Would you stay at Embassy Suites hotel in FLL

[cate54]

Looking for a nice place to stay for a few days before our cruise Jan 2. Have stayed at the Embassy suites in Chicago, but not in FLL. Can you tell me what you liked or didn't like about this hotel.
Thanks,
Cate

[kazu]

We're booked there for March! I've read many good reports on the boards and, from what I can see it is very close to a lot of places. ;) Haven't stayed there yet, so I'll follow this thread with interest. But we have stayed in 2 other Embassy Suites and really enjoyed them:)

If you hit the fort Lauderdale, ports board you will see a lot of reviews and comments :)

[sail7seas]

It's a convenient location but has never appealed to us. Many cruisers stay there because of its proximity to airport and Port Everglades.

[BiggerBob]

Good choice! It is were we stay when leaving from Ft. Lauderdale. It is a nice hotel with beautiful gardens. We like the managers free cocktail reception every night. The made to order breakfast in the morning is great. And the best part is that it is within walking distance to the Total Wine and More store! :)

[lorekauf]

It's a convenient location but has never appealed to us. Many cruisers stay there because of its proximity to airport and Port Everglades.


Sail, I booked the Hyatt Pier 66 today as I know you've mentioned you like it. Can you give me a rough idea how far it is from the airport then from the hotel to the port? I found the price better than the Embassy Suites which I was going to stay at. Thx.

[sail7seas]

It is ten minutes from airport and the same from Port Everglades. Taxi fare is about $15 plus tip depending if the bridge goes up or not. :)

We always ask for a tower room facing Port Everglades as the view of the ships is beautiful. Some folks really like the Lanai rooms which are around the grounds and big pool but we prefer the tower.

Hope you enjoy your stay there. We've been going for about 20+ years and have always enjoyed the beautiful grounds and Marina etc Grille 66 on the property is a lovely restaurant we highly recommend if you don't want to bother going somewhere that requires transportation.

[lorekauf]

It is ten minutes from airport and the same from Port Everglades. Taxi fare is about $15 plus tip depending if the bridge goes up or not. :)

We always ask for a tower room facing Port Everglades as the view of the ships is beautiful. Some folks really like the Lanai rooms which are around the grounds and big pool but we prefer the tower.

Hope you enjoy your stay there. We've been going for about 20+ years and have always enjoyed the beautiful grounds and Marina etc Grille 66 on the property is a lovely restaurant we highly recommend if you don't want to bother going somewhere that requires transportation.

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. Usually I book the cruise line hotels which are nice but they are usually in the boonies. Since I'm going with Celebrity they make you take their air if you want the hotel. No thanks. It makes me a bit nervous going in a cab by myself but I'm sure I'll survive. The pics on the website look beautiful. It looks nicer (sorry to the other posters) then the Embassy Suites so I was surprised at the price. Thanks for the tip on the room. Good to hear the food is nice since it's usually sorta late getting there from Calgary.

[sail7seas]

At FLL airport, there is a valet who directs passengers getting into taxis. Come out of luggage claim and you'll see the sign for taxi line. He'll see you safely into the taxi. There are doormen at Pier 66 who will help you out with your luggage. Just be sure to get into a marked taxi and see to it he turns on the meter. You'll be fine. I'm a 'low risk taker' and we've taken probably hundreds of taxis in FLL and I would have felt fine in any of them as a woman alone.

Any questions re: Hyatt, please don't hesitate to ask.
(Great burgers at the patio restaurant poolside and delicious breakfast in breakfast restaurant in lobby. They've recently lowered the price and it is now a better 'deal' than it used to be. It had gotten very pricey but we think it more fair now.)

[lorekauf]

At FLL airport, there is a valet who directs passengers getting into taxis. Come out of luggage claim and you'll see the sign for taxi line. He'll see you safely into the taxi. There are doormen at Pier 66 who will help you out with your luggage. Just be sure to get into a marked taxi and see to it he turns on the meter. You'll be fine. I'm a 'low risk taker' and we've taken probably hundreds of taxis in FLL and I would have felt fine in any of them as a woman alone.

