The Pillars Hotel and Club, an Small Luxury Hotel

Recently had dinner at the Pillars Hotel. Everything from start to finish was exceptional. The setting, the service, and the food were all topnotch. Great "South Florida" classic vibe. We just had drinks and dinner but the hotel looks very inviting. We have friends coming to visit from out west and will book a stay here for them. Look forward to returning.Highly recommend.

Disappointing and Not Worth the Price This was, without question, the most disappointing hotel stay I’ve ever had—especially for a property charging nearly $1,000 per night or 100,000 Hilton Honors points. Before arrival, the cancellation policy was rigid and misleading: I was told I would lose my entire balance, only to later learn the actual penalty was 50%. That set the tone for the rest of the stay. On site, the property felt poorly maintained and disorganized. The front desk was frequently unattended, there was no warm welcome, and even basic things like luggage storage were nonexistent—guests were told to leave bags in random corners. My room had musty odors, cracked tiles, loose fixtures, damaged blinds with no curtains, no window shades, and an extremely loud HVAC unit directly over the bed, making sleep difficult. Noise insulation was minimal, and the bathroom’s glass design lit up the bed whenever the light was turned on. Despite being a Hilton Diamond member, breakfast was limited to a $15 continental option, which felt inadequate for a hotel positioning itself as luxury. We ultimately canceled our dinner reservation because we no longer trusted the property, and even that process was frustrating—calls went unanswered, voicemail wasn’t returned, and when I finally found someone, there was no apology or acknowledgment. Management’s dismissive responses to similar guest complaints online only reinforced my concerns. Taken together, these issues make this property feel far more like a poorly maintained short-term rental than a premium Hilton hotel. At this price point, I expected far better. I would strongly caution others to think twice before booking.

Food is so delicious and the view is stunning! but what really made a wonderful experience was our waitress, Elena. She is attentive, friendly, and truly makes guests feel welcome. Her service was seamless without ever being intrusive, and she has a great eye for detail. You can tell she genuinely cares about providing an exceptional experience. Thank you!

This hotel exceeded our expectations in every way. The Pillars offers a serene, upscale environment that feels like a private escape. The restaurant was very good and added so much to the overall experience. We felt well taken care of from beginning to end, and Aleisha’s warm and attentive service made a lasting impression. Highly recommend.

Beautiful boutique hotel with a peaceful, upscale atmosphere. The restaurant was very good, with great food and a relaxed setting, and the overall service was excellent. The staff was friendly and attentive throughout our stay, especially Aleisha, the front desk manager, who made everything seamless from start to finish. A true hidden gem in Fort Lauderdale and definitely worth a visit.

I really wanted to love this place but it was kind of one issue after another. What was good: The location was really nice. A little loud but such an easy walk to the beach, the pool area was really well manicured and the landscaping was beautiful, and the place had a lot of charm and personality. The help I got when I called the hotel in advance was excellent, the people I spoke to were very kind and helpful. Everything else: When I checked in, we weren't given any details regarding our Hilton benefits, or even when checkout was, but I thought I had remembered something about breakfast so I called later and asked. They explained the continental breakfast was included and told me checkout was at noon. The next day we called and ordered the continental breakfasts and it was inedible. They gave us each 3 mini pastries which were each hard as a rock, and 2 slices of toast with some butter and jam, and a pot of coffee. To their credit, when I went to let them know that the food they gave us was stale and hard as a rock, they offered to make us something else and they ended up making us each 2 pancakes, but those were not good either (though they were at least edible so it was an improvement.) I was surprised because I thought this location was supposed to have really good food, so getting inedible pastries really surprised me. Our room was nice and generally pretty clean, but there were hairs from the previous guests in various places in our bathroom such as on the wall and on the countertop. There were no privacy curtains, only a blackout curtain, so we only had the option to be in a dark room with the blackout curtain drawn, or leave our blinds wide open so people in the buildings across the street could look right in at us which I thought was strange. Our room was right on the road which I was concerned would be really loud, and there was quite a lot of road noise from sirens and what sounded like some drag racing at night, but the worst noise ended up coming from somewhere else in the building. It sounded like someone above us was dragging heavy furniture around in the middle of the night, so we blasted some white noise in order to sleep through it. We asked for a late checkout and they told us they could only accommodate 12:30pm which was totally fine with us, but then at 11:30am housekeeping came and started slamming on our door, I opened the door very confused because we were told checkout was at noon and then the front desk had told us 12:30pm was ok. I let her know that was the case and she kind of just turned around and left (again, very strange and off-putting.) I had really amazing service from the hotel when I called ahead to book, they were very helpful and kind. But the help we got when we were actually at the hotel was very cold. I felt like every question I asked or request I made felt like I was a huge inconvenience to them, which was not a good feeling at all. In the end, I would recommend spending a little more and staying down the street at the Conrad.

Wonderful experience at the bar. Elena was exceptional — attentive, friendly, and clearly very talented. Her cocktail recommendations were perfect, and she made the evening feel special. Truly high-level service that reflects the elegance of the hotel.

Without a doubt, The Pillars Hotel & Club is the coziest in Fort Lauderdale, with an engaging atmosphere that makes us feel loved, offering very special dinners and top-quality live music. And all of this graced with a stunning sunset. Truly a unique experience that everyone should have. Congratulations on making our dreams come true.

