The Royal Palms
Resort · Fort Lauderdale, FL
About
Fort Lauderdale Beach's The Royal Palms is a resort that shifted from a gay men's exclusive to a mixed, family-friendly crowd. It offers 2 pools, a bar, restaurant, and spa, with all-white minimalist rooms. The vibe is now mixed LGBTQ+ and straight, attracting families and couples, while some regulars still visit for daytime hangs.
The resort operates 24 hours, so the pool and bar are accessible at any time. It's a place with history: what was once a gay men's tea dance and drag show spot now caters to a broader audience. If you're seeking the old scene, you may find it changed. For a more traditional gay resort, consider visiting other nearby options.
Located on Fort Lauderdale Beach, the resort is steps from the ocean and close to beachfront dining and nightlife.
Features
- ✓Two pools and an outdoor spa
- ✓All-white minimalist room design
- ✓24-hour access to bar and restaurant
- ✓On-site spa services available
Good for
Practical
What people say
Rated from 95 reviews. 33 community ratings. View this venue on Yelp
From the community
It's no longer a gay space at all, though it's safe for the few accidental visitors who wander in and are very disoriented.
A visitor · Over a year ago
“Dr. Eve”
It seems like this place has been stripped of its gay character. If you're searching for a gay resort, this isn't it.
A guest · Over a year ago
“make a u-turn!”
I used to live nearby and really liked that this was a gay men's resort where I could grab drinks and lunch with friends, enjoy drag shows, and attend weekend events like the Sunday tea dance. But now it's become a family-friendly place that no longer caters specifically to gay men—it's open to everyone. That's disappointing for me as a gay man who prefers socializing with my gay friends. If I wanted a family atmosphere, I'd visit my own relatives elsewhere. So goodbye, The Royal Palms—you've lost your appeal.
A recent visitor · Over a year ago
“Not a men's resort and barely gay”
It seems the resort changed owners or management. Sadly, no one told me when I booked my annual stay, and now I'm stuck here for six days. Help! There are more women than men here, making it uncomfortable and extremely noisy. The rest are older straight couples and even teenagers. I will never return.
A local visitor · Over a year ago
Over a year ago Sunday tea dance is excellent.
A visitor · Over a year ago
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pool hours? +
The hotel is open 24 hours, so pools are accessible all day and night.
Is the resort still gay-focused? +
Recent reviews indicate it's now mixed LGBTQ+ and straight, with families and teenagers; not exclusively gay.
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