Any questions re: Hyatt, please don't hesitate to ask.
(Great burgers at the patio restaurant poolside and delicious breakfast in breakfast restaurant in lobby. They've recently lowered the price and it is now a better 'deal' than it used to be. It had gotten very pricey but we think it more fair now.)


Thanks I really appreciate the info. I think the prices is quite fair. I just booked 3 days in New York in April after my Veendam cruise. Now that hurt.

Sorry for the thread drift but also hoping the OP will find the info helpful.

[CruiserBruce]

The Embassy Suites FLL is discussed extensively on the Florida Departures board, here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

[Robb]

We are hoping for the best. Scheduled to stay there in mid-November for three nights pre-cruise. Close to Total wine and Massage Envy (we are members there).:D

[cruisun]

They are both nice hotels. IMHO the Embassy Suites is more convenient for pre cruise shopping with total wine, a supermarket and nice selection of restaurants all within walking distance.
I stayed at both last year. I had a newly renovated room with a pier view at Embassy suites which included a separate living room /office and bedroom. The complimentary cocktail hour in the evening and extensive complimentary breakfast in the morning were both terrific . Shuttle service from airport to hotel and hotel to pier was included too. Service was friendly! The price could not be beat.
Pier 66 was ok but I felt that the room was "tired", service was sufficient but not particularly friendly and all drinks, food and transportation cost extra. I used to be a big fan of pier 66 and stayed there exclusively.
Embassy Suites is now my first choice! I was hesitant but tried it based on all of the reviews I read here on CC and am so happy that I did:)

[Boytjie]

I just booked 3 days in New York in April after my Veendam cruise. Now that hurt.

If I may ask, which hotel? I do feel sorry for visitors...

[sail7seas]

They are both nice hotels. IMHO the Embassy Suites is more convenient for pre cruise shopping with total wine, a supermarket and nice selection of restaurants all within walking distance.
I stayed at both last year. I had a newly renovated room with a pier view at Embassy suites which included a separate living room /office and bedroom. The complimentary cocktail hour in the evening and extensive complimentary breakfast in the morning were both terrific . Shuttle service from airport to hotel and hotel to pier was included too. Service was friendly! The price could not be beat.
Pier 66 was ok but I felt that the room was "tired", service was sufficient but not particularly friendly and all drinks, food and transportation cost extra. I used to be a big fan of pier 66 and stayed there exclusively.
Embassy Suites is now my first choice! I was hesitant but tried it based on all of the reviews I read here on CC and am so happy that I did:)



I agree Pier 66 rooms are starting to need 'freshening'. We have had wonderful service but I'd be happy for some updating in the actual guest rooms.

[lorekauf]

If I may ask, which hotel? I do feel sorry for visitors...
I took the easy route and booked it thru HAL. Let me see if I can find the hotel name. Any other idea would be appreciated as I can still change. I would like to stay in/near Times Sq. I know I'm going to pay for that.

[lorekauf]

They are both nice hotels. IMHO the Embassy Suites is more convenient for pre cruise shopping with total wine, a supermarket and nice selection of restaurants all within walking distance.
I stayed at both last year. I had a newly renovated room with a pier view at Embassy suites which included a separate living room /office and bedroom. The complimentary cocktail hour in the evening and extensive complimentary breakfast in the morning were both terrific . Shuttle service from airport to hotel and hotel to pier was included too. Service was friendly! The price could not be beat.
Pier 66 was ok but I felt that the room was "tired", service was sufficient but not particularly friendly and all drinks, food and transportation cost extra. I used to be a big fan of pier 66 and stayed there exclusively.
Embassy Suites is now my first choice! I was hesitant but tried it based on all of the reviews I read here on CC and am so happy that I did:)
I'm paying about $70 less at the Hyatt so the things that you are listing as "free" don't really seem to be IMO. I think I could do most of the things you say you are getting with the $70. I'm not a fan of hotel shuttles because I don't like to be around crowds of people for extended periods. Paying for a cab is money well spent rather then waiting for something for free. YMMV. I may try the Embassy at some point but usually I don't spend extended time before or after cruises as I'm still in the workforce.

