Where to Stay in Ft. Lauderdale

[li10ebda]

Going on a cruise next year in March. Does anyone recommend places to stay in Ft. Lauderdale.
Happy Cruiser

[Fblack]

I was looking for a one night stay as well for April. Hotel rooms were very expensive the week I needed. So I chose the La Quinta Ft. Lauderdale Airport.

It gets good reviews and has a shuttle from the airport and to the pier. I paid about $105.



http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=985

[madelinerose]

Going on a cruise next year in March. Does anyone recommend places to stay in Ft. Lauderdale.
Happy Cruiser


Click these:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=415

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g34227-Fort_Lauderdale_Florida-Hotels.html

[quincytess]

The Hampton Inn Plantation is excellent. It has an airport shuttle as well as to the cruise port. The complimentary breakfast is terrific. Rooms are beautiful and clean. I stay there every year pre-cruise.

[MercedMike]

There are lots of hotels available. What I would like to recommend is a place that we never miss for dinner when we overnight in FLL.

Check out the
http://www.rusticinncrabhouse.com/
for the wonderful garlic crab. It takes me about an hour and a half to crack my way through the huge bowl they bring!

Have a GREAT cruise!

[onthegogirl]

Best Western. Surly staff. :eek: Conflicting info about post shuttle. Supposed to be included in rate and confirmed with property directly. Then they tried to impose their regular charge. Not pleasant to deal with!!!:(

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have stayed many times both pre and post cruise at the Embassy Suites on 17th Street.

We love to dine at the Bimini Boatyard just down the street.

[gilew]

I would recommend the Marriott Renaissance off of
17th Street Causeway. It is within walking distance of the Bimini Boatyard Restaurant and within a few miles of the port.

[torpeedo]

We have also stayed at that LaQuinta in Hollywood ( really Ft. Lauderdale suburb). It was actually very nice. Right next to a shopping center with many food options. They will take you to the port via shuttle also. About a 10 minute ride.
We used them through Park Sleep and Fly. They have a park sleep and cruise option so we left our car there. Took a cab back to the hotel when we returned from the cruise. I think it was about $159 for a king room and parking for 10 days.

[middle-aged mom]

Going on a cruise next year in March. Does anyone recommend places to stay in Ft. Lauderdale.
Happy Cruiser

Don't know what your price range is, but we stayed at the Lago Mar (http://www.lagomar.com/), and liked it very much. In fact, I think my husband may have enjoyed our stay there more than our actual cruise:rolleyes: :eek: :p

Good luck!

Karin

[ekerr19]

Don't know what your price range is, but we stayed at the Lago Mar (http://www.lagomar.com/), and liked it very much. In fact, I think my husband may have enjoyed our stay there more than our actual cruise:rolleyes: :eek: :p

Good luck!

Karin

Karin -

Glad to hear it - we came very close when Hyatt Pier 66 was undergoing rennovations, but opted for the Rennaisance in the end. I think we may give it a try...

[candbgirl]

MArriott Renaissance. Directly across the street from the gates to the port. But you need a cab or shuttle to take you to the ship. It's about 5 minuets tops. Excellent restaurant right in the hotel. Very nice rooms and staff. I highly recommend it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Embassy Suites is also within a very short walk to the new Harbor shops which inlcudes shops and restaurants!!

[NoNoNanette]

We also stayed at the LaQuinta HOLLYWOOD through Sleep 'n Fly.

HOWEVER.... After speaking to a couple of the gals at the front desk, I learned that it would have been cheaper to book directly with the hotel....

I want to say we spent about $150 for the night and 10 days parking. Probably could have gotten the room for a little over 100 bucks.

(Just something to consider.... which I need to do in the next few months! :))

As someone else mentioned, you can take a stroll to a couple of restaurants. We really enjoyed ourselves.

[NoNoNanette]

We have stayed many times both pre and post cruise at the Embassy Suites on 17th Street.

