Lago Mar is an older hotel with excellent service and an excellent location with a beautiful private beach. It is located in the Harbor Beach neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale which is an expensive residential area. A car is must have for this hotel as there are no shops and restaurants within walking distance. The staff were all very friendly and helpful in all ways. There are no lifeguards at the beach but the public Fort Lauderdale beach, which has lifeguards and is just as nice, is just north of it and can be reached by walking on the beach or a 5 minute drive. We stayed there 5 days and enjoyed our stay. There is a nice playground for kids which our toddler enjoyed. Although the room was very clean and luxurious, the hotel could probably use some more renovations and maintenance. The indoor corridors smell musty; typical of an older hotel and pool could use re-finishing. So if you are used to everything being brand new and in perfect condition you may not be happy here. But if you are not that picky you will think it is a very charming place.