Good For Lauderdale Pre-cruise Hotel - NOT Hyatt or Embassy

We are currently booked at La Quinta Airport and Cruise in Hollywood. We selected it since it has airport shuttle, isn't too far from the port for next morning taxi, includes breakfast (so handy meal in the morning and then can go) and seems to have restaurant and shops near by (still not 100% clear if we can walk to the mall or not). We arrive around noon at For Lauderdale airport.

But our hotel is still cancellable (is that a word). So just want to see what other's recommend. My subject header says that we are not interested in Hyatt or Embassy Suites on 17th street. They look lovely but are over what we want to spend for one night. We want to keep it under $230 CAD a night (not sure US equivalent)

So

• Requirements are: clean, restaurants and things to do in walking distance (beach or shopping), not expensive, not too far from port (maybe $40 or less taxi ride)
  
• Nice to haves are: airport transportation, breakfast included
  

Suggestions?

Hampton Inn Airport North Cruiseport. We have stayed there 6 or 7 times and always been happy.

Has free airport shuttle, across from shopping plaza, nearby restaurants, pool, complimentary breakfast, clean. Shuttle to port in a.m. is $6.00 each or a cab would be cheap as the hotel is really close to both airport and cruiseport.

OP - to help everyone reading this please give your date and translate the Canadian dollars into US dollars (I don't think it is really fair for you to expect US readers to do that :eek:).

Have you checked out Bahia Mar (right across from the beach), B Ocean (on the beach), Best Western Oceanside (within a block of the beach), Courtyard by Marriott (across the street from the beach), or the Gallery One (a couple of blocks to the beach but on the Intra-coastal)?

Since you are arriving by noon, I think it is wise to book a hotel with lots to do in the afternoon. Fort Lauderdale is a lovely city with lots of action along the beach and cheap transportation on the sun trolley (http://www.suntrolley.com) to get around the beachfront and Las Olas Blvd. Why come all this way and be stuck in a suburban hotel with chain stores and restaurants all around? Really start your vacation the day you fly in!

I looked at your countdown clock and estimated your cruise to be early April. If you have a CAA membership you can get a room at the Comfort Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port for $161 + tax/night. That's in a better location, walking distance to the "action" on and around 17th Street, and I didn't do the conversion but that should meet your price limit of no more than $230 CAD. Without the Auto Club membership, the rate would be $169 + tax. That would be a room for two people...a room with two beds is higher.

I looked at your countdown clock and estimated your cruise to be early April. If you have a CAA membership you can get a room at the Comfort Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port for $161 + tax/night. That's in a better location, walking distance to the "action" on and around 17th Street, and I didn't do the conversion but that should meet your price limit of no more than $230 CAD. Without the Auto Club membership, the rate would be $169 + tax. That would be a room for two people...a room with two beds is higher.

Yes correct. We are travelling second weekend in April, which I think is a bit pricier?

Actually Comfort Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport was the other one we were looking at. It seems comparable to La Quinta but we went with Las Quinta since we recognized the shops near by (as opposed to boutique stores) . We're a family of 4 but the price was close to La Quinta (and a wash when you factor in taxi cost as Comfort Suites is closer to the port). What is on 17th that is of interest? Are we better with Comfort Suites?

Sorry...I should have stated in US...so it looks like we'd like to stay under $180 US.

Take a look at Snooze hotel.

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Personally, I think the only advantage that the Comfort Suites has over the La Quinta is the Mcdonalds and Burger King are closer lol. I'm not a real fan is the US 1 area of town, and any shopping along 17th is at least as far to walk to as the Oakwood stores are from LQ. OP, I really recommend you download Google Earth. I have found it to be a valuable travel tool the last 8 or 9 years, being able to zoom in to an area and get streetview imagery. Not sure what your plans are for the day, but if involves sitting around a pool, I invite you to use Google and look at the pool areas for both of these hotels. I can say that the LQ has one of the nicest pool areas of the non-resort hotels in that area, and you look out over water. You might be in a suburban hotel, but it's in one of the nicest non-suburban settings going.

