Hotels for before and after cruise

[sickofsnowinmich]

We are trying to plan a cruise for our daughter and her best friend's senior trip over spring break.

 

We are having trouble getting a flight at a good time for the return trip, so may have to stay over and depart the following day.

 

We would be flying into and out of Fort Lauderdale for a cruise departing from Miami.

 

If we fly in the day before the cruise and then spend the night the day we return from the cruise, are there any recommendations for a hotel or hotels in which to stay, given the airport in FLL and the cruise out of Miami?

 

The return flight would be very early a.m. so would want to be as near to the airport as possible.

 

Also, any recommendations for a shuttle service that won't break the bank??

 

Thanks so much. Trying desperately to make this happen, or daughter will be very disappointed

[cruisinbabe16]

We have had wonderful luck with Florida Sunshine Shuttle. Just google it and it will take you to their website. Private shuttle service that definitely doesn't break the bank....IMHO:)

[jsmac3]

We always stay at the Marriott on Biscayne Blvd. You can see the ships arrive and depart at the port of Miami. It can be pricey but we have always gotten good prices and upgrades. It is one of our favorite hotels in the world. There is also a Doubletree next door. I believe the shuttle service we use is AAA - either vans or a town car.

[Warm Breezes]

We have done this twice and prefer staying at Embassy Suites FLL (short taxi ride from airport, walking distance to restaurants and grocery/wine stores, managers reception with free drinks and snacks, made to order hot breakfast, large rooms and gorgeous pool area) and taking SAS shuttle to/from POM $13 pp each way for 4 our more people.

[Keith1010]

For a hotel on your arrival if you are arriving in the afternoon here as some choices in Miami. I'm listing several to give you a range of prices and choices. In the morning you could just take a taxi over to the port.

 

Hampton Inn

Holiday Inn Bayside

Intercontinental

Marriott Marquis

Marriott

Hyatt

 

If you are arriving very late the night before you may want to stay at a hotel near the Fort Lauderdale airport.

 

For the return I would also take a look at the Embassy Suites. However, if you have a very early flight where you would need to leave the hotel before breakfast then I would just stay at an airport hotel such as the Comfort Suites which would have a shuttle to the airport.

 

Keith

[JohninDC]

Hotels near FLL tend to be a bit cheaper than comparable hotels in Miami, and the area tends to be nicer than downtown Miami. www.sunny.org has info on most FLL area hotels. We also like the Embassy Suites, but there are other hotels nearby (including most variotions in the Marriott and Hilton families) at a variety of price points.

 

SAS (www.ridesas.com), QLS transportation (www.qualitylimoservice.com ) and Go Airport Shuttle(http://goairportshuttle.com/) are FLL based shuttle services that are often suggested on these boards with one way prices starting at $15+ per person. The trip to POM takes about 40-45 minutes.

 

Good luck! :)

[eandj]

You don't mention any kind of budget for the hotel stays. Know that if you are having problems with flights, you will have to pay a premium for hotels too due to spring break travelers.

 

"Airport" located hotels will be cheaper than staying in town/on the beach/near the ports at either city. But you won't find much to do without a car.

 

Spring break time in Florida = Ka-ching :)

[OVgirl]

Close to FLL airport, I would suggest Crowne Plaza on State Rd 84. They will provide a shuttle to the airport in the morning. There is a restaurant for breakfast, but if you are heading out really early, you might not even have a chance to eat something before you go. Might be best to just grab a bite at the airport.

[sickofsnowinmich]

Thank you everyone for your great input!!

I assume that "POM" means Port of Miami??

 

Keeping fingers crossed that we can make everything work

[Keith1010]

Yes, POM means Port Of Miami.

 

Keith

[f7prez]

If flying in and out of Fort Lauderdale, I would recommend staying there for the following reasons:

 

1. Hotels, Beaches and Airport are all relatively close to one another.

 

2. Hotels are generally cheaper.

 

3. Getting around by taxi or trolley is easier and cheaper.