[cruisun]

I'm paying about $70 less at the Hyatt so the things that you are listing as "free" don't really seem to be IMO. I think I could do most of the things you say you are getting with the $70. I'm not a fan of hotel shuttles because I don't like to be around crowds of people for extended periods. Paying for a cab is money well spent rather then waiting for something for free. YMMV. I may try the Embassy at some point but usually I don't spend extended time before or after cruises as I'm still in the workforce.

I do not think you can go wrong with either choice, I was just expressing some of my recent observations/comparisons.
I too usually prefer a taxi rathervthan shuttle but shuttles were plentiful and only myself and one other couple was on it and three other shuttles were available.
I was not comparing prices, just amenities. I would not sacrifice preference or convenience based on price.
I hope you enjoy it.

Sail, I agree its time hyatt invests some money into updating the tower rooms!

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have stayed at the Embassy Suites for many, many years both pre and post cruise.

Love the View of the port -- enjoy the managers cocktail party in the evening, full free breakfast in the morning, so handy to the Harbor Shops -- many shops and restaurants.

A couple of years ago the E-Spot -- restaurant -- opened in the Embassy Suites.

We prefer to use a taxi to go to the pier.

[mamaofami]

We stayed in a tower room at Pier 66 last winter and loved it. There is also a water taxi stop right there and you can get off anywhere and do some shopping or sightseeing and take the taxi back.

[terrydtx]

We are staying at the Hyatt night before our cruise in November. We got a great Senior rate for a king Marina view room. We also looked at the Embassy Suites but the room was $60 more. The Pier 66 grill restaurant is a fabulous place for dinner the night before the cruise.

[kazu]

I'm paying about $70 less at the Hyatt so the things that you are listing as "free" don't really seem to be IMO. I think I could do most of the things you say you are getting with the $70. I'm not a fan of hotel shuttles because I don't like to be around crowds of people for extended periods. Paying for a cab is money well spent rather then waiting for something for free. YMMV. I may try the Embassy at some point but usually I don't spend extended time before or after cruises as I'm still in the workforce.

Sounds like your 'timing' is good for your reservations lorekauf! We didn't see that type of difference when we booked. When I compared apples to apples, Embassy Suites came out ahead. ;) Probably depends upon when you are going. Expecting them to offer a 'sale' as they did last year for our timing and if they do, we will be way ahead of the game:) (with dh's Hilton honors status we were able to get the MVP rate, which made a substantial difference at the Embassy Suites:))

[Nasmas]

We stayed at the Embassy two years ago. It was pretty nice. We're staying there again this year on the 28th because it was one of the few rooms available because of the boat show. IMO its too expensive but the rooms are nice and the breakfast is great. Our first choice is the Hilton Marina because you are so close to the ships and we watched them from our balcony. We stayed at the Pier 66 last year and they had our reservations messed up, but the room was good. The balcony was too high, you have to stand up to see anything and we were on the wrong side to see the ships. It really hacked me off because we'd made our reservations months before and they assured me that we'd have no problems getting what we requested. We didn't get much of anything we requested but we were there for only one night, so it was ok. We had room service because we were too tired to go out and the food was good though very pricey, even for room service.

[lorekauf]

I appreciate hearing the info on this thread. I'm surprised for some there wasn't a difference in price. I'm sure I would try the Embassy if the price was around the same.

[cruiseapril]

We like the Embassy Suites and the 17th St. area. We enjoy being able to walk to shops and restaurants.

The ES has a nice patio area where we like to have lunch and has a very comfortable lounge before you enter the bar/restaurant area.

[Bookfinder]

We booked ES for our upcoming cruise and are using Hilton points so happy with the price. I noticed where someone posted about ES shuttle service but it was my understanding they do provide a van from/to airport and from/to port but there is a fee per person. Does anyone know which is correct? The price they quoted when I booked was similar to the taxi fee but free would be MUCH better.

We have stayed here before and like the easy access to shops and restaurants so decided it was a good use of our points with or without courtsey transportation.

[sapper1]

We have booked into the Embassy Suites for April. We always stay in the 17th Street area and the Embassy Suites looked very nice from the street. There is very easy walking to the area restaurants, Publix and Walgreens. We stayed at the Renaissance in April and liked its location at the entrance to the port, as well as its proximity to the Bimini Boatyard for meals.

