HAL Hotel Package Fort Lauderdale

[mame42]

What Ruth said. I'll be doing Fort Lauderdale on my own for the first time in 19 days. I don't do it because it's "cheap". I do HAL hotels because it's comfortable and easier to deal with. Not everyone is motivated by doing things as cheaply as possible.

 

I also agree with Ruth. However, as a solo traveler of a certain age, I usually use a cruise hotel package the first time I embark from a stateside port. If it feels comfortable, the next time I will make my own arrangements.

[mudscraper]

We have cruised from Ft. Lauderdale many times and now live here. I love and can recommend the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas. It's right in the middle of the vibrant, chic and fun downtown area with great shopping, people watching, and restaurants. It's a ten minute cab ride to the ship and a great way to extend your vacation.:):)

 

Now we're talking! The Riverside is always our first choice. Give them a try. You won't be disappointed.

[Randyk47]

My wife likes the idea of a HAL escort. I've tried to explain that this is probably just someone at the airport holding a HAL sign.

 

As I recall, having only used HAL hotels and transfers twice, they pretty much hang out in or around the baggage claim area with a HAL sign/clipboard. They point you in the right direction to board whatever bus/van HAL has arranged to get you to their hotel. When we first cruised with HAL, back in 1995, and used the HAL hotel/transfer package they actually had a porter pulling luggage with HAL tags on them. I think that the HAL porter assistance has gone by the wayside even if you use HAL arrangements but I don't know that for sure. One way or the other I don't put much value on the HAL point of contact being or not being at the airport since I'm on my own and have done it enough that I don't need assistance.

Edited March 26, 2014 by Randyk47

[POA1]

I second this. Unless we're just crashing for the night in Fort Lauderdale and there's a decent cheapie place at a cheap price where we can do it, the Riverside is where we'd want to go.

 

I agree with the Riverside for location, but 10 minutes to the port by cab is super optimistic.

[iancal]

You need to be very careful when selecting cruise line pre/post hotels packages. Especially if you plan to spend a few days there.

 

The locations are not always great for touring. Like the Westin Fort Lauderdale, they are sometimes nice hotels in business areas without easy access to tourist areas. Cruise lines select them because of the price-particularly on weekend nights. People feel comfortable because they are Westins, Hiltons, Marriotts, etc. without giving thought to actual location.

 

We often look at cruise hotel packages in Europe and are surprised not only by the exceptionally high prices but also by the inconvenient location of some of them. You really need to do your research on where the hotel..unless of course you are only planning to be in the hotel for a few hours of sleep.

Edited March 26, 2014 by iancal

[GeriatricNurse]

We have cruised from Ft. Lauderdale many times and now live here. I love and can recommend the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas. It's right in the middle of the vibrant, chic and fun downtown area with great shopping, people watching, and restaurants. It's a ten minute cab ride to the ship and a great way to extend your vacation.:):)

 

 

This hotel looks great according to their website; however there is no in-room safe or buffet breakfast; which, a la carte, becomes quite expensive! :eek:

[taxmantoo]

This hotel looks great according to their website; however there is no in-room safe or buffet breakfast; which, a la carte, becomes quite expensive! :eek:

 

Why would you need a safe if you do not even have enough money for breakfast? :rolleyes:

[Irish Eyes Are Sailing]

I did it once, but never again. I included it in my review of our cruise on the Eurodam November 17th-24th. Next time I would book my own hotel and take a taxi. The overcharge from HAL didn't equal the room selection of city view at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort (an upgrade to an oceanfront room would have been nice), and all the hassles we had with the transfers. The hotel was kind of isolated and the meals there, although very good, were extremely pricey. Would have preferred to stay at the Embassy Suites or some other hotel that experienced cruisers on this forum talk about.....they are closer to restaurants and shopping, for example. So, live and learn. If I ever cruise from FLL again, I'll go my own way, thanks.

[Roz]

The first time I cruised out of Ft. Lauderdale I was by myself, and was surprised at how easy everything was to navigate, especially if you stay in the 17th St. area where there's a lot available that can be reached on foot.

 

Roz

[cruz chic]

I did it once, but never again. I included it in my review of our cruise on the Eurodam November 17th-24th. Next time I would book my own hotel and take a taxi. The overcharge from HAL didn't equal the room selection of city view at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort (an upgrade to an oceanfront room would have been nice), and all the hassles we had with the transfers. The hotel was kind of isolated and the meals there, although very good, were extremely pricey. Would have preferred to stay at the Embassy Suites or some other hotel that experienced cruisers on this forum talk about.....they are closer to restaurants and shopping, for example. So, live and learn. If I ever cruise from FLL again, I'll go my own way, thanks.

