Ft. Lauderdale Hotels [Archive] - Cruise Critic Message Boards

finest14

January 5th, 2005, 08:03 PM

Cruising on the Zuiderdam out of Ft. Lauderdale in July. I've enjoyed the reviews, posts and info on this board, so I'm sure this will be my first of many questions.

We're arriving late the night before departure. Any suggestions on reasonable hotels near the port that have reliable shuttles to the ships?

Thanks in advance for the info!

Justin

jaxson

January 5th, 2005, 08:17 PM

We have stayed at the Marriott Marina (no shuttle from the airport, $10 cab), which we always enjoy.
Also the Embassy Suites which has airport & ship shuttle.

Bid on a 3 star on priceline in downtown Ft. Lauderdale for either of these 2 properties.

Good Luck!

Majika

January 5th, 2005, 09:12 PM

Hi,

We will be on the Zuiderdam July 30. We are staying at the Holiday Inn pre-cruise and the Yankee Trader post-cruise. Both are around 90$ a night and also both are right across the street from the beach. When in July are you going?

Patty

doone

January 6th, 2005, 06:59 AM

If you have never used priceline before, I suggest you read these two web sites before you do: www.biddingfortravel.com and www.biddingforfun.com these two web sites are a wealth of information.

Basically with priceline you bid on area and star ratings of the hotel. If your bid is accepted by any hotel (and you can't choose your hotel) then your charge card is charged immediately, you cannot cancel, change or put the reservation in anyone else's name, so you are basically stuck with that hotel. Its is a gamble, but the savings are incredible, and I think, well worth it.

If you are a little leary about priceline, I would suggest to you to check into the Amerisuites through www.valuetrips.com they have some great prices.

Hope this helps, enjoy your cruise.

Giorgi-one

January 6th, 2005, 08:51 AM

7nucruzers

January 6th, 2005, 08:55 AM

we stayed at the Hampton Inn Airport NORTH for our pre cruise night on the Jewel 11/14/04. We reserved 3 rooms at a rate of 69.00 (government rate) dh and I are state employees. But the offer other discounted rates, AAA, AARP, etc. This property was wonderful - clean, fairly new, excellent continental breakfast. Service and staff was excellent - free shuttle to and from airport/cruiseport. Shuttle service was very punctual. The area was "OK" - we walked to a German restaurant a few blocks away and felt comfortable doing so. Don't know much about the shopping - it was late when we got through with dinner - us ladies did manage to hit the Big Lots right beside the hotel. I highly recommend this hotel, don't think you'll be disappointed - hope this helps!!!! Happy sailing!!!!

amyfromjersey

January 6th, 2005, 09:09 AM

We stayed at the Marriott Marina last year before our cruise. Wonderful hotel. Right across the street from the pier. I got it for $69 on Priceline. We stayed there in July.

Giorgi-one

January 6th, 2005, 10:12 AM

We stayed at the Marriott Marina last year before our cruise. Wonderful hotel. Right across the street from the pier. I got it for $69 on Priceline. We stayed there in July.

I always reserve rooms on Priceline and always get the Marriott Marina. Have it booked for Jan 14/15 cruise in two weeks. Can't beat the location. Close to all the shops and restaurants on 17th Street, Water taxi stops at the dock, and if you ask you can usually get a room with view of the port and all the ships.

finest14

January 6th, 2005, 10:33 AM

Thanks for the great suggestions. I've used Priceline before and never had a problem. The "bid on a three-star downtown" suggestion is a big help. Thanks again. FYI we're sailing 7/16.

Justin

dealin dave

January 6th, 2005, 11:31 AM

Patty I will be on the July 30 sailing also. We might stay at the Clipper, Marriott Marina, Amerisuites.

fgtex

January 6th, 2005, 02:51 PM

stayed at the Best Western Marina Inn on our first HAL cruise several years ago - pretty basic but did have free shuttle to the ships.http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=10161

Stayed at Hyatt Pier 66 last cruise - this is a very nice place ( and pricey ) right accross the street from the Best Western - no free shuttle - short cab ride.

Staying at the Embassy Suites on 17th for our upcoming Feb26 Zuiderdam cruise... supposed to have a shuttle to the ships also.
Embassy is also pricey but I guess most majors are in Ft. Lauderdale during high season.

