Large party need hotel in Fort Lauderdale!

[tarheels]

I am travelling with a group of about 40 people to Fort Lauderdale to board a cruise on the Caribbean Princess. We are departing the pier on january 28, 2006 but a few of us (about 20 people) are arriving the day before and are trying to find a reasonable rate for a hotel in the downtown area. We don't necessarily need anything extravagant but at the same time most of the people travelling are used to higher end hotels. Any information would be helpful and appreciated. We are travelling from Toronto so I am not sure if Priceline is an option. Also with a group this large we would obviously all like to be in the same hotel.

Thanks for your help.

[doone]

The Hyatt Regency Pier 66 is a great spot but I find it a little expensive. I prefer the Marriott Hotel and Marina to be honest with you. Priceline is a great option to get a great hotel at a great price, but with a large party I certainly can understand why you are leary and would rather book a hotel so you all can be together. Those two hotels are great, I don't think anyone in your party would be disappointed.

 

One thing, if you do choose the Marriott, when you check in, ask to see if they have a tower room, tell them you are on a cruise the next day and if they have any rooms in the tower facing the cruise ships, they will give it to you, its great. Good luck, hope this helps.

 

P.S. I have heard that Canadians can use priceline, but I forgot what you need to do to use it. Perhaps another Canadian can help you out in that respect.

[TrentS]

I assume by "downtown" you mean the SE 17th Street area by Port Everglades or the beach area near the port? By higher end hotels do you mean Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons type properties? If so I would suggest the following...

 

The Atlantic... http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1475

 

St. Regis... http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/search/hotel_detail.html?propertyID=1512

 

Lago Mar (older but very nice, very popular, very unique)... http://www.lagomar.com/

 

Or if you're interested in something more mainstream, try the following. If your group is picky and likes better quality hotels, but not something in the price range of the above, then I would suggest the Renaissance. It's very nice, directly across from the entrance to Port Everglades and only a few years old...

 

Renaissance... http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/FLLBR

 

Other popular hotels in the area...

 

Embassy Suites... http://www.embassysuites.com/en/es/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=FLLSOES

 

Marina Marriott... http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/FLLFL

 

Hyatt Pier 66... http://pier66.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml

 

Harbor Beach Marriott... http://www.marriottharborbeach.com/

 

I don't believe you can use Priceline to book anywhere near THAT many rooms, but you certainly should ask for a group rate at whichever hotels you call.

[Bequia]

For a group of 40, my first and only choice would be the Hardrock Hotel and Casino. While its not "downtown" it is merely 15 minutes from Port Everglades. It leans towards upscale and has enough restaurants, shopping, activities to satisfy the varied interests a group of 40 may have. I'd contact the group sales department, I'm sure they'd discount the rooms for your group and provide a shuttle to the port as well. ;)

http://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com/

[signman]

I had experience with a group last fall where someone broke the ice successfully with a Priceline bid, then about a dozen others were successful with their own similar bids. We were then all able to go to the pier together on our own chartered bus.

 

On the other hand, I like the suggestion about the Hard Rock Casino at the Seminole Reservation. I'd certainly look into that.

 

I remember reading somewhere that for the zip code, a Canadian should enter 99999, when bidding on Priceline.

 

Someone recently posted a good discount web site for the Amerisuites on SE 17th. Scroll back a few pages to find the thread. The biggest negative for you is that January is high season. Good luck.

[Jim B]

TARHEELS

 

I don't know if this will interest you but you might try.

 

We also have a large group going 12/26/05 and will be staying at

the Holiday Inn Express Convention Center.

We were able to get a group discount.

 

Contact

Neal Spivack (sales mangager)

1-954-728-2577

1-954-728-2591 fax

http://www.hiex@bellsouth.net

[miss hlywd]

Riverside Hotel would also be a great option. High end and on Las Olas (in downtown) where there are lots of restaurants and Las Olas is just a wonderful place to stroll around. Also near shopping and movie theater. Hard Rock Hotel suggestion is good as long as everyone likes that kind of place (CASINO, busy pretty much 24 hours). Is not near the beach.

[Mrs Butterworth]

Riverside Hotel would also be a great option. High end and on Las Olas (in downtown) where there are lots of restaurants and Las Olas is just a wonderful place to stroll around. Also near shopping and movie theater. Hard Rock Hotel suggestion is good as long as everyone likes that kind of place (CASINO, busy pretty much 24 hours). Is not near the beach.

 

The Riverside, high end...NOT! Its about as high end as an Econolodge. Overrated is more like it. The location is great, thats about it.

[Moeve]

Try valuetrip for the Amerisuites it is good value.