Take a look at Snooze hotel.

 

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Has a minimum stay. And not available for one nighters. Good value choice for longer stays tho.

A lot really depends on what you are looking for from a hotel...

For us, when we cruise from Fort Lauderdale, we are usually just looking for a place to relax for the day after flying in and before leaving on a cruise the next day. We are not interested in shopping or in seeing any "sights" in Fort Lauderdale (I've seen them and Fort Lauderdale leaves me largely unimpressed)...

The "action" around 17th Street and other "nicer" Fort Lauderdale locations is really just nicer shops and non-chain restaurants...or the beach in the beach area...

The area around the Oakwood shopping center works for me--since I'm just lounging around recovering from travel fatigue and jet lag...and all I want is a low room rate, an airport shuttle, free breakfast and WiFi...and MAYBE a port shuttle...And someplace--even fast food or a chain restaurant--nearby for dinner...

What has usually worked for me is the Springhill Suites on Sterling--accross from the Oakwood mall...But, for our cruise in March, even that has shown only sky-high prices ($329/night)...So, for this upcoming cruise, we found a great rate across the street at the Hampton Inn (Airport-Cruise port South) for $124 per night for our one pre-cruise night on a State Government rate--which, luckily, we qualify for...It has free breakfast, WiFi and airport shuttle...and, we'll just pay for a cheap taxi to the pier...

For our purposes, that works fine...We get in on Saturday morning before a Sunday cruise after flying the redeye from Los Angeles...So, we're not sightseeing...we'll just relax all day around the hotel, walk to one of the chain restaurants at Oakwood (TGI Friday, Red Lobster, Sal's Italian, the Ale House or whatever) for dinner, then back to the hotel for a good night's sleep...and taxi to the pier Sunday morning...saving a lot of the money we'd pay for 17th Street...

Personally, I think the only advantage that the Comfort Suites has over the La Quinta is the Mcdonalds and Burger King are closer lol. I'm not a real fan is the US 1 area of town, and any shopping along 17th is at least as far to walk to as the Oakwood stores are from LQ. OP, I really recommend you download Google Earth. I have found it to be a valuable travel tool the last 8 or 9 years, being able to zoom in to an area and get streetview imagery. Not sure what your plans are for the day, but if involves sitting around a pool, I invite you to use Google and look at the pool areas for both of these hotels. I can say that the LQ has one of the nicest pool areas of the non-resort hotels in that area, and you look out over water. You might be in a suburban hotel, but it's in one of the nicest non-suburban settings going.

This makes me feel better about our La Quinta choice (but as stated, still keeping our eye open as we can cancel and rebook). The water around it looks nice and calming and I will say that I liked the pool from pictures. And good to know that it's not any closer to 17th nor is the area any better (not fans of McDonalds or Burger King either...we never take our kids there). Am not clear on the 17th street area. If we are going to shop, we prefer known shops for practical stuff...but maybe that's cause we're coming from Canada so can sneak in some US shopping before our cruise. (To answer your question about what we'll be doing for the day...thinking of maybe trying the

pool and then heading to Oakland stores for shopping and dinner).

Thanks for the tip about google maps. Will take a look.

Bruin Steve ...what you describe about your pre-cruise day/hotel is the exact same as us. We'll be on the same timezone but not planning on sightseeing or anything. If shopping, it's just browsing or picking up last minute things, which is relaxing for us too. Have an awesome cruise next Spring. You're a month before us. I will check out the Hampton Inn as well. Thx.

This makes me feel better about our La Quinta choice (but as stated, still keeping our eye open as we can cancel and rebook). The water around it looks nice and calming and I will say that I liked the pool from pictures. And good to know that it's not any closer to 17th nor is the area any better (not fans of McDonalds or Burger King either...we never take our kids there). Am not clear on the 17th street area. If we are going to shop, we prefer known shops for practical stuff...but maybe that's cause we're coming from Canada so can sneak in some US shopping before our cruise. (To answer your question about what we'll be doing for the day...thinking of maybe trying the

pool and then heading to Oakland stores for shopping and dinner).

 

Thanks for the tip about google maps. Will take a look.[/quo

 

I agree, the LaQuinta looks good. We considered this because also coming from Canada with the kids - thought there might be some good shopping. However, I decided not to book there because the Oakwood Plaza is very spread out and looks like a car would be very handy (which we won't be having this time). I couldn't see us enjoying a long shopping walk in the heat. We booked the best western on State Rd. 84 instead (we've stayed there and the Hampton Inn as stated above is next door). It doesn't have any shopping, but is within easy walking distance of a grocery store, liquor and a variety of restaurants.

Look at embassy site got 169.00 /night on April 29,2016

Look at embassy site got 169.00 /night on April 29,2016

Don't see how that's relevant. OP is looking at a completely different weekend and during spring break season. Different weekend, different prices. ES is $249 on April 9.

To me, Oakwood is about convenient, decent food places. I'm not into Ross, BJ's (which is like Costco) or Home Depot for vacation, although Kmart could be useful. But since you have kids with you, Dave and Busters might be a place to check out, and it's in the southern half of the plaza, almost right across from TGI Fridays and the Ale House. There is also a large movie theater down at that end as well, easy walk around the corner from the LQ, should that urge strike you.

Thanks for the tips. Yeah, looks like Embassy Suites is pricey for our date (Apr 9th as HawksFan figured out). Guess even a week or two can make a big difference.

Yeah...not the most exciting stores at Oakwood but suppose we could wander in Kmart (which we used to have in Ontario when I was a kid but no longer). Not sure what Ross is or BJs (although BJs doesn't sound useful if its like Costco as we don't need things in bulk). Think I remember seeing an Old Navy which is ok. Can't see us bothering with a movie since we have theatres here but sounds like a couple restaurant options (we have Dave & Busters here too). We won't have a car so would either need to walk to Oakwood or taxi.

Other possible hotels are ones on the beach, but would need to meet our other criteria. And if a beach, would want backup stuff nearby in case it was raining or cool that day.

We're only flying in a day early to get there without stress (as opposed to wanting to enjoy Ft Lauderdale) so just need 'something' to spend the afternoon and grab dinner/breakfast.

What is on 17th that is of interest? .

I think the reason that people like 17th St is that you can walk to the end of the street, see the pier and watch the ships come and go (including your own ship!). Since we stayed at a Holiday Inn in the cruiseport/airport area, we didn't get to do so ourselves.

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Yes correct. We are travelling second weekend in April, which I think is a bit pricier?

 

Actually Comfort Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport was the other one we were looking at. It seems comparable to La Quinta but we went with Las Quinta since we recognized the shops near by (as opposed to boutique stores) . We're a family of 4 but the price was close to La Quinta (and a wash when you factor in taxi cost as Comfort Suites is closer to the port). What is on 17th that is of interest? Are we better with Comfort Suites?

 

Sorry...I should have stated in US...so it looks like we'd like to stay under $180 US.

I took a lucky guess...the date I used was correct!

I like the 17th street area for a night because it's a very short cab ride to the pier and there are a variety of decent restaurants, a grocery store, and a Total Wine within easy walking distance. I thought the Comfort Suites might fit the bill for you since it has airport transfers and breakfast is included.

If you wanted to go a little higher but not break the bank, you can get the Hyatt Place 17th Street through Value Trips for $195 + Tax (US) per night. I just went through them for a reservation, and the process was a little slow but it was worth it to get the Hyatt Place for that price.

We looked at Comfort Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport and that was our other option (i.e. it was down to Comfort Suites and La Quinta)...and we went with La Quinta based on the nice setting on the little lake and near shops we recognized.

Got another question...I am looking again and anyone know about Comfort Inn Ocean Side at Deerfield Beach? This price is less than when I looked a few months ago (and now same as Comfort Suites range). What looks interesting about this option is that there are waterslides (good for my 10.5 year old) and it looks like its near the beach. Not sure about shopping, but supposed if it ends up being a rainy day, then we could grab a cab somewhere.