This is a beautiful hotel and the staff is very friendly. We had dinner on the water. Which, is one of the best settings that I have seen on the Intracoastal in Southern Florida. The restaurant at this hotel is a French Restaurant. I believe that it is only accessible to hotel guests and members of the restaurant though. I had the Hummus Appetizer, Beet Salad and the Duck for an entree and they were ALL VERY GOOD! If you have a chance to dine here on a nice evening, I think that you will likely, very much enjoy it.

I recently celebrated my birthday with a girls' night at the Secret Garden Dining Club at The Pillars Hotel, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. This small boutique hotel only lets hotel guests or members dine there, which made the evening feel extra special. Since it was a sweltering South Florida night, we decided to eat inside, but I can't wait to come back in cooler weather to enjoy their lovely outdoor tables by the water. We started with a complimentary glass of Prosecco, a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, and some appetizers like mussels and grilled peaches with bacon. I had the seared yellowfin tuna for my entrée, and my friends ordered the soup of the day and the butternut squash ravioli. We kept the wine flowing and finished with Limoncello and a birthday dessert. Everything was delicious, and the service was excellent. This was my first visit, but it definitely won't be my last!

Hilton SLH- NOT ADA--no amenities- no water upon arrival. Not ADA couldn't go up to 2nd floor no elevator. there is 1 handicapped spot they let everyone who eats here park in the handicapped spot even if they aren't. No registration for auto plate l, no gym, if your looking for a Hilton experience don't stop here. Checking into room previous people left food in fridge. Manager came with maid removed food but didn't clean fridge, Couldn't get an upgrade no elevator no free continental breakfast as described. No extra towels provided. Gate has code but they leave it opened not safe, fell due to slippery walk to car not ADA!!!note!! This is a Hilton Honors property! The manager giu wouldn't give me my points back, didn't give breakfast does not h@ve digital key. I will give up my Hilton honors because they stood ny him because of SLH they aren't they are no better than motel 6,7,8.

The Pillars Hotel and Club was a jaw-dropping and outstanding experience From the moment you pull in the driveway, you start to feel the vacation feeling begin. The decor is very elegant and classy from outside appearance all the way into every detail inside. The lounge, dining room, the pool area, and outside eating on the water are just perfect! The customer service is very kind and always right there if you ever need anything from information with where the ice machine is, to ordering a cocktail, or even just requesting a new towel. The hotel room was perfect, definitely my best room I've ever stayed at. It was very open, clean, and bright. The location of the Pillars is perfect, you're literally walking distance from Fort Lauderdale beach. I'll be honest I didn't want to leave the hotel and club. I would like to wrap up and say make sure you make a dinner reservation out on the water. It is so relaxing and definitely a mood to impress anyone for any occasion. The service was magical, and the Hotel and Club decor makes the moment spectacular, especially if it's at sunset. 10/10 I can't wait to go back, and I look forward to it. Thanks to the whole staff for making me and my special someone a magical and carefree experience!

There are not enough adjectives to describe the experience you will have at The Pillars Hotel and their dining club, "The Secret Garden." I have had the pleasure of eating at their dining club several times over the past 15 years or so, but also showcased The Pillars and their dining club, "The Secret Garden" as a television host for The American Dream TV Network. The 1st episode/pilot that I filmed was called "The Secrets of Central Beach," and the hotel and dining club was on my mind when coming up with the contents for the show. I had a great interview with the general manager, Gui - and I would definitely suggest that anyone who has the chance to get the honor of the experience of "The Secret Garden" - you won't be disappointed, in fact - it will be a memorable experience - Jamie Gillard | Real Estate & Lifestyle Expert and television host for The American Dream TV Network

What a great place to stay. The rooms were clean the staff is professional. The grounds crew stay busy keeping the area clean . The pool is a nice size. The pillars is rite off the beach with an easy walk to everything. We will definitely return to Pillars when in the area again.

This is such a lovely boutique hotel and I enjoyed my brief stay thoroughly. Nice room, sweet and attentive staff, dock on the intracoastal to watch the sunset. It just has such a cozy yet chic vibe to it. But best of all was the staff. They really go out of their way to serve and make their guests feel special. Parking is easy too. What a nice alternative to the large chains in the area. Definitely recommend and definitely would return.

I would give the restaurant a TEN star review if I could!! Once again, the Pillars is Fantastic. My wife's Birthday dinner with Family was just perfect. The staff at the Pillars is #1 !!. I cannot say enough good things. From the wine to the chocolate cake, everything was spot on and performed smoothly. All of my Family faved about all of it, from the soup to the salad,to the veal chop to the ravioli. I had the most wonderful beet salad. followed up by the veal. My wife and son had the delicious lamb. I thank the entire staff for an evening done well. We cannot wait to return!

This is by far the best hotel I've ever been too. The room was spacious and completely spotless and I was in awe with the decor. The food was some of the best food I've ever eaten. I would definitely recommend the amazing crab cakes I could eat that every single day. The staff was extremely attentive and went out of their way to ensure that I had an amazing birthday ! It is located in a beautiful area looking over the water. I definitely plan on going back with my significant other again as soon as possible !

This is an elegant boutique hotel on the inter coastal. The restaurant and the food is to die for. Unfortunately/ Fortunately the restaurant is for hotel guests and members only. They have a wait list for a membership but it's worth the wait. Top notch service, most wonderful view and ambiance. Perfect for a special occasion or entertaining guests.

