Hotel near Pier in FLL

[soohoo]

We would like to fly in a day early prior to our CP cruise, any hotels we should stay away from and those which are close to ship?

[afsan01]

There are quite a few hotels right near the pier, almost all of them are nice, especially if you are only going to stay one night. If cost is not a concern, you might want to consider Embassy Suites. You will want to look for hotels along 17th Street Causway if you want to be really close to the pier.

If you want any particulars about certain hotels or the area, just let me know. I live only 2.5 miles from the pier, so, obvioulsy, I'm pretty familiar with the area.

Majesty of the Seas '97
Grand Princess '02
Coral Princess '03
Caribbean Princess '04

[bunky144]

We stayed at a new Sleep Inn and Suites in Dania, they have a very good continental breakfast, right beside a grocery story where we did our wine stock up and a great free shuttle to the pier, very orgainized no problem at all, rooms were very nice, would stay again, very good internet rates, good luck and have a great cruise!

2003 November Golden Princess
2004 February Grand Princess
2004 June Diamond Princess

[Schultzy]

Hi Soohoo!
We stayed at the Renissance on 17th street in FLL. for two nights last November. It was very nice, close to the water taxis
which are really fun, and near the pier. There is a cute bagel store a block away and a grocery store nearby. Our cab fare from the ship was only $2.50 and they provided free shuttle service to the aiport. If you haven't been to FLL post again and I'll fill you in on the fun spots we found. Ask for a corner room, they are larger than a regular room. We plan to stay again this year. Hope this helps!
Schultzy in California [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]

[soohoo]

Thanks for all your information. This will be our first time to FLL and if you can advise on a place for good seafood dinner or unique spot to FLL? Not like we need to worry about food because I'm sure we'll gain the average 10 lbs on the ship!

[Johnsonclan]

soohoo,
My wife and I stayed at the Comfort Inn Airport-Cruise Port in Feb of 02 and although the room was a bit on the rundown side (it has been completely remodeled since), it was clean. They include free airport and cruise terminal shuttle service and have a very nice breakfast buffet with cook to order omeletes included in the price of a room, which is running about $70/night. We liked it enough that we have booked it again for two nights in July before taking our kids on their first cruise. There is also a couple of resteruants within walking distance.

Grand Princess Feb 02
Caribbean Princess July 3/04

[Bestbubba]

We stayed at the Renaissance for 3 nights pre-cruise in April. Would thoroughly recommend it! Beautiful room overlooking the port. Our ship was in port the 3 days we were there and I would lay in bed at night and see it all lit up!!

Very good restaurants all around, ate at the Bimini Boatyard across from the hotel which was excellent also, if you like Italian food, there is a great restaurant also across from the hotel, can't remember the name but it had a green awning!!!

Huge Publix just a block away for last minute shopping.

We booked through Priceline and got an excellent rate.

Sue [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

Counting the days until Sapphire Princess March 2005

[ginza17]

Multiple hotels in the area of the port, being that it is right across from the airport. Ft Lauderdale offers a wide range of choices. We are staying at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66. Awesome though a little expensive. THe Marriott and others are all in the same area. Food in the area is plentiful. For great seafood go to the 15th St Fishery. Best seafood around. You can also use the water taxi to get there. If you stay at the ever popular Embassy Suites it is a few minutes walk. Again, so many choices.

Pete...

[cusyl]

We stayed at the Renaissance in January and got a good price at Priceline.com by choosing FLL downtown. If you ask for a high floor you can have a view of the port. It is a short 5 minute ride to the pier from the hotel. Also, for anyone renting a car there is a Budget office next door.

A bad day at sea is better than a good day at work
26 cruises since 1964 -Proud member of O.A.T.C.

Queen Mary 2 Maiden Caribbean Voyage 1/31/2004
Zuiderdam 3/27/2004
Caribbean Princess 8/28/04

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Carnival Miracle from Tampa 11/7/04
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[torpeedo]

I would echo ginza17 on the Hyatt pier 66. Wonderfull hotel, actually more resort like. Views of the Ocean and Intracoastal if you are in the tower and if not it is the pool or the marina areas along a canal. Not a bad spot in the whole place. Is pricy but if you are a senior you can get a really good discounted rate on the Marriott website..

