Post cruise hotel Ft Lauderdale

[scdreamer]

We are staying an extra day in Ft Lauderdale after our Dec cruise due to airline scheduling. Looking for a nice hotel on or very close to the beach ... most I have looked at so far have very late check-in times (4 p.m.) which kind of defeats the purpose of being on or near the beach.

Anyone have suggestions for a beachside hotel that might offer an earlier check-in time.

Or if that's not in the cards, perhaps something to do to fill the hours between disembarkation and check-in? We won't have a car.

[Tweedy]

In 2009, our cruise ended in Fort Lauderdale and we had booked the Westin Beach Resort (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3328) as our hotel choice. It is right across the street from the beach. We didn't arrange for early check-in (and didn't even think of it at the time). We arrived at the hotel right after disembarkation. We were able to check-in right away and were up in our room by 10am.

We liked the hotel so much we stayed there again this past April pre-cruise.

[califgary]

We are doing a pre-cruise stay arranged by HAL and they are putting us in the Westin as well.

[Randyk47]

We are staying an extra day in Ft Lauderdale after our Dec cruise due to airline scheduling. Looking for a nice hotel on or very close to the beach ... most I have looked at so far have very late check-in times (4 p.m.) which kind of defeats the purpose of being on or near the beach.

Anyone have suggestions for a beachside hotel that might offer an earlier check-in time.

Or if that's not in the cards, perhaps something to do to fill the hours between disembarkation and check-in? We won't have a car.

While I can't recommend a specific hotel on the beach I'd suggest you actually try calling one or two you're interested in and seeing what arrangements they have or can make for early arriving guests. We've done this often in other locations, like Hawaii and Las Vegas, and most hotels understand and can accommodate. In some cases it's nothing more than a place to leave your luggage all the way up to letting you check-in early and have access to your room. Really depends on the hotel, time of year, and occupancy rate.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

We stayed at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa last November - just for one night. It was very nice property. I don't know if they have early check-in but many of the hotels do have changing rooms so you could enjoy the beach and pool area while you wait for your room to be ready.

[spacepotatoes]

We stayed at the Westin Diplomat Resort after our cruise in March. There are 2 locations, one on the beach and one nearby that is a golf resort. If you are booked in one, you have access to the other as well. There's a shuttle that runs between them. The Hollywood trolley also stops at the beach resort, if you want to see Hollywood Beach and check out the boardwalk there. They're both beautiful resorts with excellent service. We got a great rate through Hotwire.

[Beyondthe7Seas]

I second the Westin!

[LindaM]

You should check out TripAdvisor for reviews.

[BumperII]

Not sure if it is the Marriott or Weston, but it is right behind Bubba Gump's, and that is right across the street from the beach.

[Himself]

The Weston is a nice hotel.

[Mary Ellen]

What I've done in the past when we want to make sure our room is waiting for us when we arrive at a hotel in the morning, is to also book it for the night prior to our arrival. I do note that we won't be arriving until the next morning so they don't think we're a 'no show' and give our room away.

Last summer it was SO nice in Amsterdam to have a room right away. There were a lot of people sitting around the lobby waiting for their rooms.

[arewethereyet]

What I've done in the past when we want to make sure our room is waiting for us when we arrive at a hotel in the morning, is to also book it for the night prior to our arrival. I do note that we won't be arriving until the next morning so they don't think we're a 'no show' and give our room away.

Last summer it was SO nice in Amsterdam to have a room right away. There were a lot of people sitting around the lobby waiting for their rooms.

Of course, the downside is one night for the price of two. It may be worth it, if you abolutely must get into the room right away. But, still.....

[msteries]

This has worked many times for me. Upon arrival, check in with the front desk. Let them know you don't expect a room immediately, but politely ask if they will find you a room as soon as their housekeeping staff has one serviced. Have a little bag with valuables and a swimsuit on you and check the rest of your luggage. Then I enjoy restaurants, bar <grin> swimming pool, any nearby sites, shopping. <even bigger grin> Any tip given to those who check your luggage will be soo appreciated, and the front desk almost always finds me a room by 2pm. Done this at Hiltons, Hyatts, Westin, even in high season. Hope it works for you.

[SAC60]

Marriott Harbor Beach is the best choice for you. On the beach and 10-minutes from the airport. (FLL)

[tcook052]

You should check out TripAdvisor for reviews.

I'd suggest using CC search feature first using keywords like "Fort Lauderdale hotel" as there is a wealth of review and recommendations.

I'll add a quick vote for the Marriott Harbor Beach which let this Eurodam pasenger get into my room very early this past January, though know this is a courtesy and not something that happens all the time to all guests.