Ft. Lauderdale - need hotel rec that's near other things to do

[mfp_iowa]

My husband and I are taking our first cruise on 2/11/07 (Celebrity/millenium). We get into FL around midnight on Feb 9, so have that night and the following night at a hotel before the cruise leaves on Sunday.

 

We need to book a hotel in FL for both nights. Does anyone have a recommendation of a place that is near shopping, restaurants, etc. since we'll have all day Saturday and Sunday morning to kill time in FL? I was hoping not to rent a car. (Which means it would also be nice it the hotel has free shuttles from airport and to the port.)

 

If possible, I'd like to keep the room around $100 so it doesn't have to be fancy. (I may try priceline first.) Thanks for your help!

 

Francie

[Anatresia]

We've booked our aftercruise hotel in Hollywood, Florida. There's a nice area downtown with shops and restaurants and the Hard Rock Casino is nearby. I don't think our hotel (Econo Lodge) has shuttle service, as we're renting a car and didn't check, but the Hollywood area might be a nice suggestion. :)

[Bequia]

If possible, I'd like to keep the room around $100 so it doesn't have to be fancy. (I may try priceline first.) Thanks for your help!

 

Francie

 

Francie, It's going to be difficult to find what your looking for at that price. It's the high season, the hotels are nearly full and can command a high rate. Continue trying Priceline but you may still end up in the $150 range or higher. Good luck. Try Amerisuites..............

 

AmeriSuites is cheaper on Valuetrips... http://www.valuetrips.com/AMS/FL/F17.htm

[mfp_iowa]

Bequia - thanks for the suggestion. I booked Amerisuites on Valuetrips.com for $129. But the reviews on tripadvisor sound awful for that hotel. I may still try to find something less on priceline and cancel it if I get a better hotel or better rate. I'd rather have the money to spend on the cruise, especially since we don't even get into FL until midnight the first night.

 

I can't believe what "average" hotels go for in Fort Lauderdale...quite a change from what they cost in Iowa!

 

Francie

[BeetRed]

We stayed at the Amerisuites Dec 8-10, and it quite adequate. The room was clean and had kitchen facilities. Good restaurants close by. There were some signs of wear and tear, but nothing that would make your stay unpleasant at all.