We love to dine at the Bimini Boatyard just down the street.

It looks as though 17th Street is a fun location with plenty of action :).... we had something booked there last year, but moved over to the LaQuinta for some reason. Parking Charge, maybe????

[donh1]

It is actually just down the Street from the 17th Ave Embassy Suites.
The hotel is showing its age but the price was right. There is a liquor store nearby with a large selection of wines. Lots of restuarants nearby. Complimentary shuttle.... Great value for the money. The place was full of other budget minded cruise passengers....:) The front desk staff wasn't all that friendly. I suspect it was because it was so busy.... For one night it served the purpose.....

[NoNoNanette]

It is actually just down the Street from the 17th Ave Embassy Suites.
The hotel is showing its age but the price was right. There is a liquor store nearby with a large selection of wines. Lots of restuarants nearby. Complimentary shuttle.... Great value for the money. The place was full of other budget minded cruise passengers....:) The front desk staff wasn't all that friendly. I suspect it was because it was so busy.... For one night it served the purpose.....

I THINK that was the place that we had booked! I want to say that they were under new management, and were talking about charging for parking. I'll check it out. Thanks for the "heads up".

(I have no problem with "budgeting" prior or after a cruise.... while on-board, all bets are off, :eek: but a pre-cruise room isn't a real big deal for us!)

I have to assume that you booked them directly to get the free parking?

Thanks again.... I'm sure that was the joint! :)

[BILLP1]

The old Amerisuites on 17th street has been taken over by Hyatt Place Hotels and all rooms are being re-done.

Much higher prices but great location and pictures of other Hyatt Place hotels are impressive.

We booked for next April.

[sail7seas]

We're booked to return to Hyatt Pier 66. We haven't been there in over a year and a half after having stayed there dozens of times through the years.

We've heard conflicting information about changes it may or may not have made and we're curious to see for ourselves.

We're very much looking forward to seeing friends in FLL during our pre and post cruise stays and hope we love Pier 66 as much as we always have in the past.

[ekerr19]

We're going to take our chances too Sail...

Always loved it - hope it doesn't disappoint this time either. :)

[SANDY BEACH]

We have also stayed at the LaQuinta, Hollywood. Very helpful front desk and parking is free to cruisers. Nice shuttle to take you to the ship. We booked directly with them during a Feb cruise and paid around $150. Feb and Mar are very expensive in Fla for hotels. Try the Rustic Inn for seafood. It's very close to the LaQuinta and a favorite of the locals.

[sail7seas]

Are you staying post cruise, Laura, or only pre? We may overlap with post cruise stays.

[ekerr19]

Are you staying post cruise, Laura, or only pre? We may overlap with post cruise stays.



We always head down a day early - hadn't thought about post cruise for this trip but it may be "doable", especially since we gave up 14 days for 7 days... btw - I cannot access my comcast mailbox right now - it's been hours since I was able to check it... not sure what is up with comcast.net.:confused:

[sail7seas]

:) I'll send to you other box.

Think about a post cruise. Depending upon how many ships are in FLL when you disembark, it is so delicious to not have to deal with the crowds at the airport fresh from the ship.

We never fly home the day we disembark. Always do at least one day post cruise.....makes a nice 'transition' back to real life. ;)

[ekerr19]

Sail -

Considering the day we return, we could consider a day or two - it would be nice to relax and not rush, that's for sure!!!!:)

[joedebnh]

There is a new hotel being buit by Marriott across the street from the beach. Looks like a great location if you want some pre-cruise sun and relaxation. We are going there on Friday prior to a Sunday cruise in January 2008.

The hotel should be completed early this fall. We are using points and I don't know what the rates will be.

We have also used PriceLine successfully and saved up to 40% of the quoted rate for 3* and above hotels. Try Betterbidding.com for bidding suggestions.