This place was absolutely delicious. For an appetizer I had the watermelon salad. And for my main, I had the sea diver scallops. I would totally order that again. The ambiance was really nice, I think it's reservation only. We sat outside and when the food came, so did all of the flies, but as soon as the staff put a few candles down the flies disappeared. I had the key lime pie here and it was just okay, I probably would order a different dessert next time. It seemed like the pie melted kind of fast. Staff was friendly and prompt.

Average food. Same menu every night with the same 5 options. Service is poor, waiters have to be reminded constantly. God forbid you have to eat inside if the weather is bad.

Just returned home from another wonderful dining experience at the pillars. It was my 2nd time there and I was excited to try the amazing food again. The hotel/restaurant is small and quaint, but has so much charm and character. The terrace by the water is an absolutely gorgeous place to sit and dine with it's scenic views of the water and passing boats. Since it was rather rainy out it was we decided to sit indoors. Every Monday they choose a region of the world to incorporate into the menu of the day. Tonight was Sicily and everything was outstanding. We started off with an orange fennel salad, next was the seared ahi tuna pasta and last but not least was the tiramisu. Both the service and the food were exceptional!

This review is for The Secret Garden members only dining. I have not stayed at the hotel and my friends who are members told me that it's currently under renovation. When we arrived we were given a complimentary glass of champagne. We sat outside by the pool while we waited for one more in our party. The outside is really beautiful, there are tables so you can dine outside right on the Intracoastal. Since it was a very hot evening we decided to dine inside. The dining room is almost elegant but not so that you feel like it's formal, it's very comfortable. They have a really nice selection on the menu. Appetizers included different salads my one friend got the watermelon and feta salad. I was tempted to try the cauliflower soup will have to do that next time. They brought fresh bread to the table with a really nice hummus pesto dip. Their entrees include a selection of prawns, grouper, tuna,, steak and pasta. Two of my friends had the prawns which looked great and I will order that next time. My other two friends had the steak which they said was excellent. I had the grouper that came with asparagus and was very good. The dessert menu looks great and I was really tempted to have the creme brulee but we were all full and decided to pass. Next time we'll have to try one of the desserts. The service is good, attentive but not overdone. After dinner we went outside to sit by the water since it had cooled off a little bit. It's so pretty outside to see all the lights along the Intracoastal and the mansions and boats that sit right there. Secret Garden is a nice little getaway in Fort Lauderdale that most people probably don't know about. Looking forward to going again with my girlfriends.

We live 20 minutes away, but we keep coming here for wonderful Staycations (more than 15 times since 2018). So peaceful, quiet, and relaxing. Not far from all the action, but you can easily attend or avoid what you do or don't want. Just had some friends in from Dallas for a 3 night stay before they headed to the Keys. The Pillar's staff was exceptional, as usual. They Loved The Pillar's! Chef Hammi and his kitchen personnel are Exceptional! It is our Home away from Home Ed M. Lauderhill FL

The best part of this hotel is the restaurant. It overlooks the intercoastal waterway, and if the weather is sketchy, dine inside. The hotel itself is very modern and intimate, although there are a few glitches that we noticed. The locks on the doors are a little bit funky, the air conditioner is rather loud, and I really prefer a hotel of this caliber to have feather pillows. But the staff was very cordial, the place is very nicely decorated, and we appreciated the free parking. The beach is about four blocks away,

Blows the Ritz and W away...unless you are into that big box anonymity and blasé attitude . Im a Marriott platinum member but so glad I stayed here instead. Its in the thick of things but oh so tucked away and relaxing. This place is all about quality not quantity. Not hard to see why they've won all the awards. And even though I've been here only 3 nights, I'll genuinely miss some of the staff because yes they are that good. Can't wait to come back!

My wife and I just had the greatest weekend staying at the hotel. Our service dog was welcomed with a smile, the staff was so kind and accommodating, from the front desk to the cleaning service. Top notch service and superb location- a 5m walk to the beach, yet far enough to have a quite lay by the pool. Highly recommend, we can't wait to return!

What a hidden gem! Tucked away behind all the towering beach resorts that line A1A is The Pillars Hotel. Although I have not stayed here, I was invited to dinner with some friends who are members of The Secret Garden. This hotel is lovely. Lots of little details that make you feel cozy. Warm lighting, a guestbook in the foyer (love that!), plush seating by the pool and an incredible view of the intercostal. Drinks at the bar were amazing. Dinner was fabulous. If you ever get the chance to dine here, take it! Wonderful experience and delicious food served by a staff that gives world class service. Can't wait to return....hopefully for a weekend!

Delicious and wonderful evening! As soon as you walk in you are greeted with such a wonderful, welcoming feeling. The scent that you smell in the lobby and bar is one you wish you could bottle up and take with you. We were invited for a delicious dinner party. I have never had a better arugula salad. The candied pecans are AMAZING!! My pan roasted grouper was huge and cooked to perfection. My husband chose the filet mignon and the potato hash that it came with was delicious.

The Secret Garden Dining Club at The Pillars is a hidden gem. It is a private club, so you need to go with a member or stay at the Pillars Hotel. I went with a member and was amazed at how good the food was. Apparently, the Chef has been working there for more than 15 years. Also, the service was polished and very attentive.

