highlights fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, and a creative rum-focused cocktail menu.

The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach

For companies seeking a top-tier hotel with a more affordable alternative to a 5-star resort, The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is an excellent choice. This four-star hotel is ideally located on the beach and features 432 redesigned rooms and suites.

For working travelers, The Westin provides 37,460 square feet of flexible meeting space, including 14 event rooms ideal for conferences, meetings, and corporate retreats. The largest room accommodates up to 950 people, and all spaces are equipped with essential event tools like podiums, spotlights, and flip charts.

Guests can also enjoy a variety of dining options, including Lona Cocina Tequileria, where Chef Pablo Salas serves Mexican cuisine with his own modern twist. And, during the day, Waves Bar & Grill offers poolside meals.

Where to Eat

If you’re feeling a little cooped up at your hotel and want to go out for dinner there are some brilliant dinner options to explore:

Dune

Seeking a refined dining experience? Chef Laurent Tourondel’s Dune offers a sophisticated blend of modern and traditional decor. This oceanside restaurant presents a contemporary take on contemporary coastal cuisine, perfect for those looking to impress clients.

Start your meal with the Yellowtail Crudo, paired with a key-lime honey dressing and avocado salad. For the main course, the seafood ravioli, filled with bay scallops, shrimp, and mascarpone cheese, offers a luxurious taste. For a showstopper dessert, the Baked Alaska Celebration Cake serves 2 to 6 and features a rich combination of chocolate and vanilla gelato, orange confit, and hazelnut Or, if you’re dining solo, the Mochi, with flavors like salted caramel and chocolate pretzel, provides a deliciously unique finish to your meal.

Casa d’Angelo

For business travelers in search of timeless Italian cuisine, Casa d’Angelo offers a classic, elegant dinner experience. One of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest and most beloved restaurants, Casa d’Angelo is owned by the legendary Angelo Elio, an Amalfi Coast native who has earned acclaim at top locations like Boca Raton and Aspen.

Start with the Fiori Di Zucca, crispy zucchini flowers stuffed with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella filling, served with a roasted tomato aioli. For the main course, indulge in the Costoletta Di Vitello, a 16oz grilled veal chop paired with grilled vegetables and a rich wild mushroom marsala sauce. Don’t forget to try their signature cocktail, the Sogno Americano, a refreshing blend of Grey Goose, passion fruit, apricot, lemon juice, simple syrup, and a dash of pepper flakes.

What to Pack

Fort Lauderdale’s tropical climate means you can expect warm, sunny days year-round, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s in the winter to the 90s in the summer. This means you’ll want to pack light, breathable fabrics that keep you cool while still looking professional. Think lightweight blazers, short-sleeve shirts, and wrinkle-free trousers for your meetings.

If you’re planning to explore outside of your hotel or attend any outdoor events, don’t forget a good pair of walking shoes for strolls along the Riverwalk or the beach. A light jacket or sweater might come in handy too during the cooler evenings, especially in air-conditioned spaces. The above restaurants also require you to dress formally so include some smart evening wear for dinner.

Here’s a complete checklist of essential items you’ll want to pack:

• Passport/ID
• Boarding pass
• Laptop & chargers
• Headphones & earbuds
• Phone charger
• Notebook and pen
• Petty cash & credit cards
• Reusable water bottle
• Pajamas
• Socks & underwear
• 1 set of workout clothes
• 1 suit with two shirts
• 1 pair of pants/jeans
• 2 nice tops, for dinners or after-work events.
• Light fleece or sweater
• 1 pair of dress shoes
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
• Swimsuit
• Glasses/contacts
• Sunglasses
• Toothbrush & toothpaste
• Razor & shaving cream
• Mini shampoo & conditioner
• Hairbrush
• Dry shampoo
• Deodorant
• Prescriptions
• Pain relieving medication
• Moisturizer & makeup
• Lip balm
• Portable charger
• Gum/mints
• Healthy snacks

For those planning to travel super light, you may not need all of the items listed above, but packing the essentials will guarantee you’re ready for both business meetings and downtime.

Final Thoughts

You’re now more than ready to make the most of your business trip to Fort Lauderdale. With the right mix of professional accommodations, smart packing, and local insights, you’ll be set for a productive and enjoyable experience. Safe travels, and enjoy your time!