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12/5/04 Legend
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[Hooked on cruisin']

afsan01,
I booked the Sheraton at the airport for Feb. 05(first Priceline attempt...maybe not a great deal for $80 listening to all the folks who pay less and got beach are, but I'm content). I have heard it's a nice hotel, but that there isn't much in the way of restaurants around that area. Could you please enlighten me? I would also like to know what I could expect cost wise(roughly) for transportation to the pier. Much appreciated!

Norwegian Crown March 1996
Norwegian Dream March 2000
Dawn Princess March 2001
Grand Princess September 2003
Jewel of The Seas Feb. 2005

[midtown_girl]

So if I'm using Priceline, I want to select "downtown" to be close to the port? I'm unfamiliar with the area, but want to be within walking distance of a grocery/liquor store.

Jen
Carnival Glory 12/6/03
Sun Princess 10/13/04

[ginza17]

midtown girl,
you don't want to be downtown.. you want to be near the airport, or the beach. hotels in Dania, and Hollywood are also close. 17th Street is the main street near the port and airport. Lots of Hotels and shopping...

Pete...

[cusyl]

There was a shopping area and restaurants adjacent to the Renaissance (Downtown FLL on Priceline) Taxi from there was $6.75 plus tip.

A bad day at sea is better than a good day at work
26 cruises since 1964 -Proud member of O.A.T.C.

Queen Mary 2 Maiden Caribbean Voyage 1/31/2004
Zuiderdam 3/27/2004
Caribbean Princess 8/28/04

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[Cruisin' Lisa]

Ok, I just bid on Priceline and got the FLL Beach Holiday Inn (3*) for $50/night for August 28 - 30th. I was bidding for the downtown and Beach area, and was actually hoping to get the Embassy Suites because they give you free breakfast.

Has anyone ever stayed here, or know anything about this hotel? It is on the beach near A1A and Sunrise. How far away from the Pier is it? i know it is 6 miles from the Airport. Anything around the hotel to shop, eat, explore, especially with kids ages 9 - 15? I'd appreciate any info you can give me. Thanks.

Lisa

Caribbean Princess 08/21/2004
Dawn Princess Repositioning Pacific Coastal Cruise 05/07/2004
Carnival Ecstasy January 2004
Carnival Ecstasy April 2003
Star Princess (Mexican Riviera) Christmas 2002
Royal Caribbean January 2000
NCL Windstar(Alaska) August 1995

[ginza17]

cruising lisa...
The hotel you speak of, Holiday Inn Beach is in a great area across the street from the beach and a block from the intercoastal and Galleria mall. I own a timeshare close by. You are a 10-15 minute ride to the port (6.3 miles).
Lots to do. There is a little area of 2 blocks off the hotel with bars, restaurants and stores. If you go across the intercoastal the mall plus another shopping center (Publix - grocery). though a 10-15 minute ride to the port and airport it is a great place to walk the beach and see ft lauderdale. Also if you walk across the intercoatal bridge b4 you get to the mall you see the Doubletree hotel where you can get the water taxi to take you around. I highly suggest it if you want to see Las Olas and RiverWalk, etc. I am amazed you got it for $50 a night. A steal. plus a few days to enjoy.....The ride to the port/and airport are an easy ride down A1A....enjoy. the embassy suites you speak of is only good if you are 1 night because not much to do (some shopping and Outback) and you would need a cab to get to beach. at least here you are on the beach. Any Ft Lauderdale questions email me at
[email]potoole@courts.state.ny.us[/email]
If you want water taxi or other info I can forward you links..

Pete...

[ginza17]

Lisa,
more info for you..food spots nearby...


Cafe Bluefish
Location: Nearby - 1/2 Block from hotel
Serves: Lunch | Dinner
Cuisine: Seafood
Specializes in local seafood. Late night dining available. Open air seating/dining ala KeyWest style.

Parrot Lounge
Location: Nearby - Across the street from the hotel
Serves: Lunch | Dinner
Cuisine: Traditional, Sandwiches & Bar Food. Great Philly CheeseSteaks

A favorite bar and eatery among the locals offering drink specials, entertainment, special promotions during sporting events, etc.

Primanti Brothers Pizza
Location: Nearby - Next door to hotel
Serves: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Cuisine: Pizza

New York style pizzeria serving 24 hours a day, every day and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with outside dining.