I went in January 2021. I still daydream about how amazing this place is and can't wait to return. Friendly service, Carmen was absolutely outstanding.

Very attentive service and great food. I have come here twice. Extensive wine list. Both indoor and waterfront dining available. Generally only open to hotel guests and private club members

Great little boutique hotel in a beautiful and peaceful setting. Thanks to Ally, we were able to book a last minute reservation here for a few days between Christmas and New Years. Am I glad we did. Ally's attention to detail was/is outstanding. She did her absolute best for my wife and I, and truly made us feel like we were on vacation. The hotel is small, private and peaceful while being just a block away from one of the busiest beaches. The food on property is great, and they will serve it to your on your patio or by the dock on the inter coastal. It was a unexpectedly pleasant experience. We would not hesitate to stay there again and would recommend to anyone going to Ft Lauderdale.

The secret garden private dining club at the pillars hotel is pretty epic. Nestled on the intracoastal on the other side of Fort Lauderdale beach at Sebastian, the Pillars Hotel does it right in every way. The small, elegant, boutique hotel really doesn't leave a detail left to chance. The staff is warm, welcoming. The atmosphere is private. You feel like you are home. The pool is charming, and decor sophisticated, and again, the restaurant. EPIC. We have had a membership here for over a year and prior to that we have been coming with friends for years. Dining al fresco and dockside is just an exceptional experience all year. From the mansions on the isles to the boats passing by, the lighting is romantic, the waitstaff knows you by name and knows your drink choices, and the FOOD. I haven't had a thing I didn't like here. The veal, the bass, the dates stuffed with blue. The wedge, the filet, I can go on and on and on. If you have a chance to try this place with a member, don't turn it down. You'll soon ask for an invitation to be part of the crowd.

First off, not all heroes wear capes. It's the very first day I'm at The Pillars. I'm in the shower. My lady screams while I'm cleaning up and I thought to myself two things: 1) someone knocked on the door and she was startled and 2) someone knocked on the door and kidnapped her. I figure she would scream for help so I continued with my shower. (Bad boyfriend of the year award goes to me.) I come out the bathroom a few minutes later and there she is, laying on the corner on the bed. She gives me the look and tells me to proceed slowly. I'm thinking... Bowchicawowow? Not even! There's a four legged creature in the room. It's South Florida. Salamanders and geckos are everywhere. Sure, this one probably snuck in the room while the door was open. I look at it. A bright green creature of beauty. Is he here to start trouble? I don't know. I call the front desk to ask questions. Louis (sp?) answers the phone. I ask about creatures making hotel visits. He tells me that they don't like the heat and the light so they sneak inside from time to time. They're not there to pick a fight and it was probably a gecko that paid a visit. I think of Geico commercials and how cute this thing could be... Then I ask, "Will these things crawl into my bag?" Louis pauses. He tells me that this could be an issue with airport security. I request his presence to scope out the situation. I've never seen this man before but this dude came in like a hero. He shows up with two shirts in hand ready to capture and free this creature. He arrives looking fit as shit. He had the voice of Antonio Banderas. The man is literally Puss in Boots to the rescue. We show him this green creature I fondly named Gumby. He becomes startled. "That is a baby iguana. They're fast and hard to catch." My ass ran back into the bathroom to get ready. Mr. Puss in Boots got down on his hands and knees and captured the iguana with his shirts. Within a minute, this baby iguana is back into the free world. From there on, Louis was a hero. He's a man with swagger. So suave. So cool and collected. I hope to be like him one day. I may even move to South America (or any place where I can get a accent) for a year so I can develop the tongue for such a cool accent. Again, not all heroes wear capes. As to my visit with The Pillars. "This is nice." "This is so nice." That's all we said during the trip. It's unassuming when you arrive. Just a few parking spots. The hotel is only 25 rooms. It's located on the water. The pool is so peaceful. We felt like it was ours for the first couple nights. Even with a few other guests, it was quiet and calm the entire time. Turn down service is offered around 6PM where they reset the room and create a quiet and sexy mood for the evening. If you're out and about during this time, you'll be pleased to find your room beautifully made. Bowchicawow is what they create. DirecTV was the TV service so you got to catch all the TV you want while you're in the room. The bed was comfortable. The bathroom was small but all you need. Everything in the room was immaculate. I highly recommend dinner at the hotel, The Secret Garden. Reservations are made for dinner along the water and if the weather is bad, you have the option to eat inside. Eat at 6PM and you'll deal with the sunset (and it could be hot). Wait until 9PM and it's an absolute gorgeous view of the inlet. We started off with the prawn, caught off of Madgascar, and the biggest piece of shrimp you'll ever see. My lady had their scallops which was basically 3x the size of U10 scallops you would buy on your own. Soooooo delicious. I had the venison, tender and flavorful all throughout. An amazing dinner with an amazing view with top notch service. This was by far the best hotel experience I've ever had. The Pillars is a reason why I would go back to Fort Lauderdale. It will certainly be an experience that will be difficult to beat!

Low key, upscale, with just the right mix of casual and elegant. Great food, great location, great atmosphere. Staff are 100 percent. Rooms are very nice...only downtick is that beds are very soft. If you like that...no worries. Definitely will stay here again.

