Pier 66 vs Hilton Marina

[roysue]

Need everyone's advice. Cruising our of Ft. Lauderdale. We usually stay at Embassy Suites but there is nothing available for our March 2016 cruise. We tried the Holiday Inn Express on 17th street last cruise but it was just ok. Now considering Pier 66. What does everyone think? Would the Pier 66 or Hilton Marina be a better choice for 1 night pre cruise?

Thanks everyone for your help!

Edited June 15, 2015 by roysue

[Needzavacation]

My 2 cents: They're fairly equivalent quality-wise. Neither really reflects what you'd expect of a Hyatt or a Hilton, but the hotels in that area undoubtedly get a lot of wear-and-tear from the one-night stays by cruisers. The pros for the Hyatt: Marginally nicer grounds and a nicer pool area, but it's "over the bridge" and a farther walk to shops and restaurants. Pros for Hilton: Much easier to walk to nearby restaurants and shops. For one night, you really can't go wrong with either.

[nhraformula00]

My 2 cents: They're fairly equivalent quality-wise. Neither really reflects what you'd expect of a Hyatt or a Hilton, but the hotels in that area undoubtedly get a lot of wear-and-tear from the one-night stays by cruisers. The pros for the Hyatt: Marginally nicer grounds and a nicer pool area, but it's "over the bridge" and a farther walk to shops and restaurants. Pros for Hilton: Much easier to walk to nearby restaurants and shops. For one night, you really can't go wrong with either.

 

I agree 100%

[royalcruz]

I like the Hilton and would stay there for the same reasons stated above.

[DanJ]

Just be aware that with the Pier 66 that the first rooms displayed (meaning cheaper) on the website are marina rooms at the back of the grounds that are generally more out of date than the rooms in the main tower. These are the rooms most people end up with on Hotwire and Priceline as well.

[ILgirl]

We have stayed at the Renaissance before which would be even closer in walking distance to the restaurants - not right on the water, though. There is a great casual seafood restaurant that is just a few blocks away from the Renaissance - Southport Raw Bar. It has outdoor seating on the water as well - a great stop. We also have stayed several times, pre cruise, at the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Blvd. There are several restaurants/bars/shops to explore on Las Olas Blvd. as well as a water taxi stop - very enjoyable.

[roysue]

Thanks for all the great information! I hadn't thought about having to cross over the bridge from the Pier 66 to get back to food and shopping!

[Hannibalnative]

We have stayed at the Hilton Pier 66 for the past 2 years for 1 night pre-cruise. I've enjoyed being close to the marina and being able to walk around and look at the yachts. Also, the "water-taxi" and "sun-trolley" are available to get around if you don't have a car.

[DanJ]

Just a clarification that the water taxi stop at the Hyatt Pier 66 is temporarily closed for construction, according to the water taxi website. One would have to walk across the bridge to the Hilton Marina to catch it.

[roysue]

I did not know that about the water taxi - that is great information - thanks a bunch!

[#1Nanna]

Just a clarification that the water taxi stop at the Hyatt Pier 66 is temporarily closed for construction, according to the water taxi website. One would have to walk across the bridge to the Hilton Marina to catch it.

 

 

Any idea as to when it will reopen?

[Needzavacation]

Any idea as to when it will reopen?

 

In a thread on Tripadvisor, someone said they called the hotel, and the hotel said it won't be re-opening due to the new configuration of the marina.