New Years Eve in Ft Lauderdale

Hi all, We're having a small problem. We are booked on the Liberty 1/1/06 so we need a hotel for New Years Eve. We are travelling with our two girls (7 and 11). We wanted something very nice, close to port but not "party central".

I've been reading all of the hotel recommendations for Ft Lauderdale and when I check availabilty of the nicer hotels mentioned here - they are all booked (already!)

I have a sinking feeling (no pun intended) that we're going to end up in a flea-bag motel with a bunch of drunk 20 year olds!:(

I am not at all familiar with the area... maybe we'd have better luck further from port? Any recommendations (especially from the locals:) ) would be greatly appreciated!

Kelly, check the Comfort Inn on Sterling Road in Hollywood, Florida. This is not a lavish hotel, but not a flea bag hotel by any means. They have a free shuttle from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the pier the next morning, there is also a free breakfast buffet. Not sure if this is a party hotel, I sort of doubt it, but there is a nice pool for the kids to enjoy. Hope this helps, good luck and enjoy your cruise.

Kelly, New Years Eve should be special, I'd try for the new Marriott in Hollywood Beach. Its still under construction it should be open by the end of April. It will be "very nice". http://www.hollywoodbeachcra.org/developmentprojects.php?id=4

Another option would be the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood Beach http://www.starwoodspecialoffers.com/westin_diplomat/so.aqf?EM=33_GOOGLE_diplomat_hollywood_beach_FLC_WI_1402_SOP

If you really want to treat your daughters to a great time spend New Years Eve at the HardRock Hotel and Casino. While it could be considered 'party central' to some on New Years Eve they offer something for everyone. http://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com/

If those are booked, don't panic there's a few more options. Take it from a local, pass on the Comfort Inn for New Years Eve.

TrentS any other suggestions?

We spent this last New Year's Eve at the Hyatt Pier 66; I got the rooms on Priceline on November 26 or 27 for $95 each. When we checked in we were upgraded by the hotel to a tower room so celebrated the New Year watching the fireworks over the port. It was great fun and should be worth a try for next year, especially if you have a cancellable back-up.

Doone, Bequia and Taku, Thanks for the replies! I will be looking into your suggestions today.

The Hard Rock sounds like a lot of fun. Maybe I'll check that one out first! I really don't mind a festive atmosphere... my fear was that we would get "stuck" in a dumpy "party" hotel.

Don't get me wrong... I have nothing against drunk 20 year olds... I used to be one!;) But you tend to get a tad more conservative when travelling with your kids!

Thanks again!

Doone, Bequia and Taku, Thanks for the replies! I will be looking into your suggestions today.

 

The Hard Rock sounds like a lot of fun. Maybe I'll check that one out first! I really don't mind a festive atmosphere... my fear was that we would get "stuck" in a dumpy "party" hotel.

 

Don't get me wrong... I have nothing against drunk 20 year olds... I used to be one!;) But you tend to get a tad more conservative when travelling with your kids!

 

Thanks again!

HMMMMMM!!!!!! Remember MD 20/20 Sorry I couldn't resist

Bequia's suggestions are all good ones... The Seminole Hard Rock also has a spectacular pool area with waterslide that I'm sure your girls would love (hopefully we won't be having a cold snap that weekend). And there's also a nice shopping and dining area attached to the hotel... http://www.seminoleparadise.com/

HMMMMMM!!!!!! Remember MD 20/20 Sorry I couldn't resist

Ok Puffer46 (aka my Mom)... mind your own business... I am the (semi) mature mother of two now. Geez!!:p

I did check out the excellent suggestions that I received so far... and I am getting a little frustrated.

The Hard Rock has no rooms available.

The Hyatt Pier 66 is not allowing check in on 12/31

The Westin Diplomat is $320+ a night... and if we're going to splurge... I rather be at the Hard Rock.

The Marriot at Hollywood Beach isn't accepting reservations yet.

Ugh!

Sorry, I know how frustrating that is... I have a couple more suggestions for nice places you may try.

The Harbor Beach Marriott is a nice place on the best part of Ft. Lauderdale beach, very close to Port Everglades... http://www.marriottharborbeach.com/

Pelican Beach Resort is a brand new hotel that just opened on the north end of Ft. Lauderdale beach... http://www.pelicanbeach.com/

If I were you I would book a backup and keep trying for the place you really want. It's only March, and people's plans do change, maybe you'll get lucky. I don't know if they do this or not, but did you ask if there's a waitlist you can be put on at the Hard Rock in case of cancellations?

When I was booking our pre-cruise, I was interested in the Hard Rock too. I called them to check on price availability. I was told that that we wouldn't be able to get that information until about 6 months before the date we wanted to stay. If you really are considering it, I'd check back with the Hard Rock at the end of June.

There's a new hotel opened in Sunny Isles called Le Meridien which is an all suite hotel. We're booked their post cruise in December - pretty pricey, but looks very nice.

Sunny Isles Beach is about 20 minutes from FLL and is a beautiful area, home to several very nice new hotels.

Le Meridian... http://miami.lemeridien.com/

DoubleTree Ocean Point Resort & Spa... http://www.oceanpointresort.com/

Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort... http://www.sonesta.com/SunnyIsles/