Ft. Lauderdale Q&A/FAQ

[royalcruz]

I just got what i think is an interesting Hotel on Hotwire. It's the IL Lugano[sp?]Any thoughts about this Hotel.

Any restaurants nearby or on the water taxi route that you might recommend

and also do you know the cost from the Airport AND from the Hotel to the Cruise Port!

Enough questions for now LOL!:eek:

 

This is an interesting hotel. It's very nice and almost brand new. Taxi fare would be about $25 to the port and $30 from the airport. You can walk to several restaurants: Martarano's, Greek Islands Taverna (one of the most popular restaurants for locals), Julian's, Shooter's, Chart House, Nick's Italian. There are a few others that I haven't tried and there is one in the hotel. The hotel and rooms are very nice. You can sit on a futon on the intracoastal and watch the boats go by. The pool area is basic. The beach is a few blocks away. There is also a Walgreen's 2 blocks away.

Edited September 6, 2010 by royalcruz

[royalcruz]

Just made a reservation at Hyatt Place FLL South. Is there any where within walking distance to get wine and soda? Also need a place to have dinner after 10PM on a Saturday night. Any recommendations?

 

There is a Kmart across the street for wine and soda. In the same shopping center, but a few blocks south of Stirling Rd is Hollywood Ale House; they serve food late on Saturdays, I think til midnight (call them directly).

[royalcruz]

There is a 2 star property for 92 currently on Hotwire, showing

 

Resort,beachfront pool,dining,business centre, laundry....I am guessing it is the Ocean Manor Beach Resort. Has anyone stayed here? Is there anything nearby..the web page for this resort looks good but must be a reason for the 2 star ratings. Can you think of another resort this could be? Seems kinda of expensive for a 2 star...I was hoping it was the Pelican but that is now a 4 star I believe. Any help would be appreciated..it has been on hotwire for about a week now..

 

My dates for travel are Feb 3/ll -06 pre cruise.

 

Thanks..

__________________

 

betterbidding shows these amenities with the Ocean Manor as a 2.5*

I've stayed there, but not for a long time. It was fine but not great. At least it's on the beach and I think they have a tiki bar at the pool. I've read mixed reviews on tripadvisor. There is Winn Dixie, CVS, Dunkin Donuts, Ocean's Grill, and McDonald's really close (within 2 blocks).

[royalcruz]

We will be staying at the Hyatt Place FLL South and need to know how far it is to walk to a stop for the Water Taxi. Also, besides the scenery, what kind of places does the Water Taxi take you to? Is it a good way to kill a few hours instead of just staying at the hotel? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

It is not walking distance to a water taxi stop. By the time you pay taxi fare and water taxi fare it might not be worth it. You could always go discount shopping and dining across the street, and there is a Barnes & Noble, movie theatre, and Dave & Busters arcade there too.

[MICHIGAN MAMA]

It is not walking distance to a water taxi stop. By the time you pay taxi fare and water taxi fare it might not be worth it. You could always go discount shopping and dining across the street, and there is a Barnes & Noble, movie theatre, and Dave & Busters arcade there too.

 

Thank you, royalcruz, you are a wealth of information. We have a few ideas now.

[copper6606]

This is an interesting hotel. It's very nice and almost brand new. Taxi fare would be about $25 to the port and $30 from the airport. You can walk to several restaurants: Martarano's, Greek Islands Taverna (one of the most popular restaurants for locals), Julian's, Shooter's, Chart House, Nick's Italian. There are a few others that I haven't tried and there is one in the hotel. The hotel and rooms are very nice. You can sit on a futon on the intracoastal and watch the boats go by. The pool area is basic. The beach is a few blocks away. There is also a Walgreen's 2 blocks away.

 

THANKS SO MUCH!! All the info I would like to know!:D

[Cruisin Suzin]

betterbidding shows these amenities with the Ocean Manor as a 2.5*

I've stayed there, but not for a long time. It was fine but not great. At least it's on the beach and I think they have a tiki bar at the pool. I've read mixed reviews on tripadvisor. There is Winn Dixie, CVS, Dunkin Donuts, Ocean's Grill, and McDonald's really close (within 2 blocks).