I was excited to visit this charming 30's Deco styled boutique hotel, as it was highly recommended by local friends. My original plan was to go to the restaurant for dinner but decided to stay one night in one of their king poolside rooms as well. Check-in was quick and for the most part self directed in regards to parking on the side street and handling of bags since it is a small boutique hotel with minimumal but professional staff. Room was clean and well stocked with amenities including single serve coffee with Green Mountain brand cups. Only white sugar was provided with no cream. When I called to get cream from rooms service (claims to be 24-hours), there was no answer on several tries. So I had to walk to front desk to get it. Small quiet pool and intracoastal dock with covered seating area were just a few feet away from room which made it feel somewhat private and gave a nice boutique-ish feel. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate which did not allow for full enjoyment of the pool. No spa services or facility on premise but private in-room massage was offered. One disappointment was the humidity in the room, which covered the floors and sheets and just about everything in the room with a layer of moisture. Complimentary drink was available upon check in, to be enjoyed at the small bar or seating area which felt like a 1930's home, complete with a harp (for decoration only) in the corner. Wpiano would have suited the room better, with some jazz later in the evening, but we did hear that the hotel sponsors different events throughout the season which may include entertainment. Staff friendly and attentive. Dinner was pleasant but nothing special. Overall a nice visit but not a 4 or 5-star experience that would be expected considering the nightly rate (mid 300's) and the strong recommendation. Since it is one block off the beach and many restaurants and bars within a few minutes walk, it is a unique and quiet place to stay.

When we entered The Pillars Hotel the quaint quiet setting felt like a Bed and Breakfast. When I reached the front desk I was greeted by two ladies who graciously gave me a tour of the hotel and it's amenities. Our room was immaculate and perfect in every way. Just outside our door were two chairs and a table which was conducive to visiting with other guests. We went to lunch at a nearby restaurant on Fort Lauderdale Beach. On our return we made reservations for dinner and then caught the water taxi from the dock at The Pillars and explored Los Olas. Our dinner that night was excellent. To sum it up, our visit was like escaping to far away oasis without the airfare. Best ever stay in a hotel.

To this hotel I would say, it hurts me as much as it hurts you to write this kind of review, but this was easily the most disappointing place we've stayed for this kind of price point ($400/night). We've stayed in plenty of resorts with similar pricing, from Puerto Rico to Miami to Key West, and if this is a "resort" your local 7-11 where you buy your scratch tickets is a Vegas casino. The first error was on our part in booking the "Run of the House" room rate. That is a particularly hilarious name, because you do not, in fact, have the run of the house, you have the exact opposite: whatever is left at time of check-in, which at an 18-room hotel, is apparently not much. There's something on their website about, "know you may be able to be upgraded at time of check-in", but if you choose to stay for some unknown reason, I would strongly advise not to book the LIH (Last in House) room rate. We ended up with the one room with two twins our first night, and then the young lady at the front desk was nice enough to switch us to a queen the rest of the week. Very nice gesture...until we saw the room. I don't see it pictured on their website, but it was the smallest room I've probably stayed in other than the Club Quarters in Boston, which is basically a dorm room. I'll say the bed was very comfortable, but there was almost no room to set up an iron and we were constantly knocking our shins against the corners of the bedframe trying to scoot around it. If you book a queen, make sure this is not your room (116). On the rest, it's probably easiest just to make a list. We honestly wouldn't even make a big deal if it had just been one thing, but everything combined and for this much money per night, it was just not acceptable. Two-twin room had no iron, ask the front desk. "Oh, that room doesn't have an iron, just a steamer". Find the steamer, all kinds of fuzzy mold growth inside. Tell the front desk, we get an iron. The "double-turn down" was just making the bed, and sweeping the floor. One day our "fresh sheets" had a wine stain. The next day, they just remade the bed with the same wine stain sheets (I'd actually be okay with this for conservation of water if they had mentioned it at all). Ask about the water taxi and are given the map, we ask, "do we get picked up at Stop 6 then?" and are told yes. Any other tips or tricks, we ask? It's on the map, is the response so we walk the couple blocks to Stop 6. Imagine our surprise a few days later when the water taxi actually makes pick-ups AT the hotel, which I now see on their website. Found out on our last day about these free golf cart shuttles running all over town from some people at a bar, never any info from hotel. Not a far walk from the beach, but you won't have any chairs once there like the other resorts offer. Breakfasts were so-so, but everything was far superior at the Ritz where we ate twice (waited 45-minutes for literally just toast at the Pillars one day, but at least that day they were nice enough to comp the toast and the two mimosas). Were never told about the side gate entry for after-hours (there was a code on the check-in flyer, but we didn't know what it pertained to). Finding front desk staff was a daily adventure for something as simple as asking what time check-out was. They were nice, and I think there were just not enough of them to handle guests' various requests.

I went to the restaurant at the Pillars Hotel last night with some friends and it was a very disappointing evening. We sat outside in the beautiful surroundings. It was very cold, no fault of the restaurant, but we just joked about remembering a cold night in Florida. It was a special menu, was supposed to be Spanish, and I was looking forward to Pork, but none was to be had. Limited choice of an appetizer, choice of one of two entrees, and dessert. We were a birthday party, so had a lot of staff fluttering around us. The bread basket was mediocre ( even ALDI has great Ciabatta rolls and sour dough bread that could have been served ). The appetizer of shrimp was ok. I ordered the seafood stew as the entrée, and requested lemon and hot sauce on the side. When my food came, there was no lemon or hot sauce. After asking for it twice more, I got the lemon, but no hot sauce. The stew was uninspiring in taste, and the fish were overcooked. Some of the people who had duck as the entrée had the comment it was ok but the portion was very small. The staff was very accommodating and moved us to a much warmer indoors for us to have our dessert and coffee. What was served could not be classified as flan as the menu stated, but it was a beautiful presentation and it was very tasty. I did not look at the final bill, or paid for it, but am sure it was not cheap. I have eaten there before, and had a much better experience. Last night in my book was a miss.

