Fountainhead

Pros

• The staff are very helpful.
• Guests highly recommend it to everyone.
• Janet Scimeca is incredibly helpful and attentive to residents' needs.
• It is a beautiful building right on the beach.
• It is excellent.
• The place is special.
• The landscapes are beautiful.
• The wait staff are friendly, professional, and accommodating.
• The beach is a few steps away.
• The lobby is nice.
• The condo is very well run.
• It is simply spectacular, first class, with very good service.
• It is beautiful and right on the ocean.
• It is super chic.

Cons

• The staff was very unprofessional; Natasha failed to provide a start date and avoided all phone calls.
• Natasha was described as a clown and not accountable.
• The customer service was terrible.
• The lobby was too empty and lacked greenery; planters and orchids were suggested.
• Some residents ignored the beach closure, spoiling it for others.

Review

This beachfront property becomes a focal point for mixed experiences that people seem to carry with them long after their stay. On one hand, there are nights and days filled with warmth, efficient calls to the front desk, and staff who go out of their way to make guests feel taken care of. The overall mood is buoyant, with many visitors quick to praise how helpful the team is and how readily they can resolve concerns or coordinate vibrant get-togethers in a setting that feels both private and welcoming. The sentiment is reinforced by multiple mentions of how the on-site atmosphere encourages a sense of belonging, as if the place itself knows how to set the tone for a memorable stay.

A standout thread among the glowing notes is the exceptional service provided by budgeted teams and, in particular, the office manager of Fountainhead condo, Janet Scimeca. Reviewers repeatedly describe her as incredibly helpful and attentive to every need related to the building, recognizing the challenge of finding reliable assistance in this arena and valuing her commitment, efficiency, and responsiveness. One guest even colors their praise with a full testament of gratitude, giving "10 stars" for Janet and highlighting how her dedication can transform ordinary interactions into reassuring, well-managed experiences. Her role seems to anchor a sense of trust that many guests carry with them when they speak of the building.

Yet, not all encounters are uniformly positive. There's a distinctly negative note that centers on a member of the staff named Natasha, whose actions are described as unprofessional and unresponsive. In the retelling, a promised start date was never delivered, and calls went unanswered, leading to frustration and a little bit of disbelief at the lack of accountability. The language used is explicit in its disappointment, painting a picture of what can happen when communication gaps widen and expectations aren't met. This contrast - between the standout service of some individuals and the inconsistency voiced by others - colors the overall impression of the property as a place with strong strengths and identifiable room for improvement.

Along with the service narrative, the property earns high marks for its setting and the feeling of elegance that comes from being right on the water. Descriptions repeatedly call it a beautiful building perched on the beach, with landscapes and an atmosphere that exudes sophistication. The phrase "Elegance and comfort" crops up as a refrain, reinforcing the sense that the design, materials, and ambiance are meant to soothe and impress. Guests describe staying in one of the visitors' suites as a positive, with spaces noted as spacious and clean, and even as part of the host's arrangements, there were on-site events - such as a cocktail party for 40 and a dinner for 18 - where the wait staff stood out for their friendliness, professionalism, and accommodating nature. The proximity to the beach - just a few steps away - adds to the sense of a complete, self-contained experience.

There's a practical layer to the discourse as well. Some reviewers observe that the lobby feels a touch light and propose aesthetic enhancements that could elevate the first impression, suggesting greener touches like planters with lush plants and possibly orchids to bring color and life into the space. It's portrayed not as a fatal flaw but as a constructive note from guests who want to see the property continue to improve; an environment that already has elegance and comfort could become even more inviting with a few thoughtful touches to the common areas.

The community's rules and local context also surface in the conversation. In the middle of the beach-side drama of Lauderdale by the Sea and Broward County, reviewers remind readers about the beach closure guidelines that affect how residents and guests can use the water. The sentiment is one of respect and responsibility: to remain out of the water during closures and to understand that the temporary restrictions apply to the broader community. The practical takeaway is clear - note the boundaries and participate in a shared experience that honors rules, even when the sea beckons. It's a reminder that great properties live not just on their aesthetics and service, but also in how they guide guests through local conditions.

Beyond these considerations, there is a robust wave of positive energy about the overall vibe of the place. Guests describe the condo as older but well-kept, with a certain charm that comes from a building that has clearly stood the test of time while continuing to offer residents and visitors a nice restaurant and other amenities. The setting is frequently described as beautiful and right on the ocean, a "simply spectacular" experience that blends first-class service with a comfortable, well-attended atmosphere. The area is remembered for its elegant simplicity and its capacity to feel "very well run," a combination that makes it a desirable destination for vacations and longer stays alike.

In sum, this property is a study in contrasts that ultimately tilts toward a bright, aspirational portrait of beachfront living. The standout moments - helpful, reliable staff; a specially highlighted ally in Janet Scimeca; and events that demonstrate professional, guest-centered service - create a strong template for what the place can be when everything aligns. There are honest critiques that remind management to address gaps in communication and to infuse public spaces with a little more life through greenery and thoughtful design. And there are many voices that celebrate the oceanfront setting, the elegance of the interiors, and the sense of being part of a polished, first-class community that knows how to host, entertain, and welcome guests with warmth and care. For those seeking a chic, oceanfront escape with a foundation of strong service, this place delivers a compelling and memorable experience, with room to grow and shine even brighter.

This area of Lauderdale, Florida offers convenient access to a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking for a comfortable living environment. With several pharmacies located within a short distance, residents have easy access to medications and healthcare supplies. There are also a variety of dining options nearby, ranging from fast food chains like McDonald's to upscale establishments such as Shooters Waterfront. For those seeking spiritual fulfillment, Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church is located just 1.4 miles away. Additionally, the proximity to parks like Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and George English Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Transportation options are readily available with the Cypress Creek Station located 3.5 miles away, offering convenient access to public transportation. Overall, this area offers a blend of convenience, accessibility, and recreational opportunities that may make it an appealing choice for seniors looking to settle in Lauderdale, Florida.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Shooters Waterfront (1.2 miles)
• La Bamba III (1.5 miles)
• McDonald's (1.8 miles)
• Dune by Auberge Resorts Collection (1.8 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.9 miles)
• Peter Pan Diner (2.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church (1.4 miles)

Theaters

• AMC DINE-IN Coral Ridge 1 (1.5 miles)

Physicians

• Midland Medical Center (2.3 miles)
• Eye Centers Of South Florida (2.4 miles)
• Care Resource (3.7 miles)
• Rand Eye Institute (6.6 miles)
• Pom MRI and Imaging Center (7.7 miles)

Parks

• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park (3.1 miles)
• George English Park (3.2 miles)
• Holiday Park (4.3 miles)
• Royal Palm Park (4.6 miles)
• Fort Lauderdale Beach Park (4.6 miles)
• Central Broward Regional Park (6.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5 miles)

Transportation

• Cypress Creek Station (3.5 miles)
• Brightline (5.1 miles)
• Terminal 1 (8.1 miles)
• Car Rental Center (8.1 miles)
• Delta Air Lines Ticket Counter (8.2 miles)
• Fort Lauderdale Airport- Arrivals Pickup (8.2 miles)
• TSA Security Checkpoint (8.2 miles)