The Hyatt looks very nice as well and we would consider it if it were not on the other side of the waterway. We do not like the idea of walking across the bridge as all the traffic makes me nervous and since we will be there for three nights pre cruise we wanted to be better located. All the restaurants we like are on the port entrance side of the waterway.

We take a taxi to the port and if the bridge is up the meter runs on the taxi.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

JMHO but for the money the Hyatt Place is a much better value. I think the Embassy Suites is a bit run down but then all of the hotels in that area are actually very old. I know that they have remodeled the rooms at Embassy Suites but did not feel they were any better than the Hyatt Place for almost half the price. The "free" breakfast at Embassy Suites in my opinion was disgusting and always crowded with little kids running around. But if you like to pay big bucks because you think it is better than go ahead :D

Now I admit I do like Pier 66 and depending on the time of year one travels the prices can be very good but during peak season frankly it is more money than I want to spend for less than a 15 hour stay. I usually do not arrive till close to 7 in the evening we go to dinner, come back to the room then up early and heading to the pier by 10:30 in the morning. Obviously if you plan to stay 2 or three nights pre or post then what you pay for is different but if I was doing that I would totally get out of that whole area and get to a different section with a lot newer properties and maybe some beach front views.

[sapper1]

JMHO but for the money the Hyatt Place is a much better value. I think the Embassy Suites is a bit run down but then all of the hotels in that area are actually very old. I know that they have remodeled the rooms at Embassy Suites but did not feel they were any better than the Hyatt Place for almost half the price. The "free" breakfast at Embassy Suites in my opinion was disgusting and always crowded with little kids running around. But if you like to pay big bucks because you think it is better than go ahead :D

Now I admit I do like Pier 66 and depending on the time of year one travels the prices can be very good but during peak season frankly it is more money than I want to spend for less than a 15 hour stay. I usually do not arrive till close to 7 in the evening we go to dinner, come back to the room then up early and heading to the pier by 10:30 in the morning. Obviously if you plan to stay 2 or three nights pre or post then what you pay for is different but if I was doing that I would totally get out of that whole area and get to a different section with a lot newer properties and maybe some beach front views.
It is not just the cost we have to look at as my husband cannot walk long distances and we no longer rent cars in large cities. If we stayed on the other side of the waterway we would wind up taking taxis to restaurants and to Publix, Walgreens etc. We are taking a long cruise (22 days) and we stock up on the liquid stuff that we can't fly with so we want to be close.

We will of course take a taxi up to the Galleria Mall for one day but the rest of the time we would rather walk where we need to go.

Little kids running around-------reminds me of the time we were at a breakfast buffet and a little kid ran by and dumped his glass of OJ all over me. The mother never even said she was sorry.

[kazu]

We booked ES for our upcoming cruise and are using Hilton points so happy with the price. I noticed where someone posted about ES shuttle service but it was my understanding they do provide a van from/to airport and from/to port but there is a fee per person. Does anyone know which is correct? The price they quoted when I booked was similar to the taxi fee but free would be MUCH better.

We have stayed here before and like the easy access to shops and restaurants so decided it was a good use of our points with or without courtsey transportation.

It depends upon which rate you booked. They offer cruise specials at times which includes shuttle from the airport. I do believe there is a fee at all time to the port and it is probably faster just to take a cab.

If you were able to use your points, you definitely got a bargain. :D

[LAFFNVEGAS]

It is not just the cost we have to look at as my husband cannot walk long distances and we no longer rent cars in large cities. If we stayed on the other side of the waterway we would wind up taking taxis to restaurants and to Publix, Walgreens etc. We are taking a long cruise (22 days) and we stock up on the liquid stuff that we can't fly with so we want to be close.

We will of course take a taxi up to the Galleria Mall for one day but the rest of the time we would rather walk where we need to go.