 

 

Thanks but think I'll pass at 92.00 I have time..:) to wait for the right deal to come along..

[sijid]

they should be! Here's my question:

We're staying at the Hampton Inn City Center for two nights pre-cruise (got it with points). Trip Advisor indicates that it's a pretty good hotel in a bad part of town. True or not? Is it a far walk to the water taxi? And are there any restaurants close by? We weren't planning on getting a car, but could if it looks like we'd spend the same money on cabs. Speaking of which, about how much should we expect to pay for a cab from the airport?

 

You totally rock--thanks!

[cruisinaz]

Transportation question - we'll (five of us) flying in on Friday pre cruise, staying at Marriott Beach Towers, then going to the port on Saturday.

 

I was figuring a taxi ... but then got to thinking if I hired a limo for the three trips (airport - hotel, hotel - port, port- airport) maybe they'd cut me a deal so it would be outrageous and only a little more than a cab. Am I dreaming?

[royalcruz]

they should be! Here's my question:

We're staying at the Hampton Inn City Center for two nights pre-cruise (got it with points). Trip Advisor indicates that it's a pretty good hotel in a bad part of town. True or not? Is it a far walk to the water taxi? And are there any restaurants close by? We weren't planning on getting a car, but could if it looks like we'd spend the same money on cabs. Speaking of which, about how much should we expect to pay for a cab from the airport?

 

You totally rock--thanks!

 

Thank you. I promise that no one pays me or even gives me any perks so all of my advice is for real. I agree with Trip Advisor. While I haven't been in the rooms, the common areas of the hotel are nice. It was built about 10 yrs ago as a Hampton Inn. I would not walk around the hotel after dark and would be careful in the daytime, especially on weekends. During the week there are a lot of business people around in the daytime. Nights and weekends it's a bit isolated, in an area where I know people have been victimized. It is about 4 blocks to the water taxi at Las Olas Riverfront/Briney Pub. One of the only restaurants left at Riverfront is the Briney, and it is waterfront and has a good atmosphere. Himmershee Grill on SE 2nd St is also very popular. Las Olas downtown is less than a mile away and there are dozens of good restaurants to choose from. A cab from the airport should cost about $20-25 including tip. If you do decide to rent a car, check with the Hampton Inn to see if they charge for parking, as I can't remember if they do but I do know that they have a garage in the bldg. There are also 2 Hampton Inns close to the airport.

[royalcruz]

Transportation question - we'll (five of us) flying in on Friday pre cruise, staying at Marriott Beach Towers, then going to the port on Saturday.

 

I was figuring a taxi ... but then got to thinking if I hired a limo for the three trips (airport - hotel, hotel - port, port- airport) maybe they'd cut me a deal so it would be outrageous and only a little more than a cab. Am I dreaming?

 

The 3 trips will cost less than $50 total per cab including tip, so figure $100 for 2 taxis. I don't know about limo costs.

[Mom2one]

I am thinking about booking a room at the Hampton Inn & Suite Ft Lauderdale Airport on Stirling Road for one night prior to our cruise in December. I've seen some pretty decent reviews for the hotel but was wondering if there are any grocery stores and restaurants close by. We'd be taking a shuttle from the airport to the hotel so will be without a car. We'd like to pick up some pop, water and possibly wine for the cruise.

 

Also, I've seen recommendations for the SAS Shuttle to go from Ft Lauderdale to the POM. Can you tell me how they work? If we do self check-out and get out early, do we have to wait around for others to fill up the shuttle? I'm a little concerned that we may be tight for time when we dock in Miami and then getting up to the airport in Ft Lauderdale.

