The Grand Resort & Spa Fort Lauderdale Review: South Florida’s Largest Gay Clothing-Optional Resort (2026)

One thing we love most about The Grand is how social and welcoming it feels. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, it’s one of the easiest places we’ve found to naturally meet people without things ever feeling awkward or forced.

It’s also one of the few resorts where you can completely choose your own vibe. Spend the day relaxing quietly by the pool, head to Sebastian Beach, explore Wilton Manors nightlife, or embrace the clothing-optional atmosphere and fully lean into vacation mode. No judgment. No pressure. Just a very relaxed and fun energy throughout the property.

This particular stay was hosted by the resort so we could showcase the recent renovations and upgrades, but we’ve paid full price and stayed here multiple times before. If we don’t genuinely enjoy somewhere, it simply doesn’t make it onto this website or our YouTube channel.

Location: Closest Gay Hotel to the Gay Beach

⭐ Best for: Beach lovers, LGBTQ+ travelers, pre- and post-cruise stays, social pool scenes, and clothing-optional vacations

📍 Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida — approximately:

Why We Love It:

The location gives you the best of both worlds: easy beach access by day and nightlife just minutes away at night.

The Grand Resort feels surprisingly tucked away and tropical despite being so close to everything. Once you’re inside the property, the gardens, pools, and winding pathways create a private oasis atmosphere that’s hard to believe exists just steps from busy Fort Lauderdale Beach.

If you’re cruising from Port Everglades like we often are, this is also one of the best pre- or post-cruise hotel options in Fort Lauderdale.

Facilities: Pools, Hot Tubs, Spa and Fitness Center

One of the biggest reasons we wanted to revisit The Grand Resort was to see the recent upgrades firsthand — especially the new fitness center and renovated Alcazar rooms.

And honestly? The improvements are impressive.

The newly renovated gym is now located in the Alcazar section of the property and is a huge step up from the older fitness space we remembered from previous visits. The gym is spacious, modern, bright, and filled with updated equipment that makes it easy to maintain your workout routine while traveling.

The resort also features:

We especially loved the multiple outdoor showers around the property — a small detail, but one that really fits the relaxed tropical vibe.

The spa itself focuses on treatments rather than hydrotherapy facilities. We booked a Swedish massage with Robert during our stay, and it was fantastic. While there’s currently no steam room or sauna in the spa area, we’d love to see that added in the future because it would elevate the wellness experience even more.

The social atmosphere here is another huge highlight. We’ve stayed at many gay resorts around the world, and The Grand consistently stands out for how friendly and approachable both guests and staff are.

There’s a reason locals even purchase day passes just to spend afternoons here.

Accomodations: Multiple Options to Fit Most Budgets

For this stay, we booked an Alcazar Pool View Deluxe King Room — one of the renovated room categories — and it felt like a major upgrade compared to many older Fort Lauderdale gay resorts.

The room had:

The bathroom was one of our favorite parts of the room. The shower especially felt elevated and boutique-hotel quality.

We also appreciated how much brighter and more modern the Alcazar renovations feel while still maintaining that laid-back tropical Florida atmosphere.

Another nice touch? The plush robes waiting in the closet.

Room pricing varies significantly depending on season and category.

If you’re flexible with dates, summer and shoulder season often offer some of the best pricing.

Food & Drink: Casa Hombre

One of the nicest additions since our last visit is Casa Hombre, the on-site café serving breakfast and lunch.

Continental breakfast is included daily until 10:30 AM and includes:

For lunch, the café also serves sandwiches, wraps, salads, and lighter fare poolside if you don’t feel like leaving the property.

During our stay, we tried:

Both were fresh, simple, and exactly what we wanted after a long afternoon by the pool.

There’s also a small bar near the Worthington entrance serving cocktails and drinks throughout the day, which definitely contributes to the resort’s social atmosphere.

Overall Experience

This was easily our favorite stay yet at The Grand Resort & Spa.

The renovations genuinely modernize the experience while still preserving the relaxed, social, and playful atmosphere that has made this property a Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ+ institution for years.

The newly renovated Alcazar rooms feel clean, spacious, and stylish. The upgraded gym is fantastic. The pools and hot tubs remain a major highlight. And the staff throughout the property consistently made us feel welcomed and well looked after.

If you’re looking for:

…The Grand Resort & Spa absolutely deserves a spot on your radar.

Frequently Asked Questions & Travel Tips

Is The Grand Resort & Spa clothing-optional?

Mostly. The Grand Resort itself is no longer clothing-optional. However, guests have access to the connected Worthington Resort, Villa Venice, and Alcazar Resort properties, where several pool and sunbathing areas remain clothing-optional. This gives guests the flexibility to enjoy either a traditional resort atmosphere or a more clothing-optional experience during their stay.

How far is The Grand Resort & Spa from the beach?

The Grand Resort & Spa is located just two blocks from Fort Lauderdale Beach and approximately a 10-15 minute walk from Sebastian Street Beach, one of the most popular gay beaches in Florida. Its location makes it easy to spend the day at the beach and return to the resort for lunch, cocktails, or a dip in the pool.

Is The Grand Resort & Spa close to gay nightlife?

Yes. The hotel is about a 15-minute drive from Wilton Manors, one of the most famous LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in the United States. Along Wilton Drive you'll find dozens of gay bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife venues. For our favorite spots, check out our complete Gay Nightlife Guide to Fort Lauderdale.

How do you get to Fort Lauderdale?

The closest airport is:

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – approximately 15 minutes away.

Alternative airports include:

Fort Lauderdale is also one of the world's busiest cruise ports, making it an excellent pre- or post-cruise destination thanks to nearby Port Everglades.

Is Fort Lauderdale safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?

Yes. Fort Lauderdale is widely considered one of the most LGBTQ+ friendly destinations in the United States. Between Sebastian Street Beach, Wilton Manors, and the city's large year-round LGBTQ+ community, most travelers find it welcoming, inclusive, and easy to navigate.

As with any destination, it's always wise to use common sense and remain aware of your surroundings, particularly late at night.

Ready To Book?

If you're planning a trip to Fort Lauderdale and want to stay at one of the city's most iconic gay resorts, The Grand Resort & Spa is an excellent choice.

With beautifully landscaped grounds, multiple pools, a full-service spa, easy access to Sebastian Street Beach, and convenient connections to the clothing-optional Worthington, Alcazar, and Villa Venice resorts, it's easy to see why so many guests return year after year.

Whether you're visiting for a relaxing beach getaway, a long weekend in Wilton Manors, or simply looking for one of the best gay hotels in Fort Lauderdale, The Grand Resort & Spa offers a welcoming atmosphere and an unbeatable location.