My wife and I travel quite often and for our 10th year anniversary we stayed at The Pillars Hotel. From the moment we arrived we were very pleased with how Faye welcomed us in the property. She provided us a tour and surprised us with an upgrade to an amazing suite overlooking the waterfront and the pool. Faye also informed us about the parking procedure which is free by the way unlike most properties in the area, and no resort fees either. The Pillars Hotel is simply one of the best hotels we ever stayed at. Its Caribbean-Colonial architecture and design reminds us of Curaçao and the Virgin Islands. The hotel's Secret Garden Club Restaurant offers healthy and delicious meals, and you get to choose whether to dine indoor or by the waterfront surrounded by well-manicured gardens. They offer complimentary breakfast and you have three options: Continental, Healthy & American. The suite we were assigned made us feel so comfortable. It has a huge bedroom, living room, balcony with dining table and marble bathroom with a soaking tub. My wife was delighted when she found out they have Molton Brown for bathroom amenities. From its high ceiling to its hardwood floors, everything was impeccable. Though it is not as big as its neighboring resorts, it has a charming and romantic vibe knowing it only has 18 rooms and suites. But if you're looking for a tranquil space where you can relax and enjoy an intimate moment with your better half, this is the place to be. It was truly a 10th year anniversary to remember. A special shout out to Faye for the warm welcome we received from her and the amazing suite she upgraded us to, and to Carmen who had been very helpful that evening.

Wonderful place, beautiful boutique hotel with amazing restaurant on the water. Delicious food and a great service. Recommend to visit

My strong advice is for you not to stay at his hotel. It is lacking on so many levels and overpriced for what is offered. From the bathtub not working, to the water being dirty, to the room smelling and the service unwelcoming, this hotel actually earned a ranking as one of worse hotels I have ever checked into in my life. In addition, the management of this hotel has also unethically claimed that they offered me three rooms to choose from. This is incorrect. In addition, they told me that it was my fault I did not enjoy my experience and sited a number of past awards. They do not realize that they cannot base current and future experiences on the fact that have impressed customers in the past. Do yourself a favor and stay somewhere cheaper down the street where they will actually appreciate your business and I guarantee it will be a nicer experience. This hotel is 2 stars, at best. I would definitely not give it 3.

Nice boutique hotel. A hidden gem. Never knew this place existed. Recommended as a good place to stay and it is. Near the beach but far enough away from the madness. It's on the river, quiet, refined. There is a nice sitting area inside and outside. Comfortable small bar and the food is good. I heard the restaurant is excellent but did not have the opportunity to eat a full meal here. Rooms are well appointed and the bed is comfortable. Looking forward to my next visit.

The Pillars is excellent!! Service is wonderful. Property is gorgeous and immaculate. The complimentary drink upon arrival was a very nice and welcoming touch! I can't say enough good things about the staff (especially the girl at front desk). The hotel is very quiet, and just seconds from the nightlife right on Fort Lauderdale beach. Highly recommend The Pillars Hotel!!