Thai on the Beach
Location: Nearby - Next to the hotel (above Pizzeria)
Serves: Dinner
Cuisine: Thai

Cosy and small with traditional Thai cuisine overlooking Ocean/Beach.

Franko & Vinny's Italian Restaurant
Location: Nearby - 1.5 Block from the hotel
Serves: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza

Local Italian eatery with homemade pasta, sauces and pizza. Beer and Wine Only.


Bars/Lounges
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bikini Bobs
Location: Nearby - Behind the hotel 1/2 block
24 hr Bar/Cafe with drink specials, occasion swimsuit contests, etc.

Banana Joe's
Location: Nearby - 1 Block from the hotel
Old, FtL Beach Bar with local beach traffic/customers. TeeShirts, bathings suits, and tatooes are the welcome norm. Not for the family.

Pete...

[laginog]

midtown girl--
It looks like we're cruising two weeks before you!! We bid for 3 rooms (8 of us from 3 families) on Priceline and got the Embassy Suites Downtown Zone for $55. We did get it on the first bid too! It was our second try though. I got rejected the first time all the way up to $70. I waited until I got the e-mail telling me it'd been 3 days and I could try again and that's when we got lucky!!

Car Destiny-W Caribbean-6/1/00
Sovereign - Bahamas - 6/15/01
Star Princess-Alaska-7/16/02
Navigator-E Caribbean-8/02/03
Mariner-W Caribbean-01/25/04
Caribbean Princess - 9/25/04

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UNTIL THE CARIBBEAN PRINCESS !!!!!!



Kathi



[img]http://home.insightbb.com/~laginog/Kathi_Whale001.gif[/img]

LOVE THE VOYAGER AND GRAND CLASS!!! BUT ANY SHIP WILL DO!!!

[Tina0922]

Some other hotels to consider are: Marriott Marina, Marriott Harbor Beach, Sheraton Yankee Clipper, Sheraton Yankee Trader, Radisson Bahia Mar, & Double Tree Suites. All our on the beach except for the Marriott Marina which is on the intercoastal. All hotels are within a 5-7 min taxi ride to the pier. Hope this helps everybody.

Tina

Upcoming voyages:
Caribbean Princess June 12

Carnival- 8 voyages
Celebrity- 3 voyages
NCL- 2 voyages
Princess- 2 voyage
Royal Caribbean- 7 voyages

[NightOne]

Which of the nice hotels have a good view of the cruise pier so that you can see your ship dock in the morning? (if any)

Thanks

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Time until Sailing
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[soohoo]

Wow - tons of great information. Does anyone have a link to a detailed map of hotels/pier/restaurants etc? This is our first time to FLL and don't have plane tickets yet, but may try to see the sights too!

[cusyl]

[url="http://www.sunny.org/visitors/index.cfm"]Tourist Information[/url]

[Cruisin' Lisa]

Pete;

Can you post the links to the water taxis and other info? Any particular attractions that you recommend seeing while in FLL? What are Water taxis and where do they go? What/Where is Las Olas and the Riverwalk? To go to the airport, is it better to take the shuttle or a limo, or? (Do you know if Holiday Inn Beach offers free transportation?)

Lisa

Caribbean Princess 08/21/2004
Dawn Princess Repositioning Pacific Coastal Cruise 05/07/2004
Carnival Ecstasy January 2004
Carnival Ecstasy April 2003
Star Princess (Mexican Riviera) Christmas 2002
Royal Caribbean January 2000
NCL Windstar(Alaska) August 1995

[sunnyv]

Here are good links for bidding on FLL hotels:
[url="http://www.biddingforfun.com"]www.biddingforfun.com[/url]
[url="http://www.biddingfortravel.com"]www.biddingfortravel.com[/url]
BTW, on priceline, Embassy Suites, Marriot Marina, & AmericInn Suites ARE in the FLL "Downtown" area

Vicki

12/26/04 Caribbean Princess to Eastern Caribbean
Princess Star 8/03 Alaska
Princess Coral 3/03 Panama
Disney's Wonder 12/01 Bahama's
RCC Majesty of the Seas 11/99 Southern Caribbean

[cruzgal11]

My family and I are staying at the Radisson Bahia Mar Beach Resort before our sailing on CP in June. Has anyone else stayed at the Radisson before? I know it does not offer transportation to the pier, but its only a mile away so we will get a taxi. Also has a water taxi-but not sure where it goes.