Little kids running around-------reminds me of the time we were at a breakfast buffet and a little kid ran by and dumped his glass of OJ all over me. The mother never even said she was sorry.
The Hyatt Place is actually around the corner from the Embassy Suites but granted is a tiny bit father walk but not by much. It is next door to the Out Back Steak House. Last time we were there in March we went there for dinner then I checked the Total Wines web site and saw they were open till midnight on Saturday night so we walked over to get a couple of bottles of wine then back to the Hotel. We find it just as easy as ES plus they do have the free shuttle service from the airport that has always been quick and easy. Most of the time I order a taxi for going to the pier but last time the people signed up for the early shuttle never arrived and he the driver was ready to go so they added out luggage for the group I was in and off we went to the pier. Worked out perfect :)

[piscesgal223]

You can't go wrong with Embassy Suites-pretty much anywhere. Though it must be said we stayed at Homewood Suites-not particularly convenient for anything save for the Rustic Inn-but it was only for one night so I couldn't complain(even when the power went out briefly).


Embassy Suites always has a really good breakfast, too.

[Himself]

I have never stayed at the Embassy Suites. I have stayed at the Renaissance and at the Hyatt at Pier 66. I love to use the Water Taxi to get around. I stayed at a place up on Los Olas Blvd before my cruise in February and I liked it a lot. I do hear the Embassy Suites are a bit dear.

[sapper1]

The Hyatt Place is actually around the corner from the Embassy Suites but granted is a tiny bit father walk but not by much. It is next door to the Out Back Steak House. Last time we were there in March we went there for dinner then I checked the Total Wines web site and saw they were open till midnight on Saturday night so we walked over to get a couple of bottles of wine then back to the Hotel. We find it just as easy as ES plus they do have the free shuttle service from the airport that has always been quick and easy. Most of the time I order a taxi for going to the pier but last time the people signed up for the early shuttle never arrived and he the driver was ready to go so they added out luggage for the group I was in and off we went to the pier. Worked out perfect :)
We are talking about different Hyatts---I meant the Hyatt Pier 66. I know the place you are talking about though.

[Sherry H]

Lisa,
Which Hyatt Place? I see there are several.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

We've had good luck at the Embassy Suites so will stay there in the future. Convenient, rooms a good size, plus the restaurant has very good food.

[boards]

Hyatt (North) It is right next door or across the street to the Embassy.

[innlady1]

Looking for a nice place to stay for a few days before our cruise Jan 2. Have stayed at the Embassy suites in Chicago, but not in FLL. Can you tell me what you liked or didn't like about this hotel.
Thanks,
Cate

Cate...from what I have learned on the boards, the Embassy Suites is very nice.

Are you on the 1/13 Maasdam cruise by any chance? If so, check out our Roll Call!

[Typhoon1]

I wouldn't give it a second thought. Location, service and rooms are great.

[sparky-elpaso]

We stayed there before our Caribbean cruise last year - very nice. Beautiful atrium area in the center - lots of plants, etc. It was raining so we ended up eating dinner in their restaurant instead of walking over to the shopping center and the breakfast in the morning was very good.

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm362/sparky-elpaso/DSC09160.jpg

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm362/sparky-elpaso/DSC09170-1.jpg

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm362/sparky-elpaso/DSC09182.jpg

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm362/sparky-elpaso/DSC09225.jpg

[Krazy Kruizers]

We stayed there before our Caribbean cruise last year - very nice. Beautiful atrium area in the center - lots of plants, etc. It was raining so we ended up eating dinner in their restaurant instead of walking over to the shopping center and the breakfast in the morning was very good.

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm362/sparky-elpaso/DSC09160.jpg

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm362/sparky-elpaso/DSC09170-1.jpg

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm362/sparky-elpaso/DSC09182.jpg

http://i317.photobucket.com/albums/mm362/sparky-elpaso/DSC09225.jpg


Great pictures!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

Embassy Suites -- we never sign up for the package that includes the shuttle to the pier. We prefer to take a taxi and go when we are ready.

We use points to stay at the Embassy Suites and Hilton Hotels.

As for the Hyatt Pier 66 -- I have been told that breakfast there can be very expensive -- up to $25 per person for a decent meal -- not just pastries.

[sapper1]

Embassy Suites -- we never sign up for the package that includes the shuttle to the pier. We prefer to take a taxi and go when we are ready.

We use points to stay at the Embassy Suites and Hilton Hotels.