You had an unfortunate experience. I don't blame you for being upset. I would be too. I've done lots of HAL transfers and hotels and have never had that experience so they can do it right. I don't blame you one bit.

 

cruz chic formerly lorekauf

[Randyk47]

I did it once, but never again. I included it in my review of our cruise on the Eurodam November 17th-24th. Next time I would book my own hotel and take a taxi. The overcharge from HAL didn't equal the room selection of city view at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort (an upgrade to an oceanfront room would have been nice), and all the hassles we had with the transfers. The hotel was kind of isolated and the meals there, although very good, were extremely pricey. Would have preferred to stay at the Embassy Suites or some other hotel that experienced cruisers on this forum talk about.....they are closer to restaurants and shopping, for example. So, live and learn. If I ever cruise from FLL again, I'll go my own way, thanks.

 

You had an unfortunate experience. I don't blame you for being upset. I would be too. I've done lots of HAL transfers and hotels and have never had that experience so they can do it right. I don't blame you one bit.

 

cruz chic formerly lorekauf

 

I mentioned earlier we'd only done HAL transfers and hotels twice and won't do it again but I honestly have to say it really came down to cost. It is just plain more reasonable to make our own arrangements. And as mentioned I'm not particularly fond of the "mass transit" transfers. That said our last experience was actually pretty nice other than the cost. The HAL hotel we got was a Marriott south of Ft Lauderdale. We were right on the beach and the weather was absolutely fantastic. Since we always fly in the day before we had a great day and a half. The hotel even had a decent restaurant though there were a couple of other places for lunch within easy walking distance. I'll admit I strongly considered taking our own taxi to the terminal but as it turns out there were only some 20 or so HAL passengers at the hotel and they brought a small bus/large van type bus so that was actually pretty pleasant. They also used a separate truck for our luggage that we followed to the terminal but was done in a way that we never had to handle our big bags again. All in all, cost notwithstanding, not a bad experience.

Edited March 26, 2014 by Randyk47

[iancal]

Several years ago I was on business in Rome-staying at the Sheraton Golf.

 

Ran into a few unhappy cruisers. They had bought the pre cruise package- it was very expensive as I recall. The hotel was very nice BUT it was a long way from the centre of Rome. About 12KM. The hotel had a shuttle to P. Vittorio E. I think.

 

Cannot remember the cruise line but do remember how displeased they were with the very inconvenient location.

Edited March 26, 2014 by iancal

[lovin_retirement]

Fort Lauderdale is so easy to do on your own that we never consider HAL hotels and transfers there. The only time we bother with HAL assistance is in Europe where we are in very unfamiliar surroundings.

 

Any of the hotels along the 17th Street Causeway area are good choices if you are looking for a pre cruise hotel that has restaurants and a Publix grocery store nearby. They are all just a stone's throw from the port entrance.

 

We generally stay at the Embassy Suites and, although they try their best to direct us into their shuttle to the ship, we insist on using a taxi. Their shuttle full of people is seven or eight dollars pp and a taxi is only fifteen dollars +/- plus tip. The taxi is a much more relaxing way to arrive.

 

If there is more than one person, the taxi is actually cheaper than the shuttle. Also, the shuttle waits around until it is full.

[iancal]

We would not take a shuttle...even if it was free. We prefer our own schedule, we have no desire to be squished into a van or bus, and the cab fare is not only minimal, but can actually be, for two people, less than the shuttle. So why bother with it.

[mudscraper]

This hotel looks great according to their website; however there is no in-room safe or buffet breakfast; which, a la carte, becomes quite expensive! :eek:

 

Believe it or not you are allowed to leave the hotel and find less expensive breakfast goodies. Unless of course you were counting on the hotel providing you with a free breakfast. Here's an idea. From the hotel,walk ten minutes or so eastbound to the Floridian Restaurant (1410 E Las Olas Blvd). Great breakfasts in anyones price range.

[POA1]

Believe it or not you are allowed to leave the hotel and find less expensive breakfast goodies. Unless of course you were counting on the hotel providing you with a free breakfast. Here's an idea. From the hotel,walk ten minutes or so eastbound to the Floridian Restaurant (1410 E Las Olas Blvd). Great breakfasts in anyones price range.

 

And they've been in business since 1939,so they have all the kinks worked out. :D

[GeriatricNurse]

Believe it or not you are allowed to leave the hotel and find less expensive breakfast goodies. Unless of course you were counting on the hotel providing you with a free breakfast. Here's an idea. From the hotel,walk ten minutes or so eastbound to the Floridian Restaurant (1410 E Las Olas Blvd). Great breakfasts in anyones price range.