I would have booked the Best Western if it had been available.

Enjoy your cruise on the Z - we are looking forward to ours...

Giorgi-one

January 6th, 2005, 02:55 PM

We stayed at Best Western several times. IMHO it is dumpy.

Pricey - That's why I use Priceline. Got Marriott Marin for Jan 14/15 for $75 per night. It's the only way to fly (er, I mean cruise).

fgtex

January 6th, 2005, 03:32 PM

agree - in my vernacular basic=dumpy ... never tried using priceline - I should do that - thanks

naxos

January 6th, 2005, 03:51 PM

Just stayed for the 3rd time at the Embassy Suites Hotel FLL- they have a 24 hour airport shuttle- we arrived late due to due plane delays and called them at 3 AM- we were instructed to take a taxi and the hotel reimbursed us. We took the hotel shuhttle to the pier for no charge- It worked out fine- plus free breakfast. I have also stayed at the Marriott Marina- no airport shuttle- Both hotels at reasonable rates through priceline FLL down town 3* bid.

doone

January 6th, 2005, 06:55 PM

Fgtex, sure why not, give priceline a try. I was very leary about priceline but once I tried it, I was hooked. Just be aware that once your bid is accepted by a hotel in the areas you bid, your charge card is charged immediately, you cannot cancel, change or put the reservation in anyone else's name, you are basically stuck (this scared me, but don't worry) but with what you save, its well worth the gamble. Read the web sites I posted here above before you give it a try. Once you do, I am sure you will be hooked like alot of us here are. Good luck.

I always bid downtown and beach zones, 3*, if this helps.

LAFFNVEGAS

January 6th, 2005, 07:30 PM

For our FLL stay for our Westerdam cruise in March I tried Priceline recently 4 times. I went all the way to $115.00 for a 3 star hotel and I was still denied. My guess since it is during Spring Break everything is booked solid or is sky high:( I guess I will stay with my Amerisuite reservation that is for $72.00 total price. I figure it can't be that bad especially if Hyatt just took over. I have used Priceline in the past with sucess so that was not a problem. In this case I think timing was my enemy:mad:

S.S.Oceanlover

January 8th, 2005, 02:11 AM

laffnvegas,
Amerisuites is a fine hotel. Nice and clean, free basic breakfast, and reasonably priced.

I booked with Priceline last June for FLL downtown and received Embassy Suites both pre and post cruise.
I must be unlucky since when we arrived the carpets were wet, there was a fan in the room trying to dry them and the rom was musty smelling. They changed us with no problems.
After the cruise we checked in again and the mini fridge or the sink must have been leaking. The rug in front of it was soaked. We put towels all over the rugs. When housekeeping cleaned the room they just left them there.

The happy hour and made to order breakfast and the shuttles were a plus.

Bill

ruthiegirl

January 8th, 2005, 07:52 AM

Anyone know of a hotel thay can be used during the day our flight hime isnt until the evening I dont want to spend it at the airport I should have taken an extra day westerdam 2/6/05

stanjj111

January 8th, 2005, 12:24 PM

We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Dec (Plantation, FL). It was inexpensive, clean and had a good pool. Accross the street from the Broward Mall.

fgtex

January 8th, 2005, 01:39 PM

Doone - thanks for the Priceline advice and tips - I'll definitely try that for future hotel stays.

Majika

January 9th, 2005, 04:26 PM

Patty I will be on the July 30 sailing also. We might stay at the Clipper, Marriott Marina, Amerisuites.
Hey Dave we should all get together for a drink. I'm going with DH, my brother is DW.

SeaCruiser_1

January 10th, 2005, 10:18 AM

ruthiegirl

We had a late flight in December and there were two hotels that quoted us "day rates" . They were the Renaissance and Mariott Marina. What I did was call the hotels direct when we disembarked. They would NOT reserve the rooms ahead of time nor could you use the 800 number. The Mariott did have availibility and we checked in and had use of the pool and access to the water taxi all day for $5 a person. The room rate was $75. Now someone might say why not book a room ahaed of time on Priceline?? Well the problem is a regular room might not give you access til 3PM. We arrived at 10AM and enjoyed a lovely day in Fort Lauderdale. I was so happy that we took advantage of this rate. Both of these hotels are located near each other but the Mariott is closer to the water taxi.