My partner and I wanted a weekend getaway, even though we reside in Fort Lauderdale. We chose the Coral Reef guesthouse and thankfully pleased that we did. From the moment we arrived, our every need was anticipated. This is a 8 room guesthouse decorated in the style of Key West with lush grounds, a pool and a jacuzzi. I cannot say enough about their staff and their attentiveness to their guests,it rivals a 5 star resort.
If you come to Fort Lauderdale, do yourself a favor and check this
place out.

I recently stayed at the Coral Reef Guesthouse in Fort Lauderdale and words can't say enough about the Property and the Staff there. Bruce and Frank are the new Owners and they have done an absolutely fantastic job bringing the place back to it's original grandeur. They have re landscaped the entire property it's hard to believe that your in Fort Lauderdale you feel like your on a tropical Island somewhere.The breakfast is fantastic and there open door policy on the kitchen is great it's always fully stocked with any and all kinds of beverages and snacks for the guest to help themselves to. I can say without a doubt that you certainly feel at home there. The room I stayed in was beautifully decorated and absolutely spotless. I will most definitely stay there again this winter and I would suggest that anyone reading this review should give it a try. I guarantee you will fall in love with the property and the staff.
B. Crews

I need to start off by saying that the Coral Reef has changed hands again, so the "new" owners mentioned in earlier reviews have sold the property to NEW "new' owners, Bruce and Frank, who are doing a superlative job of bringing The Reef back to life.

I've stayed at six different gay resorts in Ft Lauderdale over the past few years. The Coral Reef ranks among the nicest experiences.

This 8 room guest house is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood - Bay View - so is very quiet and private. There are no overlooking high rise buildings surrounding it. Just one half mile away is Sunrise Blvd. and the Galleria shopping mall. There are restaurants, food stores, shopping and entertainment a 10 minute walk away.

The hotel has a nice size pool, that was kept nice and warm, as well as a good size in-ground hot tub. Unlike most hotels, where someone actually has to get out of the hot tub every 15 minutes to reset the timer, a button is located at the hot tub, and it stays on until you turn it off. Ahhh.

The pool area receives sun all during the day, and there are comfortable new lounge chairs to help you stock up on vitamin D. There are a couple of (umbrella) shaded tables, and some palm tree islands of respite from the sun if you want to grab a bit of shade.

A small koi pond on the grounds provides a habitat for some frogs who provide some very cool night time tropical atmosphere with their singing.

The breakfast at Coral Reef is superior to any of the resorts I've stayed at before. Everything is fresh, there is attention to healthful foods, and unlike some other places, breakfast isn't whisked away at a set time (translate: feel free to sleep in and not worry about missing breakfast and coffee).

Bruce, the innkeeper, was attentive to what I liked, and after just a passing conversation, added unsweetened cereals to the selection. There is also a selection of high quality juices, and chilled bottled water is always on hand.

Each room has the requisite TV (and there is a small movie library on premises), microwave, and refrigerator. Twenty-four hour WiFi keeps you connected in your room or around the pool.
There is also a guest computer if you don't carry a laptop.

My room was impeccably clean. The bed was comfortable, and there is a friendly atmosphere that permeates the hotel, from the owners to the cleaning and maintenance staff.

I plan to stay at the Coral Reef again. Friendly, personable staff and a calm, clean environment make it one of the better hidden treasures of the Fort Lauderdale gay scene.

We stayed at the Coral Reef a few years ago and loved it, but had heard that there were new owners when we were thinking about another Ft. Lauderdale trip, so we were a little hesitant about going back. We decided to give it a try and we weren't disappointed. The guesthouse is still a beautiful, little gem, and our suite was as clean and comfortable as it had been before. The new owners, Bill and Bob, are very good hosts and good guys. Despite our fears the Coral Reef came through again, and, in our opinion, is still a terrific choice if you're looking for a great time at a Ft. Lauderdale gay guesthouse.