[sijid]

Thank you. I promise that no one pays me or even gives me any perks so all of my advice is for real. I agree with Trip Advisor. While I haven't been in the rooms, the common areas of the hotel are nice. It was built about 10 yrs ago as a Hampton Inn. I would not walk around the hotel after dark and would be careful in the daytime, especially on weekends. During the week there are a lot of business people around in the daytime. Nights and weekends it's a bit isolated, in an area where I know people have been victimized. It is about 4 blocks to the water taxi at Las Olas Riverfront/Briney Pub. One of the only restaurants left at Riverfront is the Briney, and it is waterfront and has a good atmosphere. Himmershee Grill on SE 2nd St is also very popular. Las Olas downtown is less than a mile away and there are dozens of good restaurants to choose from. A cab from the airport should cost about $20-25 including tip. If you do decide to rent a car, check with the Hampton Inn to see if they charge for parking, as I can't remember if they do but I do know that they have a garage in the bldg. There are also 2 Hampton Inns close to the airport.

 

 

Thanks so much!

[desertskies]

Trying to decide between the Renaissance and the Hilton Marina? Which do you think is the better hotel and closest to variety of restaurants? Thanks.

[royalcruz]

I am thinking about booking a room at the Hampton Inn & Suite Ft Lauderdale Airport on Stirling Road for one night prior to our cruise in December. I've seen some pretty decent reviews for the hotel but was wondering if there are any grocery stores and restaurants close by. We'd be taking a shuttle from the airport to the hotel so will be without a car. We'd like to pick up some pop, water and possibly wine for the cruise.

 

Also, I've seen recommendations for the SAS Shuttle to go from Ft Lauderdale to the POM. Can you tell me how they work? If we do self check-out and get out early, do we have to wait around for others to fill up the shuttle? I'm a little concerned that we may be tight for time when we dock in Miami and then getting up to the airport in Ft Lauderdale.

 

There are a bunch of chain restaurants near the Hampton Inn on Stirling, in Oakwood Plaza. My favorite is Hollywood Ale House. You can get what you need at Kmart in Oakwood, and there is also a multiplex cinema in the plaza. Just keep walking and you'll see these places. I don't know how SAS works other than it is a shared ride service. You might want to start a new thread to learn of people's experiences.

[royalcruz]

Trying to decide between the Renaissance and the Hilton Marina? Which do you think is the better hotel and closest to variety of restaurants? Thanks.

 

It is very subjective as to which is better, so they are both good. Renaissance is 2 blocks closer to a variety of restaurants. Bravo and Bimini Boatyard are the closest and are popular.

[desertskies]

It is very subjective as to which is better, so they are both good. Renaissance is 2 blocks closer to a variety of restaurants. Bravo and Bimini Boatyard are the closest and are popular.

 

Thanks for the info!

[JACH77]

How far is the Hardrock Casino from the Airport and Port and what would be the taxi fare? My husband wants to stay there pre-cruise. Thanks.

[janetz]

We have a full day before our cruise in 3 WEEKS. :D Can anyone tell me how to get from the Hyatt North to the water taxi? Thanks ahead. :)

[scooobycat]

My husband and i will be cruising on the navigator in Nov. We are trying to choose which flight to take out of FLL. I'm not sure if i want to risk an 11:15am flight but otherwise we will be flying out at 7:30pm. So my question is, Is there anything to do at the airport for all those hours or something nearby that free or cheap?

Thanks

[royalcruz]

How far is the Hardrock Casino from the Airport and Port and what would be the taxi fare? My husband wants to stay there pre-cruise. Thanks.

It is about 7 miles from the airport and 9 miles from the port. Taxi fare would be in the $25-35 range per trip.

[royalcruz]

We have a full day before our cruise in 3 WEEKS. :D Can anyone tell me how to get from the Hyatt North to the water taxi? Thanks ahead. :)

 

Walk to 17th St. Turn right. Cross the street when you can. Walk until you get to the intracoastal at Hilton Marina.

[janetz]

Walk to 17th St. Turn right. Cross the street when you can. Walk until you get to the intracoastal at Hilton Marina.

 

 

Very far?? Thanks! :D

Edited September 11, 2010 by janetz

[royalcruz]

Very far?? Thanks! :D

 

Less than a mile. Maybe 8 blocks.

[WAVTAM]

Royalcruz...Interested in taxi fare from FLL to Port and then the return ride. I have heard numerous faults with not using meters, taking flat rates and/or taking the long way back. Can you provide a basic street course for the drive to and from and fare rate should be around 10-12 dollars plus tip. WAVTAM