What a find! This place was nearly perfect! There's a lot to love about the Pillars Hotel. We stayed there after a week's cruise and wanted to avoid the Christmas rush at the airport. I chose a poolside king room on the first floor. The hotel itself is one block from the fabulously spectacular A1A beach strip and situated on the intercoastal side with a view of the magnificent mansions from the property. There are just a few rooms, maybe a total of about 25 on two floors. Part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the world collection of properties, it fit many things I like about a hotel: small, meticulous attention to detail, luxurious, a very good value, and private. We were early to check in, and I had called the hotel to let them know. They informed me that if a room was available, they'd let me check in before the time, but they'd happily keep my bags if it weren't. They surprised us with a nice room right on the pool as we checked in. My immediate impression of the place was that I was checking into the upscale home of a friend. The place smelled of potpourri and the desk staff was very professional and friendly. Our room was just large enough. Fine furnishings with plenty of closet space and drawer space were helpful. However, the details in the room furnishings made it special: our room smelled heavenly when we opened the door, the linens and bed were comfortable (although the bed was a bit too soft for my taste), the bathroom was stocked with Frette towels and a full suite of Molton Brown toiletries including mouthwash and mending kit, a coffee maker in the room, blow-dryer, two complimentary bottles of water on the nightstand which were replaced as we drank them, light bathrobes in the closet which also had a safe, two luggage racks, an iron and ironing board, and an extra comforter. The music in the room was playing soft holiday tunes as we entered. The refrigerator was stocked with sodas, wine and liquor, there was a house bottle of red on the credenza, and it contained a tray of snacks, all of which were available for purchase. The New York Times was delivered to our door every morning where we could enjoy a breakfast from room service poolside at a café table with two chairs. The pool was an inviting 86 degrees at all times, and there were certainly enough comfortable cushioned loungers around the pool each with an umbrella for shade if necessary. My only nit was with the bathroom. The shelf beneath the mirror was just too narrow for my toiletries or the complimentary basket which fell off a couple of times. This is an easy fix with a wider marble shelf replacement. The shower drain was slow, but they had it fixed the day we were leaving. We enjoyed breakfast dining in the attached dining room Christmas day and had dinner reservations waterside the same day. Breakfast was delicious, simple, and properly prepared. Dinner was amazing. Service was great. The view was incredible, and location was romantic. The style of food is Mediterranean with a nouvelle twist. The dishes were layered with flavor and complex. We shared a bacon wrapped fig appetizer dressed with arugula and lardons which was absolutely delicious. The salad pre-course was okay, not as amazing as the rest of the dinner, but my butternut squash soup impressed me. My entrée of giant diver scallops, mascarpone gnocchi, peas and green beans in a truffle sauce was heavenly. My dining partner had the venison chops, medium rare on a sweet potato puree with Brussels sprouts and wine jus which he really enjoyed. We didn't have dessert, but a plate of petit fours and chocolate truffles hit the spot. Hotel dining here is priced at a premium, but not exorbitant. There were so many other reasons to love the place. We were offered a complimentary glass of sparkling wine when we checked in, on Christmas Day the hostess brought us both a sweet little gift of mini waterproof Bluetooth speakers in a gift bag, and the pool attendants changed our orange towels without asking when they were wet. The place was never crowded. In fact, on December 26 we were surprised to run into a Hollywood actress/model/producer staying in the suite a few doors down from us. I was a little starstruck, but didn't speak to her and left her to her privacy on the lounger next to us. The staff couldn't have been more helpful. The place is amazing. I completely recommend this gem of a full service hotel in Fort Lauderdale. It's nearly perfect.

The food was very good, the waiter was very good. What bothered me was after we mentioned that we don't like to pay gratuity on the $35.00 corkage the manager put a 18% gratuity on our bill when it says clearly on the menu that a 18% gratuity on parties of 6 or more. We were a party of 4. We tip 20% normally. Than the GM came over and gave us a attitude, we were not even complaining, in the end we were bullied and belittled by the GM. Good Job

Unbelievable service and great food. The meal is always so pleasant because of the amazing staff and the food is delicious. Try to sit outside on the dock, it's gorgeous.

The food is spectacular. Every bite. The wine is good but the reds and ports are not served at correct temperatures. And the service is not as polished as I thought it would be.

Way overpriced with BIG attitude ....you can do a lot better for a lot less money. Snotty hostess and wait staff all just started today...not professional.

Unbelievable view on the water, great atmosphere. Ordered a steak and side, steak was supposed to be medium, side didn't come and steak was hockey puck. So food was terrible and missed the side but view was fantastic. Thus 2 stars for view, others at table liked the food. I was the only to get turf.

Attention to detail, personal customer service, delicious food, beautiful rooms, and beautiful views. Pillars Hotel is a small jewel between giants like Ritz-Carlton and Westin; We will stay there again!

The Pillars is swank, relaxing, top of the line boutique hotel with a magical feel. It is truly one of the nicest hotels I have been too. The Pillars is reminiscent of a colonial, classic Florida hotel. As you walk in you are greeted by gorgeous orchids along a stair case, there is a beautiful living room to your right and the front desk through the arch way. The hotel smells of roses. Take the time to look at the artwork in the dining room. It is paper cut in ornate style in shadow box frames. As you step out from the lobby to the hotel rooms all have outside access centered around a large pool, big umbrellas with bold orange and white stripped cushions on the lounge chairs, lush greenery, palm trees, and wild orchids. There is a dock with tables and chairs so you can enjoy eating on the water. It overlooks beautiful homes. The hotel rooms are large with white accents, there is a mini bar and coffee maker, the bathrooms are small, but have a functional floor plan. Every place in the hotel is very clean and well maintained. The staff is great! We arrived from a red eye flight at 7am to the hotel. We were greeted by Luis, who called his manager, Mallory, to see if we could check into one of our two hotel rooms early. She allowed us to and it was greatly appreciated. Where else can you check in a 7am? We were able to enjoy our day thanks to these Luis and Mallory so thank you so much. Katie who was also at the front desk was so friendly. The food is delicious. We had lunch on the dock our first day. I recommend eating on the dock. Later that afternoon Mallory arranged for our water taxi to pick us along the dock. It is a short walk to the beach where you can rent chairs and umbrellas. We cannot wait to come back to The Pillars!

