My partner and I weren't specifically looking for a "gay" hotel, but settled on Flamingo based on the Trip Advisor reviews and process of elimination. We're more than happy we did!....

Inn Amongst The Flowers is amongst a rather dreary looking crop of dwellings on Terramar Blvd, many of which had rainbow flags prominently displayed, so we didn't feel too uncomfortable after our 20-minute/ $17 cab ride from the airport. Flamingo is about 4 blocks from A1A which runs parallel to the ocean, and the "Boy Beach" is actually another 10 minute walk or so, a little further than another review claimed. At the corner of Terramar is the Atlantic Hotel, whose restaurant, Trina, is lovely, but ridiculously overpriced, even for Manhattanites like us who are used to steep prices. $32 for unadorned sea bass? Please! However, one block away is The Deck, a perfectly adequate spot for lunch or a casual dinner featuring burgers, sandwiches, pastas, etc. Other than that, it's about a 15 minute walk in either direction for other dining choices. Renting a car seems to be the way to go at Flamingo with apparently adequate parking available. Taxi prices to more bustling nightlife, i.e. the gay-centric Wilton Manors, can run $16 each way. Same price for seaside restaurants Charley's Krab and Blue Moon Fish Co.--the latter especially recommended!

Back to Flamingo...we were greeted warmly by Dennis; our bags were in our room by the time we finished checking in with James, one of the friendliest concierges we have ever encountered. Walking to our room, we were struck by the abundant, colorful foliage of all kinds secluding the pool area from the outside world--a good thing since the resort is clothing optional. However, during our 5 day stay, most of the nudity was confined to inside the pool itself, with the occasional naked sun-bather in all his glory (or lack of it). Either way was fine. The pool water was unusually warm, very clean, with two yellow floating devices that matched the plentiful yellow lounge chairs adorning the property. It almost seemed like there were too many chairs at times, giving an unecessarily cramped feel to the area, but better too many than too little. And there was never, ever a lack of clean towels to use. During our stay in early April, full sun was available from 11:30am on. But sojourns to the beach were all the more pleasant thanks to the complimentary beach bag stuffed with 2 towels--more yellow.

The room itself--#210-- was quite nice. Certainly clean enough, except for the stained toilet bowl. ouch. Our room was the mirror image of the posted photo in the Trip Advisor website (#209), ample light from the windows, with blinds that allowed for pitch darkness at night. CD player, DVD/VHS unit, iron, alarm clock, refrigerator, safe, reading material, ceiling fan--all there. So was the turndown service with chocolates!

Noise level--excellent! Apparently there were some midnight pool "parites"--never heard a peep! During the day, the new age or Sirius Satellite "Chill" channel was set at just the right volume, providing atomosphere but not distraction for those wishing a quiet read and able to be totally blocked out with an Ipod if so desired. Overall, a very relaxing environment.

The music switched to more danceable tracks during the 5:30-6:30 cocktail hour. A great time to meet and schmooze with the other guests, a mix of singles and couples, age range average 40-60 while we were there. A pretty full bar, drinks happily served by the aforementioned James or equally delightful Jared with frequent visits by friendly co-owners Chip and Ray. Munchies were peanuts and pretzels.

Speaking of food, the breakfast available from 8:30-11am featured an assortment of cereals & fruit, bagels, muffins, toast, juices, teas and coffee. No need to go out. Newspapers from NY and Florida were available as well. Afternoons, a pitcher of iced tea and cookies were set out.

There were spa services available. Massage therapist Maurecio, a totally professional cutie, gave me the most spectacular reflexology treatment I have ever had! My only complaint was that the location was behind the hotel office and the noise from the airconditioner unit was a bit offputting, as was the ceiling of the canopy which was a bit stained.

If you're looking for Fort Lauderdale's answer to Fire Island, try elsewhere, like the establishment up the block that featured a thumping disco beat nearly every time I trekked to the beach. But if you're looking for a clean, quieter, sedate vibe, Flamingo Inn Amongst The Flowers is the place for you. We'll be back.