Fort Lauderdale Beach is crowded. Honestly, it’s a chaotic mix of neon-lit bars, high-end luxury condos, and tourists wandering around in flip-flops looking for a decent taco. But if you walk far enough south toward the jetty, you hit this massive, white building shaped like a ship. It’s impossible to miss. That is the B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale, and it has a history that is way more interesting than your average Marriott or Hilton.
Most people know it for the mermaids. Yeah, real people in fins swimming behind a bar. But there is a lot more to this place than just a kitschy underwater show. It used to be the Yankee Clipper back in the 1950s. Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe used to hang out here. You can almost feel that old-school Hollywood ghost lingering in the hallways, even though the lobby now looks like a sleek, modern gallery.
It’s one of the few hotels in the city that is actually on the beach. Not across the street. Not "near" the water. You walk out the back door and your toes are in the Atlantic. That matters in a city where the A1A traffic can turn a five-minute walk into a twenty-minute sweat-fest.
The Mermaid Legacy at the Wreck Bar
You can't talk about B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale without talking about the Wreck Bar. It’s legendary. It’s one of the last remaining "porthole bars" in the world. You’re sitting there sipping a Mai Tai, and suddenly, a mermaid swims past the window behind the liquor bottles. It’s surreal.
The MeduSirena Mermaid Show isn't some low-budget gimmick. Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid (that's her real stage name) has been running this show for years, and she is a local icon. They do family-friendly shows, but the "Aquamen" boylesque and the late-night adult shows are where things get actually interesting. It feels like a fever dream from 1956, and that is exactly why it works.
While other resorts are trying to be the most "minimalist" or "industrial-chic," the Wreck Bar just leans into the weirdness of mid-century Florida. It’s dark. It smells a bit like old wood and salt. It’s perfect.
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Staying in the Clipper Wing vs. the Excellence Tower
Here is something travel agents won't always tell you: where you stay in the building changes your entire vibe. The resort is split.
The Clipper Wing is the historic part. It’s shaped like a cruise ship. The rooms here feel more intimate, maybe a bit smaller, but they have that "I’m on a boat" energy. If you want the classic experience, stay here. Then you have the Excellence Tower. It’s newer, taller, and the views are insane. You can see the entire coastline curving up toward Pompano Beach.
Is it perfect? No. It’s a busy resort. Sometimes the elevators are slow. Sometimes the pool deck gets packed with kids. But the rooms are clean, the beds are surprisingly soft, and they have these massive floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you're floating over the ocean.
Eating and Drinking (Beyond the Mermaids)
Most people hit the Wreck Bar and then leave to find food elsewhere. That’s a mistake. Naked Crab is the main restaurant, and while the name is a bit "Florida touristy," the food is actually solid. They do a Mediterranean-meets-seafood thing. Get the local snapper. Don't overthink it.
If you’re just looking for a quick caffeine fix, there’s a place called B'Stro in the lobby. It’s fine. It’s a lobby cafe. But it’s convenient when you’re heading out for a 7:00 AM walk on the beach.
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What’s cool about the location is that you are right next to the 17th Street Causeway. You can walk (or take a short Uber) to some of the best "local" spots that aren't overrun by spring breakers. Places like Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill or Southport Raw Bar. You get the best of both worlds: the beach resort life and the actual Fort Lauderdale food scene.
The Beach Situation
Let’s be real. The main reason you book B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale is the sand. Because the resort sits on a private stretch of beach, you don't have to deal with the public beach chaos further north. No one is blasting a Bluetooth speaker three feet from your head.
They provide loungers and umbrellas. It’s included in that "resort fee" everyone loves to hate, so you might as well use them. Pro tip: Get out there early. The sunrise over the Atlantic is the only thing worth waking up at 6:30 AM for on vacation.
Why the Location is Actually a Secret Weapon
A lot of people complain that the B Ocean is "too far south" from the main Las Olas action. They are wrong. Being at the southern tip of the beach means you are closer to the port. Watching the massive cruise ships pull out of Port Everglades is a spectacle. These things are basically floating cities, and they pass so close you feel like you could throw a tennis ball at them.
It’s also quieter. You don't have the roar of engines from people cruising A1A all night. If you want the party, it’s a five-minute ride away. If you want to sleep, you can actually do that here.
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Handling the "Resort Fee" Reality
Let’s talk money. Every big Florida resort hits you with fees. B Ocean is no different. You’re going to pay for the "B Active" fitness center, the beach chairs, and the Wi-Fi. It’s annoying, but it’s the industry standard now. Just factor it into your budget so you aren't annoyed when you see the final bill.
Also, parking. Valet is expensive. Like, "I could have bought a nice dinner" expensive. If you can avoid bringing a car, do it. Use the Brightline train if you're coming from Miami or Orlando, then just Uber around. The city is very walkable if you're stayng in this area.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you are planning to book, keep these specific points in mind to get the best experience:
- Book the Wreck Bar in advance. Do not just show up. The mermaid shows sell out weeks ahead of time, especially the weekend slots.
- Request a high floor in the Excellence Tower. The view of the sunset over the Intracoastal Waterway is just as good as the sunrise over the ocean.
- Use the Water Taxi. There is a stop nearby. It’s the best way to see the "Venice of America" without paying for a private boat charter.
- Check the event calendar. They often have "B Engaged" events, which can range from live music to art pop-ups in the lobby.
- Walk to the Jetty. Go all the way south to the rocks. It’s the best place to watch the ships and clear your head.
The B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale isn't a cookie-cutter luxury box. It’s a bit quirky, a bit historic, and very "Florida." If you want a hotel that feels like a piece of the city's history rather than just another glass tower, this is the spot. Embrace the mermaids, grab a seat by the window, and enjoy the fact that you're staying in a giant concrete ship on the sand.