Just got back from my trip to Fort Lauderdale - splitting my 8 days between 2 different gay resorts: Coral Reef Guesthouse, and the Cabanas of Wilton Manors.

Already having stayed at 9 or 10 of the gay guesthouses in Fort Lauderdale, over the past 5 years, this was my first stay at the Coral Reef - and I have to say, I walked away VERY impressed with the place. My initial impression was that it was smaller than expected - but that feeling soon evaporated, when I started zeroing in on the quality of what I was seeing. And, quality is what this guesthouse is all about.

The Coral Reef is classy. No real other way to describe it. When I was lounging by the pool (at night), everywhere my eyes landed, the place looked like a Hollywood movie set - beautifully landscaped, dramatic lighting - "classy". The pool itself is a nice sized pool, with an unusual curved design to it. The hot tub, connected to the pool, is a good one, too. My room was tropical looking - very clean, bed comfortable, air conditioning good. The grounds are landscaped well - providing great screening, total privacy for the clothing-optional crowd.

The breakfast was surprisingly above the norm. The owners go out of their way to make sure there is a plentiful array of muffins, fresh fruit, yogurt, cookies, juices, cereals, nuts, raisons... much more than your average guesthouse down here. VERY impressive. PLUS - the kitchen is open 24-hrs, with snacks (and a guest computer!) available at all hours.

The owners/staff were always friendly, helpful, welcoming - no sign of pretense or attitude anywhere to be seen.

The location of the Coral Reef was also a pleasant surprise. Only a few blocks (easy walking distance) to the Galleria Mall, Gateway Cinema, coffee shops, deli, etc.

I highly recommend the Coral Reef. After my first introduction to this place, it's suddenly on my list of top 3 gay guesthouses in Fort Lauderdale.

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.