As for the Hyatt Pier 66 -- I have been told that breakfast there can be very expensive -- up to $25 per person for a decent meal -- not just pastries.
I think our package includes a shuttle but we will just take a taxi---it is so quick and inexpensive. I won't part with my carry-on with valuables on a shuttle so I wind up squished in the seat with it on my lap. Plus when you arrive by taxi you are quickly served by a porter and you are in line right away. On a shuttle you are milling around to make sure your luggage gets picked up and waiting for a porter before you can get in line.

The shuttle at the Renaissance last April served several hotels and you had to stand at the back door in the courtyard where it was first come, first served. We opted out of that in a hurry.

There was a very good shuttle to be had in San Diego at the Holiday Inn on the Bay. You signed up for a specific time and your luggage was put on the shuttle you signed for. That worked well. Since that hotel is right acrosss the street from the pier, a taxi driver would be very annoyed at being asked to take such a short trip.

[cate54]

Cate...from what I have learned on the boards, the Embassy Suites is very nice.

Are you on the 1/13 Maasdam cruise by any chance? If so, check out our Roll Call!

thanks for the info.
I am on the 1/2 Maasdam cruise with my daughter.

[lorekauf]

Nice pics. I wonder if I've stayed there before with a HAL booked hotel:o. The pics look familiar.

[sail7seas]

Embassy Suites -- we never sign up for the package that includes the shuttle to the pier. We prefer to take a taxi and go when we are ready.

We use points to stay at the Embassy Suites and Hilton Hotels.

As for the Hyatt Pier 66 -- I have been told that breakfast there can be very expensive -- up to $25 per person for a decent meal -- not just pastries.


That is not accurate.
You can order from the menu for whatever eggs etc you may wish and the prices are the same as most hotels.

If you order the buffet, the price is about $15 or so, give or take, for full buffet. If you order the buffet and wish something from the menu, you can have it without additional cost.

There is also continental breakfast.
The price had been higher for a brief period but they have lowered it.
Breakfast is delicious. :)

This feels to me like it is turning into an Embassy vs Pier competition. I have zero interest in anything like that.
I was asked a question, I answered it and will answer anymore that may be asked if I am able.

I don't work for the hotel and it is meaningless to me if anyone prefers one hotel over another. :D I just don't wish to let incorrect information sit there uncorrected. I do that about any subject.

One time in all our travels here there and everywhere we stayed in an Embassy Suites. It was in/near Southfield, Michigan or maybe it was Bloomfield Hills and it was fine. We were comfortable, it was clean and relatively new. It didn't wow us but it served us fine for the purpose at the time. We never sought out another Embassy Suite in any other city we have visited.


I hope wherever anyone stays is satisfactory to their needs and they enjoy it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I was just reporting what friends paid for breakfast there a couple of years ago -- it is not a debate.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I think our package includes a shuttle but we will just take a taxi---it is so quick and inexpensive. I won't part with my carry-on with valuables on a shuttle so I wind up squished in the seat with it on my lap. Plus when you arrive by taxi you are quickly served by a porter and you are in line right away. On a shuttle you are milling around to make sure your luggage gets picked up and waiting for a porter before you can get in line.

The shuttle at the Renaissance last April served several hotels and you had to stand at the back door in the courtyard where it was first come, first served. We opted out of that in a hurry.

There was a very good shuttle to be had in San Diego at the Holiday Inn on the Bay. You signed up for a specific time and your luggage was put on the shuttle you signed for. That worked well. Since that hotel is right acrosss the street from the pier, a taxi driver would be very annoyed at being asked to take such a short trip.

Years ago the Embassy Suites used to have their own shuttle buses -- to and from the airport as well as the pier.

For the pier we had to sign up for a certain time -- no crowding -- we used it all the time back then.

[blue-noser]

Stayed there in Nov 09 pre cruise. Clean, price was right, free breakfast buffet was very good, excellent location, close to Wine World and Publix So the answer to your question is: yes. One suggestion, take a cab, 15$ with tip in 2009, to cruise terminal. Wait for shuttle was too long and bus appeared too crowded.

[ALSEAU]

We booked ES for our upcoming cruise and are using Hilton points so happy with the price. I noticed where someone posted about ES shuttle service but it was my understanding they do provide a van from/to airport and from/to port but there is a fee per person. Does anyone know which is correct? The price they quoted when I booked was similar to the taxi fee but free would be MUCH better.

