Greater Fort Lauderdale's Superior Small Lodgings: Think Charming, Informal, Intimate and Friendly

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Alhambra, Angelfish Inn, Bougainvillea on the Beach, Pelican Place, Pineapple Point, Sans Souci: for some of Greater Fort Lauderdale's 77 Superior Small Lodging properties, the name is the first hint of the charming and unique vacation experience to come. For others, it is when a guest shuts out the rest of the world by stepping into a secluded, intimate tropical garden surrounding an enticing swimming pool. Still, for others, the first sense of a very special vacation happens with a warm personal welcome, handshake and smile from the owner of the property.

The Superior Small Lodgings collection, established by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, consists of properties with 50 rooms or less – in some cases only a handful – that have undergone an annual comprehensive and independent review process covering a variety of categories: public spaces, guest accommodations, bathrooms and bathroom supplies, kitchens, and property exterior. The unique program started in 1989 and today its success and popularity have led to a statewide program.

An additional standard of service is the annual presentation of the White Glove Awards for best housekeeping practices at Superior Small Lodging properties. Awards are presented to properties that score 100 percent during an independent housekeeping inspection. In 2010, 33 hotels and inns received the White Glove Award. Many in the collection also have ratings from other hospitality organizations such as AAA.

The SSL designation ensures that travelers can depend on quality, comfort, personalized service, appealing prices, individual character, and location. All are conveniently located within close proximity to Greater Fort Lauderdale's beaches, parks and golf courses, restaurants, shops and cultural venues. There are downtown, beachfront, golf course and waterfront locations, with ambiences inspired by elegant European villas, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Polynesia and, of course, the authentic charm of South Florida. There are cozy boutique hotels, individual villa homes, rooms, apartments, suites and even pet friendly accommodations. Fresh water swimming pools also add to the enjoyment while kitchens provide convenience.

Despite their differences of character or location, every SSL property offers a distinctive vacation experience shared with owners, staff and other guests, whether it is a family sharing drinks around the pool, a weekly BBQ or morning coffee under palm trees in a protected courtyard. Visitors from across North America and around the world can find an SSL hotel, inn, B&B or guesthouse that matches individual tastes, needs and interests, including those of families, seniors and singles. Within the collection are many properties catering to Greater Fort Lauderdale's numerous GLBT vacationers, including clothing optional choices.

Superior Small Lodgings in Greater Fort Lauderdale may be found in the following communities: Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Hillsboro Beach and Hallandale Beach. For more information about Superior Small Lodgings in Greater Fort Lauderdale, please visit www.sunny.org/SSL.

About Greater Fort Lauderdale

From the sawgrass to the seagrass, Greater Fort Lauderdale boasts more than 34,000 lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and Superior Small Lodgings reflecting a "beach chic" vibe. Visitors enjoy 23 miles of Blue Wave certified beaches, discover 300+ miles of inland waterways that run from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Everglades, dine at thousands of restaurants and eateries, get immersed in a thriving arts and culture scene and indulge in top shopping. For more info, contact the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 22-SUNNY or visit www.sunny.org.

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau can also be followed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitlauderdale or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitlauderdale. To have Greater Fort Lauderdale in the palm of your hand, download the free iPhone application, iVisitLauderdale at www.sunny.org/iphone.

SOURCE Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau