Hotels outside Fort Lauderdale

We are considering a cruise in early Feburary that leaves on a Sunday. We would like to come down from our frozen state on Friday morning & stay somewhere Friday & Saturday. Does anyone have a suggestion for places that might be more reasonable than around the port? We would probably get a rental car also & would love some ideas for things to do & see. Thanks!

Not many places in South FLA will be cheap in Feb :( -- you are not the only one looking to escape the winter. ;)

With a car you have lots of options - West Palm Beach is less than an hour north, Hollywood (nice boardwalk for stolling) is just south of FLL. You could even look at flying into Orlando, where there are lots of inexpensive hotels/motels, and then driving to PE the morning of your cruise.

Good luck! :)

You could go to parksleepfly.com since you will have a car and stay out nearer the airport at a hotel that includes parking while you stay. Those would be closest to the port. But yes, you could look further out since you have the car. Familiarize yourself with the area and don't forget to use Tripadvisor.com for recent reviews, maps etc.

There are lots of recs in these threads re more cost efficient places. But as John said, Feb is NOT the time to look for "deals".:o

Go to www.Sunny.org and look at Small Superior Lodgings. Lauderdale-By--The=Sea and Hollywood Beach are less expensive than Fort Lauderdale but like John said, it is South Florida in February. Nothing will be reasonably priced.

Having lived in South Florida for nearly 15 years it would be helpful if you could provide a little more information.

What is your budget?

Are you a beach person, a night life person, want to experience prime shopping opportunities, play golf?, bringing the kids, etc.?

Are you looking for a big / full service hotel or a small budget hotel?

Are you willing to stay a bit away from things and drive to the attractions or must you be in the "middle of things?"

South Florida has a tremendous amount to offer, especially in the winter. Narrowing what you are looking for will help people steer you in the proper direction.

Answering FlaMilkman: Budget: would like to stay under 200 if possible - 125 - 150 or so.

We are beach people, not night life, no kids - would love to see interesting spots - history - not shopping.

We could stay away & get a car on Friday & Saturday & return the car on Sunday to board the ship.

We have been in Fort Lauderdale pre-cruise 2x before - got in late - got a hotel by the airport - no car - & then off to the ship. We stayed at Holiday Inn Express & Best Western. Thanks for any advise - we would like to be able to explore the area!

Answering FlaMilkman: Budget: would like to stay under 200 if possible - 125 - 150 or so.

!

That's a lot under $200. ;) You'll need to so some hunting to get that rate in Feb. You will get nothing on or real near the beach. So the car idea would be good. I'd start looking at Tripadvisor.com to familiarize yourself with area, hotels and rates. Head inland from the beach and port areas. Then check out the discount sites. Could get a deal there. With no kids involved, a car and flexibility, I'd think you can find a $150 hotel.

Another thought, check with one of your credit card co's and see what discounts you may not know you have thru them.

If you like history, check out the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. I think it costs $20 for valet, and if you spend it at the hotel you can get your ticket validated (great gift shop, coffee shop, lunchroom). They'll let you walk around everywhere except the pool/private beach area. You can read the history online.http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-08-31/travel/fl-breakers-historian-20120831_1_james-ponce-guests-henry-flagler

In Fort Lauderdale, Bonnet House and Stranahan house give historic home tours, and there is a historical society that offers more: http://www.oldfortlauderdale.org/

Good rates best western oakland park

Stayed at LaQuinta down in Hollywood last January. Price was $135.00/nt, if I remember correctly. We did, however, book it way earlier than you would be by booking something now. The prices anywhere do tend to go up the closer you get (unless you're going through Priceline or something similar).

Anyway, this LaQuinta is an okay property, recently updated, just had some minor issues with cleanliness of the floors. It's also in an okay area, very close to a huge shopping area w/restaurants, both sit down and fast food. If you have a rental, not too far of a drive to the beach.

No car needed.Clay Hotel usually under $100. $2.35 bus from MIA stops within block. Beach/ bars etc.2 blks. Many other small deco hotels nearby on Collins and Ocean Drive. Check out on TripAdvisor.com. Shuttle back to FtL port under $25 each.