Oh...but I think it's far from the port. :-(

We looked at Comfort Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport and that was our other option (i.e. it was down to Comfort Suites and La Quinta)...and we went with La Quinta based on the nice setting on the little lake and near shops we recognized.

 

Got another question...I am looking again and anyone know about Comfort Inn Ocean Side at Deerfield Beach? This price is less than when I looked a few months ago (and now same as Comfort Suites range). What looks interesting about this option is that there are waterslides (good for my 10.5 year old) and it looks like its near the beach. Not sure about shopping, but supposed if it ends up being a rainy day, then we could grab a cab somewhere.

 

Oh...but I think it's far from the port. :-(

Yeah, you would need a rental for that distance. The waterslides don't look like anything more than a glorified pool slide, barely more than a storey high. If you want an awesome pool and slide, go to Hard Rock Seminole Casino, but that's $400 a night lol

Hampton Inn Airport North Cruiseport. We have stayed there 6 or 7 times and always been happy.

Has free airport shuttle, across from shopping plaza, nearby restaurants, pool, complimentary breakfast, clean. Shuttle to port in a.m. is $6.00 each or a cab would be cheap as the hotel is really close to both airport and cruiseport.

I agree. This is where was always stay. Clean, comfortable rooms and a great location. And an airport/port shuttle.

I agree. This is where was always stay. Clean, comfortable rooms and a great location. And an airport/port shuttle.

Unfortunately the cancellable room at Hampton Inn North Cruise is over $100 more than La Quinta. Has all other features though. :-(

Unfortunately the cancellable room at Hampton Inn North Cruise is over $100 more than La Quinta. Has all other features though. :-(

I find that interesting. Are they all requiring pre-payment? I always book directly with the hotel, either by phone or through the hotel's website, and I never really find that big a difference in the rates.

I am also looking at a one night pre-cruise stay in April. (7th) I have been reading this thread and others and have become confused about the different areas of Ft. Lauderdale. I have booked the Holiday Inn Express, on Federal Hwy, Dania Beach. It has an airport shuttle and we will be flying in.

I am questioning if this is a good choice or not. I have not seen it mentioned by anyone on these threads and am now worried. I tried to do the Google Map as suggested by another poster but I really do not know how to make it work for me. It doesn't look like it is very close to either the airport or the Cruise Port.

Does anyone have first hand knowledge of this hotel and the area? I appreciate any advice and direction you can give me.

My current booking is approximately $180.00 for a room for 4.

I am also looking at a one night pre-cruise stay in April. (7th) I have been reading this thread and others and have become confused about the different areas of Ft. Lauderdale. I have booked the Holiday Inn Express, on Federal Hwy, Dania Beach. It has an airport shuttle and we will be flying in.

 

I am questioning if this is a good choice or not. I have not seen it mentioned by anyone on these threads and am now worried. I tried to do the Google Map as suggested by another poster but I really do not know how to make it work for me. It doesn't look like it is very close to either the airport or the Cruise Port.

 

Does anyone have first hand knowledge of this hotel and the area? I appreciate any advice and direction you can give me.

 

My current booking is approximately $180.00 for a room for 4.

It doesn't get talked about a lot because it's not a very old hotel. I think it opened in 2013 or so. It's actually fairly close to the airport and cruise port, because you exit the airport onto Federal Highway. Literally, the hotel is a half mile south of the new runway. Not a whole lot in the immediate area, from what I can see, perhaps a local will chime in with help on that. The hotel should be fine though. Much like the Crowne Plaza, it's built on top of a parking garage, and the pool area faces south a few floors above ground level.

I find that interesting. Are they all requiring pre-payment? I always book directly with the hotel, either by phone or through the hotel's website, and I never really find that big a difference in the rates.

Many hotels offer a discounted rate if you pay at time of booking. It wouldn't be something like $100 difference (maybe more like 10% or so), but the poster is only saying that the Hampton rate is that much higher than the similar rate at the the LQ.