[sail7seas]

If anyone is looking for very luxurious, St. Regis just opened their ulta-luxe resort in FLL. Should be really outstanding!!! And Pricey!!! :)

I've also heard wonderfult things about Lago Mar but always check for more current info. Owners/management changes and these facilities can change dramatically.

[newrivercruiser]

I have reservations in December and in January at the LaQuinta. They have a great AARP rate ($89 in December and $95 in January) the reviews are positive and they have both the shuttle from the airport and to the pier.

If you want low cost this was the best I could find - especially in January.

[pmatch]

What about something on the beach? Any suggestions? My Mom and I will be sailing in Nov 2008 and would like to have a few days in FL to get in the vacation mindset...

[torpeedo]

For on the beach, we have stayed at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort and Spa and will be staying there again in Feb. We love it. Beautiful beach and pool. Food is very good also. It is ON the beach as opposed to many that are across the street from the beach. I believe Lago Mar is also on the beach. Have not stayed there but understand from others that they have had a wonderful time there.

[Harry1954]

Don't know what your price range is, but we stayed at the Lago Mar (http://www.lagomar.com/), and liked it very much. In fact, I think my husband may have enjoyed our stay there more than our actual cruise:rolleyes: :eek: :p

Good luck!

Karin
Karin, glad you enjoyed it. We stayed there once on pre-cruise night and unfortunately for us it was the most horrible experience we have had. We would never stay there again; fortunately there are many other options which are excellent ...
harry

[middle-aged mom]

Karin, glad you enjoyed it. We stayed there once on pre-cruise night and unfortunately for us it was the most horrible experience we have had. We would never stay there again; fortunately there are many other options which are excellent ...
harry

Harry, I'm sorry to hear about your negative experience at the Lago Mar. We were there last December 17th and 18th, prior to our December 19th departure on the Amsterdam. It was right before the holiday rush, so perhaps our timing was right. What went wrong for you?

Karin

[sail7seas]

Harry...... Would you mind sharing with us what happened to you. I'm so sorry you had a bad experience as I have always heard good things about that property. Goes to show no matter how good the hotel, they sometimes don't provide their best product to all guests.

[gilew]

Hi!

If you're staying a few days...you might consider
staying on Las Olas at the Riverside Hotel.

[Harry1954]

Harry...... Would you mind sharing with us what happened to you. I'm so sorry you had a bad experience as I have always heard good things about that property. Goes to show no matter how good the hotel, they sometimes don't provide their best product to all guests.
We had a suite, not a regular room .. and here is what my notes of the trip say: First, after getting situated in a very well-appointed and elegant room, we ventured to the beach since the weather was warmer than usual for springtime. Being first-timers, we presumed from stays at other first class resorts that there would be someone to hand out towels but found no one at the beach. I suppose we should have brought our bath towels with us.
Secondly, after spending time there, we headed for the beach bar, sat down at the bar itself and waited to be served. After five minutes (believe it) of being ignored by the two bartenders deeply engrossed in conversation with other patrons, I finally caught their attention and ordered two vodka tonics. The drinks had almost no ice, had no taste and as best I can tell were almost entirely tonic. My wife does not like me to make a scene, so we paid for the drinks and left without them.
Thirdly, we again presumed that the Acquario restaurant would be elegant and made reservations for dinner at 7:45pm. Upon arriving, I asked the maitre d’ for a quiet table whereby he sat us near the kitchen door. Again, in mollifying my wife, I said nothing. We ordered wine and began settling down for an enjoyable dinner when the same person seated a family group of about seven adjacent to us. While that in and of itself was not a problem, what we took issue with were two
points – 1) the children were in swim suits and 2) they were not eating dinner – they were just hanging out as our own children (we raised five) would say. Needlessly our dinner was not romantic in fact it bordered on paralleling experiences we would have expected at McDonald’s - even though the food was delicious.
Lastly, the following morning I explained to the gentleman at the frontdesk that we were waiting to depart for our cruise and would like to check out an hour or so late if possible – 1pm or so. He very curtly informed me that the hotel was booked and this was not possible. I suppose one hour makes a significant difference in check-ins in their system, but my extensive traveling experience harkens back to many customer-oriented, first class facilities all over the world, which indeed were always booked , that would accommodate us or provide suggestions as to what we might do if that were to be impossible; instead, we sat in the front desk area of the hotel for two hours until we took our taxi at 1:30 to the ship –avoiding lunching there in fear of a repeat of the prior evening.

