LaQuinta 26th ave FLL need Car???

We are planning on flying into FLL the day before our cruise on the Liberty in Jan. 2008, do you think we should rent a car for the day?? If so where do you return the car at the port everglades. We are also considering flying into West Palm Beach the price is sooo much less. Would this be a hassle to fly there and drive to the La Quinta in Hollywood. Also the return flight out of West Palm is 12:05pm is this cutting it too short to get to the airport?

Thanks for any and all feedback.

Ft. Lauderdale is not a "walking" city and it's tough to get around by public bus. To be honest, bite the bullet and rent a car. You won't get to see anything unless you do. Taxi's are kind of expensive to go from one nice area to the next.

Go to Las Olas Blvd - it's beautiful down there. Tons of shops, places to eat, and you can even take a Gondola Ride!

If your planning on the LaQuinta Hollywood (a fine property) you are limited to a few restaurants and shops within walking distance so a car might come in handy. If you were staying on SE 17th Street, or on A1A along the beach then you wouldn't need the car as Ft Lauderdale runs an excellent public bus trolley system that would get you to most of whats to see and do in Ft Lauderdale. Unfortunately the Sun Trolley doesn't run anywhere near the LaQuinta.

http://www.suntrolley.com/maps/convention.html

La Quinta in Hollywood is a great hotel for an overnight stay before a cruise. They provide free shuttle service from FLL airport and to the cruise pier. However, as mentioned by a previous poster, there is not much within walking distance, and a cab into Ft. Lauderdale will cost around $20.00 each way, so if you are going to stay there for several days a rental car is a must.

bob

I will be staying at LaQuinta in November and wonder what shops are nearby. I know there are several good restaurants nearby (Sweet Tomatoes,Dave and Busters, TGI Fridays) but what type of "shops" are in that area or the Oakwood Mall?

Hi vegasgirl, click the link below for a list of the shops in the Oakwood Plaza next to the LaQuinta Inn & Suites:

http://fort.lauderdale.retailguide.com/data/m101620.htm

Bequia...Thanks so very much for the information. I wasn't able to find it. I'm sooo happy to know all the shops within walking distance. Thanks!!!

Thanks Bequia for the info about Oakwood Plaza as we are staying at the LaQuinta in January. We are only staying overnight and just need a place for dinner the night before the cruise. How far from the LaQuinta is the Oakwood Plaza? Thanks!

ncruiser, here's an aerial map to give you some perspective:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=26.041264,-80.15934&spn=0.013746,0.019956&t=h&z=16&om=1&msid=111808212097114498924.000438f2b12f8efcdd403

Bequia, thanks for the Google Map link. It was extremely helpful.

The LaQuinta Airport is at 26 SW. Which is very close to the port.

I was able to move the arrows to the right spot. I really like the arial map.

According to the bus route map, there is a bus that runs on 26 SW to 8th which goes to the river area terminal. Is this a reliable bus?

I appreciate all of your help.

Sue

ncruiser, here's an aerial map to give you some perspective:

 

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&ll=26.041264,-80.15934&spn=0.013746,0.019956&t=h&z=16&om=1&msid=111808212097114498924.000438f2b12f8efcdd403

Thanks so very much Bequia! This is great and looks like it is so very close. You are a great help!! We are so lucky to have you respond to our questions. Have a great weekend!

Hi vegasgirl, click the link below for a list of the shops in the Oakwood Plaza next to the LaQuinta Inn & Suites:

 

http://fort.lauderdale.retailguide.com/data/m101620.htm

bequia,

Have you heard anything about La Quinta Notheast on Federal highway? :confused: Would appreciate any help. Wanted to get the one on 26th, but was full for the time we need it. TIA

Luv's Crusin'

Tia, unless they're providing free transportation from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the cruiseport take a pass. The transportation costs are going to be a killer.

66

La Quinta in Hollywood is a great hotel for an overnight stay before a cruise. They provide free shuttle service from FLL airport and to the cruise pier. However, as mentioned by a previous poster, there is not much within walking distance, and a cab into Ft. Lauderdale will cost around $20.00 each way, so if you are going to stay there for several days a rental car is a must.

 

bob

Do you have to make prearrangments for the shuttle from the airport to the hotel or do they have a booth/phone at the airport?

Thanks

Do you have to make prearrangments for the shuttle from the airport to the hotel or do they have a booth/phone at the airport?

 

Thanks

There's a phone bank across from the baggage claim area with direct lines to many hotels. Just make sure you've got the right hotel (check the address) :) . They'll tell you to go outside to the pickup area.

(Flying into FLL on American Airlines the pickup area is about a half a block to the right outside the terminal.)

The day before we sailed we walked from the hotel to Kmart and passed several of the restaurants mentioned. We had a nice lunch at the Moonlite Diner.

Just an FYI...When we arrived at the hotel (late) we were exhausted :o . We ordered delivery from Napoli's Italian Restaurant. It was delivered promptly and was wonderful!

There's a phone bank across from the baggage claim area with direct lines to many hotels. Just make sure you've got the right hotel (check the address) :) . They'll tell you to go outside to the pickup area.

 

(Flying into FLL on American Airlines the pickup area is about a half a block to the right outside the terminal.)

 

The day before we sailed we walked from the hotel to Kmart and passed several of the restaurants mentioned. We had a nice lunch at the Moonlite Diner.

 

Just an FYI...When we arrived at the hotel (late) we were exhausted :o . We ordered delivery from Napoli's Italian Restaurant. It was delivered promptly and was wonderful!

Thanks for the information!

Do you know if ANY of the stores at the mall (or in the area) sell wine & liquor?

Flying in tomorrow morning and also wondering if there is a place at Oakwood Maill to buy wine.

Do you know if ANY of the stores at the mall (or in the area) sell wine & liquor?

Flying in tomorrow morning and also wondering if there is a place at Oakwood Maill to buy wine.

BJ's Wholesale Club located in Oakwood Plaza sells wine and liquor. If your not a member you can still obtain a day pass.

67

Thanks for the info. Do you know if there is a charge for the day pass?

Would they honor my Sam's Club Card? (I'm really not cheap, just curious)!!!

Thanks

BJ's Wholesale Club located in Oakwood Plaza sells wine and liquor. If your not a member you can still obtain a day pass.

67

I went to the BJ's wholesale club website and printed a 1 day pass. Unfortunately on the pass it says, "Not valid for alcohol or gas purchases"

So now what do we do? Any other suggestions?

Ask the hotel desk clerk where the closest liqour store is. If you don't have a car, tip the hotel shuttle driver to take you there or hire a cab.

65

We were just there the end of October and bought our wine and water at KMART in the plaza!