If you’re scrolling through travel sites looking for a place to crash in South Florida, you’ve probably seen the name Il Lugano Fort Lauderdale pop up. Honestly, it’s a bit of a chameleon. Depending on which link you click, it’s either a sleek Marriott hotel or a multi-million dollar residential tower.
It's both.
Basically, this building at 3333 NE 32nd Avenue is a "condo-hotel" hybrid that has gone through a few identity shifts since it opened its doors in 2008. Most people think it’s just another chain hotel because of the big Residence Inn by Marriott sign on the front. But the top floors? That’s where the real "Il Lugano" lives. We're talking 23 private, ultra-exclusive residences that sit high above the hotel guests, offering views that make you realize why people pay $3 million to live here.
The Identity Crisis: Is it a Hotel or a Home?
Let’s clear this up right away. If you book a room here, you’re technically staying at the Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal/Il Lugano. It’s a mouthful. You get the Marriott Bonvoy points, the free breakfast (which, let’s be real, can be a hit or miss depending on how busy the lobby is), and the standard hotel service.
But the building itself was designed with a "boutique-meets-luxe" vibe that most Residence Inns don't have. It doesn't feel like a corporate pit stop. The lobby has those high Venetian plaster walls and a chandelier that looks like it belongs in a Bond villain's Mediterranean lair.
The structure is split:
- Lower Floors: 105 hotel suites managed by Marriott.
- Upper Floors (Top 5): The actual Il Lugano residences.
These aren't just "big hotel rooms." The private condos are massive, some stretching over 4,000 square feet with 10-foot ceilings. If you’re a resident, you have your own private elevator. You don't have to worry about bumping into a family of four in wet swimsuits while you're trying to get to your penthouse.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
If you're staying on the hotel side, you’re getting a suite. No cramped "standard king" rooms here. Every single unit has a kitchen. And a washer/dryer.
That last part is huge.
If you’ve ever spent a week in Florida humidity, you know that being able to throw your salt-crusted clothes in the wash without paying $15 per shirt for "valet laundry" is a game changer. The balconies are also a big win. You’re either looking at the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway.
Expert tip: go for the Intracoastal view.
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Most people hunt for "oceanfront," but the Intracoastal is where the action is. You get to watch the mega-yachts crawl by, and at night, the lights of the Fort Lauderdale skyline look way better than a pitch-black ocean.
However, let’s be honest about the age. The building was built in 2008. While it’s been maintained, some of the furniture in the hotel suites is starting to show its years. You might see a scuff on a baseboard or a sofa that’s seen a few too many spring breaks. It’s "faded glamour" in some spots, though Marriott has been pushing updates to keep it competitive with the newer spots on the beach.
The Waterfront Experience
The location is kinf of the "secret" part of Fort Lauderdale. It’s north of the main Las Olas madness. You’re close enough to Uber to the bars in five minutes, but you’re far enough away that you can actually sleep.
The hotel sits right on the water, and they have a private dock. This is a major perk for the "boating capital of the world." You can actually have a Water Taxi pick you up right from the hotel's backyard.
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Dining and Perks
- G&B Dockside: The new kid on the block. As of late 2025 and into 2026, the dining scene here has shifted to focus on that "dockside" lifestyle.
- The Pool: It’s on the ground level, right next to the waterway. It’s not a massive "resort" pool with slides and DJ booths. It’s more of a "sip a gin and tonic while watching a $50 million yacht pass by" type of pool.
- The Beach: You aren't on the sand. It’s a short walk—maybe three or four minutes—across the bridge. The hotel usually provides chairs and umbrellas, which saves you from the $40 rental fee on the public beach.
Why Investors Love Il Lugano
The real estate side of Il Lugano Fort Lauderdale is a different beast. Because there are only 23 residences, they rarely hit the market. When they do, they move fast. In early 2026, we’ve seen units listed everywhere from $1.5 million to well over $3 million.
The "low" HOA fees—relatively speaking, for a luxury waterfront building—are a big draw. Owners get the best of both worlds: the privacy of a boutique condo and the amenities of a Marriott-managed hotel. If you live there, you can call down for valet, use the fitness center, or have the concierge handle your packages.
It’s basically living in a hotel without the "hotel" feel.
The Reality Check: Is it Worth It?
If you’re expecting the ultra-modern, glass-and-neon vibe of the W Fort Lauderdale or the Ritz-Carlton, you might find Il Lugano a bit "classic." It’s more Italian-inspired than Miami-modern.
Also, the parking.
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Valet is pretty much your only option. And like most of South Florida, it isn't cheap. If you’re staying for a week, factor that into your budget because it adds up fast. Some guests have complained about wait times during peak hours, so if you have a dinner reservation at 8:00, call for your car at 7:40.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
- Ask for a High Floor: Even if you're in the hotel, the views get exponentially better once you clear the 5th floor.
- Use the Water Taxi: Don't bother driving to Las Olas. The Water Taxi is a more fun, less stressful way to see the city.
- Grocery Delivery: Since you have a full kitchen, use a service like Instacart. There’s a Publix nearby, and having a stocked fridge makes the "all-suite" experience much better.
- Check the Renovation Status: Always check the latest Marriott reviews before booking. They've been doing "soft renovations" in stages throughout 2025 and 2026.
Whether you're looking to buy a permanent slice of the Intracoastal or just want a room with a washer for your beach trip, Il Lugano Fort Lauderdale remains one of the more unique spots in the city. It's not the newest, but the blend of residential privacy and hotel convenience is hard to beat.
Check the current suite rates on the Marriott app or look at local real estate listings to see if any of those 23 "crown jewel" residences have opened up. Be sure to confirm dockage availability if you're arriving by water, as slips are limited and usually require a reservation.