Maybe we just were the ones to get the 'rotten potato' that trip because others have had good experiences or they would not be in business, but we really have stayed at many 4 and 5 star hotels from China to Italy and almost always in suites and this was a singularly awful experience in our own country to boot.
harry

[Susie51]

We booked 3 nights with Red Carpet Inn (airport) Has anyone stayed there? What's it like?

How much will a cab cost from the Inn to the port? It is about 2 mi. according to the motel info.

Thanks for your help.

I've stayed at Comfort Inn on Federal Hwy. and it was very nice. The shopping center was within walking distance so I picked up a pair of water shoes which I forgot to pack.

[sail7seas]

Thanks for sharing about your experience, Harry. Sorry your stay was not more pleasant.

[Susie51]

I canceled our Red Carpet Inn booking and changed to La Quinta. I really appreciate the warning.

[Vic The Parrot]

If you can't get a room at Pier 66, try the Ft Lauderdale Grande on the same street (across the Intra-Coastal). The property is under renovation as we speak, but looks as tho it'll be spectacular when compleat.

[PCruzer]

Hi!

If you're staying a few days...you might consider
staying on Las Olas at the Riverside Hotel.

We also stayed at the Riverside Hotel recently. We loved the hotel. Very old-world European. There is a Cheesecake Factory a short walk away. The only problem was finding breakfast the next morning (it was a Sunday). The hotel had what seemed to be a long wait for a table. We decided to venture out because we had seen a Starbucks the day before. Unfortunately, everything was closed up tight on Sunday. We found a small restaurant open for breakfast, but there was a long line for a table there, too. Other than that, the location and hotel were lovely.

[teachergal29]

We have reservations for the Marriott BeachPlace for 2 days pre-cruise and 1 night post cruise at Pelican Grand. Anyone have any feedback about these places since we have never stayed at either place???:confused: We wanted a place near the beach so we could relax before and after the cruise.

[AZGal]

We stayed at the Hyatt Pier 66 this past April and thought it was pretty nice. We had a room on the 2nd floor. It was nicely appointed and very clean. The hi-lite was our dinner at the on-property restaurant adjacent to where the beautiful yachts dock. It was truly one of the best seafood dinners I've ever eaten. The baked stuffed lobster was to-die-for! A very nice way to begin a cruise.

We returned there on the day we docked because we had an afternoon flight. The bellman stored our luggage and we ejoyed another nice meal at the outdoor restuarant/snackbar near the pool. Just lovely.

Our friends stayed at Lago Mar and she said she preferred the Hyatt. I will try to find out specifics as to why.

Mary

[SandRaven]

Hi teachergal,
My parents were at the Marriott BeachPlace a few months ago for a work convention and really enjoyed it! :)

[jazzlover]

Was also wondering about the Pelican Grand. anyone have any comments? And is it closeto the terminal. Stayed at the Yankee Clipper last year and it had great location but rather worn. Any info greatly appreciated.

[sirdavid]

This past March we stayed at the Sleep Inn..... It was perfect. Free shuttle from the airport and to the Cruise Terminal. Free hot breakfast buffet. Nice clean & comfortable rooms. A bonus for us was a supermarket across the street, where we purchsed a case of Champagne and a case of wine to board on the Westerdam. The liquor/wine department Manager even delivered the wine to the hotel for us!
David

[skyedoggie]

The Hollywood Beach Marriott was a success for DH and I. We did the precruise package and transfers to the port. We enjoyed the restuarants but did meet up with our fellow cc roll call folks at the Crab House mentioned on the first page of this thread. That was a delicious experience and one we'd like to repeat!!! The Hollywood Beach Marriott is a good deal with the boardwalk being right outside the hotel, providing lots of people watching, walking, beachfront and lots of restaurants within walking distance and places to stop into. The lounge at the hotel provides entertainment as well. We thought it was a win/win.