We have stayed here before and like the easy access to shops and restaurants so decided it was a good use of our points with or without courtsey transportation.


We stayed at the ES a year ago last September. Our booking with them did not include airport pick-up or shuttle to pier. Took a taxi from FLL airport to ES. Made arrangements at hotel desk to have a shuttle pick-up in the AM to go to pier for a fee. There were 6 of us in our party.

[Roz]

I stayed there in January and will be staying there again next month. Very convenient location, with the Harbor Shops behind them. Short ride from airport and to the port. I used their shuttle service the morning of the cruise. I think it was about $15. Since I was by myself, it cost as much as a taxi.

Roz

[Mickb]

We stayed there the year before last - never again - poor service, dark rooms, fire alarm went off twice in the night with a recurring fault - it was not for us.
For our 5 Nov sailing on Eurodam we have booked in at the Hilton Beach resort - a little further away but looks to be a much nicer experience.

[cate54]

after much reading I have decided to stay the the ES. The easy location and generally good reviews helped me decide. Thanks to everyone for their input.

Cate

[peaches from georgia]

We have stayed at ES several times pre-cruise and like the cocktail hour/dinner/breakfast and location. Our only complaint is that the living room area is so dark it is depressing. Lighter decor and some more lamps and lighting would be a great improvement.

By far our favorite hotel pre and post cruise is the Riverside on Las Olas Blvd. Beautiful rooms, especially in the new tower, wonderful views, great location with so much to do and see on Las Olas, wonderful restaurants and cafes, and across the street from the watertaxi. We have also stayed at Pier 66 and found it very unfriendly and the rooms we have been in were nowhere near as nice the Riverside.

[jimmy2x]

"We have stayed at ES several times pre-cruise and like the cocktail hour/dinner/breakfast and location. Our only complaint is that the living room area is so dark it is depressing. Lighter decor and some more lamps and lighting would be a great improvement."

We have stayed several times at the ES and your comments about the living room area are quite accurate. The main thing that keeps us coming back is the pool area - easily one of the best we have found for the price.

[CRUZBUDS]

We got a killer car rental deal from Payless, so we're probably going to go with Priceline or Hotwire on our April cruise since we don't really care what part of town we're in. It doesn't need to be walking distance to anything.

The car will also make picking up a case of wine much easier. :rolleyes:

The posted price of a bit over $200 for E.S. a night is more than we want to spend for 16 hours or so in a hotel.

[dot73]

I am staying at the 17th Street ES for the first time this December. I booked it three months ago and paid $135 for two people. I figured that with the free afternoon drinks and snacks and the great buffet breakfast for two, it was a good price. I find with the Hilton brand hotels, the sooner you book, the better the price.

[iancal]

135. is a very good price given that you get drinks and a full cooked to order breakfast.

[CRUZBUDS]

It would be $208 for us in April with another $16 to park the rental car -- I know we can do better.

We do really like Embassy Suites, we've stayed at the one in San Diego a few times.

[iancal]

We like getting the Renaissance on Priceline. We rent a car from Budget accross the street and they let us park it in the shopping centre at night....saves the outlandish $20 or $30. that the Renaissance charges for parking.

[kazu]

It would be $208 for us in April with another $16 to park the rental car -- I know we can do better.

We do really like Embassy Suites, we've stayed at the one in San Diego a few times.


Keep your eye out on their website. They had sales last year and I suspect once October, November or December passes there will be more. I watch every week and if I see one, we'll grab it first and cancel our other reservations.

Sounds like you used the MVP site - you might also want to check the actual hotel website for their specials and then you can see what is the best deal.

Worth keeping your eye on. If I recall correctly the specials were either $149 or $169 - I might have it confused with the shuttle included and I believe that was around $179 or $189.

Good luck:) to both of us:D:D

[lorekauf]

Worth keeping your eye on. If I recall correctly the specials were either $149 or $169 - I might have it confused with the shuttle included and I believe that was around $179 or $189.

Good luck:) to both of us:D:D
That would be a good price. For my night in February 2012 it was over $300 with tax. That's just stupid expensive IMO.

[Himself]

Personally, I like the RIVERSIDE on Los Olas Blvd. Close to water taxi and can get a cheap bus to the Beach on weekends.