My daughter and I recently stayed at the Pillars Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We arrived on Saturday evening at approximately 8pm. Having rented a car and not being able to find parking, my daughter entered the hotel to ask for help. A very friendly gentleman, the owner's son (who happened to be dining at the hotel that evening) spoke with her and then came outside and instructed me to leave the car in the driveway and someone would take care of the parking for me. I was then introduced to Jackson, a polite young man who was attending to the front desk and lobby. Jackson was an excellent representative for the hotel. He was friendly, informative and bent over backwards to please us. Although dinner was booked for the evening and we did not have a reservation, he immediately asked the chef if it would be possible to accommodate us anyway. Jefferson suggested we look over the menu and order but knowing we were tired from travel he instinctively knew to bring us to our room after ordering and allow us time to freshen up before heading back to dine. Shortly after, he phoned the room acknowledging that our dinner had been prepared and would be served shortly. That first impression (thanks to Jefferson and Andy) hallmarked our stay at the Pillars Hotel. Beyond that, our room was immaculate and well-appointed. The food was sensational. ( We had dinner our first night and our last) The staff was consistent, friendly, knowledgeable and courteous. This is truly a boutique hotel. It is small, private and luxurious. Guilherme Goncalves, the General Manager, is a class act. The Pillars is lucky to have him! I hope to be able to return someday. Maureen Martineau Myers

I was very disappointed last Saturday night (June 15th) when myself and five 5 guests went to the Secret Garden for dinner. The young waiter (Alan) was not professional or what I expected from what I thought was a 5 star establishment. One of my guests asked him what came with the fish dinner and he said..."It says it right there".....pointing to the menu. Then 4 of my guests had to send their dinners back as two were inedible and two were cold. Two of the dishes were rewarmed and two guests ordered something else. The watermelon in the watermelon salad was not sweet nor moist - did no one bother to taste the watermelon before serving it? The presentation of the meals served was not typical of this caliber of restaurant. Our water glasses were not refilled and dirty dishes were left on the table for twenty minutes after we had finished eating. No one came by to ask how we were enjoying our dinner. Earlier in the day we brought a beautiful cake to the hotel and we asked the front desk to make sure it was delivered for dessert as one of our guest was celebrating her birthday that evening....they said No Problem. After we had finished dinner the young clueless waiter then came up and asked my table "Would anyone like dessert" and started to tell my guests what the options were. We just looked at him and said "Please check in the kitchen for the cake that was delivered ". He said "Oh OK". When the meal was over Alan brought the bill and was asked if the gratuity was included and he said YES....so I signed it and he left. Ten minutes later he came back and said there was no gratuity on the bill...and brought me another bill. The evening was very unprofessional. Two of our guests were hoteliers in the Bahamas, with two restaurants and one of my guest owned a restaurant in New Jersey. We KNOW what we expect from our staff to please out guests. Very dissatisfied with what I had hoped would be a wonderful evening at a so called 5 star restaurant. We contacted the manager, Caroline Bonnell, who offered to give four of the 6 members of our group dinner as her guests - but "NO THANK YOU" was our reply - we had such a "bad taste" in our mouths from this horrendous evening. Secret Garden is no Secret anymore!!!

I'm guilty of writing a review from a stay that occurred quite some time ago, but it's one of the few hotels I reminisce over and hope that one day I will have the opportunity to return to. This little gem is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World chain, and I'm not really sure how I found it. What I liked about it the most was it's location. I went there to celebrate an anniversary with my then fiance. We were able to walk to the beach and local restaurants. We were frequent visitors to Lulu's Bait Shack, which was a fun place. The second thing I liked the most was the feeling of being relaxed. One night, after walking back from Lulu's, we went to the dock in our robes (it was a nice October evening), laid out on some chairs, and watched the water and took in the quiet. It was hard to imagine how close we were to busy Atlantic Blvd. because it was so peaceful there. Our room was nicely appointed, the bed was super comfortable, and the furnishing were kinda West Indies-ish. Could the rooms have been bigger? Sure. Could the bathroom have been bigger? Sure. Bottom line was it seemed like I got the best of what I had, and more importantly, I enjoyed my stay. In the morning, I would wake up and go down to the dock to read the paper while the other half slept. I was usually greeted by one of the waitstaff asking if I would like some coffee. If I did, I received it almost within 5 minutes. Service was good when we needed it, and in preparing for our visit, Jessica was very friendly and very professional. We had a rental car and when we arrived on Friday evening, we were able to find a parking space right away and left the car there the entire time because we were able to get around on foot so much. There is a water taxi that also stops at the dock if you want to go to Las Olas, where alot of shops, restaurants and cafes are. Like I said, it's been a while since I've been, but it's one of the few hotels that I would really like to go back to.

May have been an 'off night.' Food was 'okay' service was 'so-so' but the sunset was beautiful. When you get the opportunity to eat at The Pillars... It should ALWAYS be flawless.

Just got back from a three-night stay at the Pillars and wow - this place is amazing. The atmosphere is beautiful. Absolutely perfect. Our room was surprisingly large (I had read on TripAdvisor to expect teeny tiny) but I found out later that we had inadvertently booked one of five suites. The hotel only has 18 rooms total and we just scooped up the last one. At $285 a night it was appropriately priced. We had a sitting area with couch and chairs, several radios, a large bathroom with a jacuzzi tub and our room overlooked both the water and the pool. Breakfast on the dock is a real treat - the food is only slightly better than typical hotel breakfast but the atmosphere really makes it great. Only a few small nit-picky things take this from a 5-star to a 4-star review. 1) No hot tub (which would have been really nice in the evenings, especially since the pool closes at 6:30) 2) Tried to substitute the hot tub by taking a bath and wound up burning my foot (1st degree burns) on the bathtub knobs which had a tendency to get way too hot 3) The concierge recommended taking the water taxi over a regular taxi without mentioning how it would be much more expensive and time consuming. 4) The dock is open to the public for dinner so if you're sunbathing there you have to scoot at 5pm so they can set up the tables. It's a really wonderful spot to hang out so it's a shame that people staying at the hotel can't utilize it in the evenings.