[billsrobb]

Anyone stayed at Sleep Inn in Dania. Florida? I am staying there in Nov.

Robb

[amusea]

We have reservations for the Marriott BeachPlace for 2 days pre-cruise and 1 night post cruise at Pelican Grand. Anyone have any feedback about these places since we have never stayed at either place???:confused: We wanted a place near the beach so we could relax before and after the cruise.

I have stayed a the Marriott Beach Place twice. My recommendation is to make sure you get an apartment on the intracoastal side. There are several clubs and restaurants on the ocean side that play loud music until early morning hours. Actually the intracoastal view is nicer, especially if you get a very high floor. The worst problems with the hotel are the elevators and the garage which is not only convoluted but expensive and not included in your room rate.

[teachergal29]

Thank you,amusea,
I can make a request, but actually we are not even getting to the hotel until 1 am . I don't know what kind of choice I am going to have. We are coming from the west so this was the best flight I could get non-stop. But thanks for the info. I will at least ask.....

[amusea]

Are you driving a rental car or taking a taxi? If it is a rental car I would be happy to give you clues as to how to get to the reception lobby. It is not easy since it is five floors above the street level.

[teachergal29]

No, we are not renting a car. We were just going to get a cab from the airport to the hotel and the same for going to the pier on Sun. morning for embarkation. Maybe get a water taxi day pass for Sat.
Will a taxi get us to the front of the Marriott BeachPlace where we can at least take the elevator up to the reception area???

[amusea]

There are two options for entering the hotel reception area.
The first is to exit the cab on the ocean side of the building where there are restaurants and stores on two levels. You must climb the stairs and then walk through to the rear section of the garage where there are elevators that can take you to the lobby level - about five or six floors up. Usually you cannot enter or operate the elevators without a room key but there may be a phone outside or inside the elevator.
The second is to have the cab enter the garage. After midnight the only entry is on the south side of the hotel.
The cab must go up about five floors. You will see a yellow sign which in the garage which indicates the elevators to the lobby. There is a phone outside the glass doors of the elevator bank to contact the lobby for entry to the elevators and then you must go up a few floors to the reception area.
My suggestion is that you call the hotel and explain that you will be arriving around 1 AM and that you have a lot of luggage. They should give you the best directions. But at least you will have the options that I have explained. This whole design is very poorly planned.

[teachergal29]

I appreciate all your info about how to get in. After reading your comments, it made me think that I have read about the difficulty in getting into the Marriott BeachPlace. This should be a lot of fun after traveling all day and dealing with luggage. Just kidding.. I will take your suggestion about calling the Marriott beforehand and ask them about the best way to get into the hotel via a cab from the airport. I take it that they have NO shuttle service from airport or to cruise terminal????

[amusea]

Unfortunately you are correct.

[tomorrowtamer]

I have reservations in December and in January at the LaQuinta. They have a great AARP rate ($89 in December and $95 in January) the reviews are positive and they have both the shuttle from the airport and to the pier.

If you want low cost this was the best I could find - especially in January.

Hi newrivercruiser,

Thanks for the information on LaQuinta :)
Which LaQuinta location will you be staying at?

[teachergal29]

Thanks, amusea, I will check with Marriott before we go.

[geonna]

We stayed at the Pier 66 last April. I highly recommend the truffle french fries! They were FANTASTIC! In addition, it was nice having the washer and dryer right next to the hotel. I know it was for the sailors who bring in their sailboats, but I had an emergency and used them. Very convienient! The Pier 66 was pretty nice, but kind of pricey.