HAL hotel package in Ft. Lauderdale

We're considering staying at the Westin or the Hyatt with HAL's hotel package, but we've also got a room booked at the Embassy Suites because we're not sure what's the best deal. Do the HAL hotel packages give you a free breakfast? Is there only one HAL cruise shuttle pickup for the hotel? Any pros and cons by someone who's been there, done that would be appreciated.

We have stayed at Hyatt Pier 66 literally dozens of times for pre and post cruises stays. We love that hotel and are always happy to return there.

If you book through HAL, you may be assigned a Lanai Room rather than in the Tower. Some are very happy about that; we would not be. We prefer the Tower.

The only things you get when booking with HAL is your room with no breakfast or any food included; transfer to the ship or from the ship to the hotel (for a post cruise stay). You would not get an airport to hotel transfer unless you booked your air through HAL.

A taxi from FLL airport to Hyatt Pier 66 costs about $12 plus tip.

A taxi from Hyatt to Port Everglades costs about $8 plus tip.

The grounds and pools at Hyatt are lovely and very well maintained. They have a good restaurant for all meals. We have our breakfast there and order the buffet which includ3es made to order omelets or you can have the wait person get any sort of eggs you want for you in you don't wish the usual buffet scrambled eggs.

There is a very fine (and costly) grill restaurant which was just totally rebuilt at a cost of over $ l million and the food is excellent. Lovely setting on the Intercoastal and service/food is very good.

This is usually the best deal. $74 thru hotwire Embassy Suites:)

Thank you everyone for the info. It's very helpful!!

:)

We have stayed at the Embassy Suites many times before and after cruises.

They offer free shuttle service to and from the airport.

They also offer free transfers to and from the pier. Make the arrangements to go the pier when you check in. The first shuttle to the pier begins at 11:15 and runs every half hour. Do not know when the last shuttle to the pier is as we always book the first shuttle.

They have a wonderful breakfast buffet - among them eggs made to your order.

There is also a managers cocktail party each evening offering free drinks and popcorn and pretzels.

They have a lovely outdoor, heated swimming pool.

There are lots of restaurants within walking distance. We love to go to the Bimini Boatyard - a little pricey - but large portions.

It is also near Publix and Eckerd for any last minute items that you may have forgotten.

:)

We've decided to do the Embassy so THANK YOU for all that info!

Do you know if you can leave your car at the hotel while on your cruise? and would they pick you up at pier upon return?

Thanks

I don't know about being picked up, but I would guess for a price they'd let you leave your car at the hotel. I know the Embassy has a $7/day parking rate.

I booked Embassy suites through the Priceline (my first ever bid) for $64, some people managed to do it for $55.

They have free full breakfest and manager reception every day 5-7 PM . Free shuttle service to and from pier and airport. Pictures of this hotel look really nice too.

Lanai Room ???? what kind is that ???

Sorry newbie :)

Lanai Room ???? what kind is that ???

Sorry newbie :)

It's a two story building which goes around the outside of the property (3 wings to it) - more like a 2 story motel unit. You could have a room facing the Intercoastal, the gardens or the parking lot. We have often had one on the ground floor with a patio, table and 2 chairs which faced the Intercoastal so we could sit outside. You can walk all along the boardwalk and see some of the gorgeous yatchs.

The Tower is part of the hotel itself. Have stayed there once, but prefer the Lanai rooms.

oh ok, that is the one on the coast, they put us at the one on 400 Corporate Drive. I guess there are 2 of them in Ft. Lauderdale.

Thanks :)

It's a two story building which goes around the outside of the property (3 wings to it) - more like a 2 story motel unit. You could have a room facing the Intercoastal, the gardens or the parking lot. We have often had one on the ground floor with a patio, table and 2 chairs which faced the Intercoastal so we could sit outside. You can walk all along the boardwalk and see some of the gorgeous yatchs.

 

The Tower is part of the hotel itself. Have stayed there once, but prefer the Lanai rooms.

We like the lanai room as well. The balcony is quite nice and the last room we had was very good sized. The kids spent the afternoon & part of the evening in the pool, which was very close to our room - but we did have the second story room. DH & I ate at a grill located on the pier and really enjoyed it. We also enjoyed the breakfast buffet - it's quite a selection.

We're considering staying at the Westin or the Hyatt with HAL's hotel package, but we've also got a room booked at the Embassy Suites because we're not sure what's the best deal. Do the HAL hotel packages give you a free breakfast? Is there only one HAL cruise shuttle pickup for the hotel? Any pros and cons by someone who's been there, done that would be appreciated.

One word for HAL's add-on hotel package:

Expensive

You can probably do better on your own. A taxi to the pier is easy and relatively inexpensive.

oh ok, that is the one on the coast, they put us at the one on 400 Corporate Drive. I guess there are 2 of them in Ft. Lauderdale.

Thanks :)

Ziggy,

What hotel are you booked in? Corportate Drive is in North Ft. Lauderdale.

Which Embassy Suites did you stay in, as there are three in Ft Lauderdale.Am going on Westerdam 1/30/05, and am interested in Embassy info. Thanks in advance. Joan

Ziggy,

 

What hotel are you booked in? Corportate Drive is in North Ft. Lauderdale.

Westin :)