Fort Lauderdale Hotel and activity before cruise help

Hello we are flying into FLL Saturday at noon before our RCL Allure of the Seas, Sunday September 3rd.

Having a hard time figuring out where to stay, we will not be renting a car (especially if we only stay the one night prior to) and we would love to do some shopping, have a look at some local boutiques, have a drink in the afternoon, nice dinner and finish off with a walk on the beach. Possibly a trip to the Hard Rock Casino may be in order as well.

Where should we stay that has a shuttle from the FLL to the hotel and hotel to cruiseport.

We don't really have a budget in mind, up to $300 is fine, although really we wont be spending a whole lot of time there.

I accidentally booked Hampton Inn, in Plantation, not sure what I was thinking there so I cancelled.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Look at the Riverside on Las Olas. Great restaurants and little stores up and down the Blvd. However this isnt a beach hotel.

Don't limit yourself to shuttles. Those might be available at the airport hotels, but not in town where you want to be. Airport cab to downtown will be under $20 and even less to the port. Of course, Uber will be even lower.

I'd recommend Riverside too. It will fit all your wants except beach, is not far from the port and not far from Hard Rock. Another place that has gotten a lot of positive reviews is the Driftwood Inn in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. It's further from the port and the Hard Rock but by restaurants and the beach. Enjoy your trip.