Ft. Lauderdale Q&A/FAQ

[royalcruz]

Originally Posted by Sunshine101

We booked on Hotwire and wound up with the Hilton FLL Airport. Not sure how happy I am with this considering the reviews on Trip Advisor aren't good. Any thoughts on this hotel?Are there a few restaurants nearby? Many thanks for any help.

The hotel seems that it isn't as nice as it used to be per the reviews that I've read. I used to go there a lot for events but haven't been there this year. There are a few restaurants nearby but it isn't an area set up for pedestrians, so take a cab or see if the shuttle can take you at least one way. Some very popular fun restaurants in the area are Rustic Inn and The Field. Islamorada Fish Co. and Tropical Acres are also in the area but have no ambiance. There are also restaurants in Hilton and in Sheraton across the street.

[OhioDogLover]

We are staying at the Marriott Courtyard in Dania before our cruise. Are there any good restaurants within walking distance? Places to purchase wine? I would rather walk if we can.
Thanks,
Ohiodoglover

[royalcruz]

Originally Posted by OhioDogLover

We are staying at the Marriott Courtyard in Dania before our cruise. Are there any good restaurants within walking distance? Places to purchase wine? I would rather walk if we can.
Thanks,
Ohiodoglover

This hotel is VERY close to Islamorada Fish Co but nothing else is close to walk to. See the post above yours for other suggestions. I don't know of any stores that sell wine in that area.

[Sunshine101]

Originally Posted by royalcruz

The hotel seems that it isn't as nice as it used to be per the reviews that I've read. I used to go there a lot for events but haven't been there this year. There are a few restaurants nearby but it isn't an area set up for pedestrians, so take a cab or see if the shuttle can take you at least one way. Some very popular fun restaurants in the area are Rustic Inn and The Field. Islamorada Fish Co. and Tropical Acres are also in the area but have no ambiance. There are also restaurants in Hilton and in Sheraton across the street.

Thanks Royal!

[Aldeya]

Originally Posted by royalcruz

Downtown and airport zones are safe and within your cab range, give or take a couple of dollars.

Thank you so much!

[OhioDogLover]

Sharon,
Thanks for your reply
ohiodoglover

[CarlaMasterson]

What hotels offer, complimentary breakfast and air port and cruise shuttles? I am also looking for something with basic shopping within walking distance so we can pick up pop and wine before the cruise.

Thank you,

[royalcruz]

Originally Posted by CarlaMasterson

What hotels offer, complimentary breakfast and air port and cruise shuttles? I am also looking for something with basic shopping within walking distance so we can pick up pop and wine before the cruise.

Thank you,

Check the Hampton Inns on Stirling Rd and on SW 12th Ave.

[tennisobo]

Originally Posted by swellbay

The Bridge at Cordova Boutique Hotel


looked like a nice place any idea

thinking 2 days pre cruise feb 22 and 23

We stayed there pre-cruise last February. The people running the hotel are very nice and accommodating. The hotel itself was a disappointment. About half the light bulbs in our rooms were dead. The rug in the bathroom was not something I wanted to step out of the shower on to. We will not be returning. Overall...just rundown and not super clean.

[Tinkerbell]

Originally Posted by royalcruz

Check the Hampton Inns on Stirling Rd and on SW 12th Ave.

We have stayed at the Hampton Inn on Stirling Road a couple of times and it worked out great! Shuttle and breakfast both...

[sueasselstine]

Just got the Riverside hotel for $109 ($129 including taxes) through the Priceline express deals (for Jan 4, 1 night)!! I was hoping for this hotel! It's listed as a 3-star in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, and the listed amenities are pool, pets allowed, fitness center and business center. Just wanted you all to know in case you were looking to book this hotel!

[Bison]

Originally Posted by CarlaMasterson

What hotels offer, complimentary breakfast and air port and cruise shuttles? I am also looking for something with basic shopping within walking distance so we can pick up pop and wine before the cruise.

Thank you,

Sleep Inn

[royalcruz]

Sleep Inn now charges for port shuttle. LaQuinta and Best Western FLL also recently started charging for this. Free port shuttle is becoming a scarcity.

[tip]

We would very much like to visit the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens when we stay in Fort Lauderdale next month for a few nights before our cruise. We will not be renting a car and will be at the Renaissance Hotel.

One option would be to take the Water Taxi and walk from the stop at the Galleria. A Map Quest search shows that it is a reasonable walk of about 3/10 of a mile and would take about six minutes. Does anyone know if there is a sidewalk over the Sunrise Blvd Bridge?

Another option may be the Sun Trolley, but it appears that it may involve a transfer. Could anyone give me some advice here?

And while I am at it, would we like to take the Jungle River Queen dinner cruise. I know that it is corny, but we did enjoy it when we did it two years ago. What would be the best way to get from the Renaissance to and from the dock?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

[royalcruz]

Originally Posted by tip

We would very much like to visit the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens when we stay in Fort Lauderdale next month for a few nights before our cruise. We will not be renting a car and will be at the Renaissance Hotel.

One option would be to take the Water Taxi and walk from the stop at the Galleria. A Map Quest search shows that it is a reasonable walk of about 3/10 of a mile and would take about six minutes. Does anyone know if there is a sidewalk over the Sunrise Blvd Bridge?

Another option may be the Sun Trolley, but it appears that it may involve a transfer. Could anyone give me some advice here?

And while I am at it, would we like to take the Jungle River Queen dinner cruise. I know that it is corny, but we did enjoy it when we did it two years ago. What would be the best way to get from the Renaissance to and from the dock?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Sunrise Blvd is very pedestrian friendly and has sidewalks. You can take the Suntrolley from Ren to Bonnet House and to Jungle Queen without a transfer. The public bus 40 does the same route.

[tip]

Originally Posted by royalcruz

Sunrise Blvd is very pedestrian friendly and has sidewalks. You can take the Suntrolley from Ren to Bonnet House and to Jungle Queen without a transfer. The public bus 40 does the same route.

Thank you so much for your fast and informative reply. Your advice over the years has been invaluable in assisting us to get the most out of our stays in Fort Lauderdale and at Hollywood Beach. You are terrific!!

[royalcruz]

Originally Posted by tip

Thank you so much for your fast and informative reply. Your advice over the years has been invaluable in assisting us to get the most out of our stays in Fort Lauderdale and at Hollywood Beach. You are terrific!!

You are very welcome! Have fun!

[royalcruz]

If you don't hear from me for a week I'm not ignoring you....I'm cruising.

[ragtiki2004]

Sharon, have a great cruise! What islands are you visiting? Bob

[ssimon]

We are flying into FLL Jan 6 for our Celebrity cruise out of Miami on Jan 7. Anyone have suggestions as to a nice clean hotel that will also bring us to the cruise port and pick us up when we return. We will be staying there for two days after the cruise. Would really like beach area. Thanks....Ellen