 

Thanks for the "idea", but no thanks! ;) I would not be inclined to have to walk anywhere outside of the hotel in order to find a place serving an inexpensive breakfast, which the hotel should be providing! Also, this hotel does not and should be offering a better/less costly breakfast value in the form of a 'buffet'! ;)

[Irish Eyes Are Sailing]

You had an unfortunate experience. I don't blame you for being upset. I would be too. I've done lots of HAL transfers and hotels and have never had that experience so they can do it right. I don't blame you one bit.

 

cruz chic formerly lorekauf

 

Yes, considering it was my 60th birthday (and HAL and the hotel knew this fact), it would have been a nice gesture to give me an ocean view room instead of looking towards the city and a parking lot. Nice room, but bad view. The food was good, but (for example) $50 including tip for two medium-sized chefs salads and two iced teas was a bit much. I am not a "cheap" person, and I don't mind spending money where it is warranted, but when the pre-night (room, meals, tips) cost in the neighborhood of $650, even I was a bit slack-jawed.....and I have travelled quite a bit. I may have been born at night, but it wasn't last night......so I may have been taken for a ride once, but not again.

 

Off topic, but I just noticed you changed your forum name lorekauf!!:)

 

And BTW, I received a $200 FCC from Seattle (HAL) in compensation for all the difficulties described in my review. I may or may not use it, depending on travel plans.

Edited March 27, 2014 by Irish Eyes Are Sailing

[cruz chic]

For GN....here I thought hotels were in business to make money. Turns out they are there to provide freebies. I'd rather pay for a breakfast and get some decent food. The last time I was at embassy suites they couldn't even get regular coffee out. That is ridiculous.

Edited March 27, 2014 by cruz chic

[cruz chic]

Yes, considering it was my 60th birthday (and HAL and the hotel knew this fact), it would have been a nice gesture to give me an ocean view room instead of looking towards the city and a parking lot. Nice room, but bad view. The food was good, but (for example) $50 including tip for two medium-sized chefs salads and two iced teas was a bit much. I am not a "cheap" person, and I don't mind spending money where it is warranted, but when the pre-night (room, meals, tips) cost in the neighborhood of $650, even I was a bit slack-jawed.....and I have travelled quite a bit. I may have been born at night, but it wasn't last night......so I may have been taken for a ride once, but not again.

 

Off topic, but I just noticed you changed your forum name lorekauf!!:)

 

Yup I changed it. I mention it once in a while for people that likely knew me in my former life:D.

[Irish Eyes Are Sailing]

Yup I changed it. I mention it once in a while for people that likely knew me in my former life:D.

 

Glad I noticed that......now I know it is you!!!;)

[POA1]

Thanks for the "idea", but no thanks! ;) I would not be inclined to have to walk anywhere outside of the hotel in order to find a place serving an inexpensive breakfast, which the hotel should be providing! Also, this hotel does not and should be offering a better/less costly breakfast value in the form of a 'buffet'! ;)

 

The Riverside is probably not a good fit for you. Given the fact that Lauderdale is a decent sized city, you should have plenty of hotel choices where some sort of breakfast is included. If you want to be down in the Las Olas area, there's a Hampton Inn. If you want to be by the beach, your choices are limited. If you want to be out by the airport, with a free airport shuttle, you have choices galore.

[Randyk47]

Thanks for the "idea", but no thanks! ;) I would not be inclined to have to walk anywhere outside of the hotel in order to find a place serving an inexpensive breakfast, which the hotel should be providing! Also, this hotel does not and should be offering a better/less costly breakfast value in the form of a 'buffet'! ;)

 

I guess I'm just more adventurous or willing to seek out varied experiences. I've eaten in everything from mud huts sitting on the dirt floor to supposedly 5-star restaurants in my 60++ years. Some were great, some were not so great but for me it's not always been about reviews or ratings. I'll also have to say of the criteria I use to pick a hotel their in-house eating venues is, if not last, close to the bottom. On the other hand, especially if I'm going to be there a couple of days, the hotel's proximity a variety of sites and in turn dining venues is important. Might add it's not all about money or cost. One of my favorite Mexican restaurants is a "hole-in-the-wall" family run diner where the menu is a large chalk board and you sit at the counter or on vinyl clad booths...and oh yeah....it cost 2/3 to 1/2 what you'd pay in one of the upscale named restaurants.

[Irish Eyes Are Sailing]

I guess I'm just more adventurous or willing to seek out varied experiences. I've eaten in everything from mud huts sitting on the dirt floor to supposedly 5-star restaurants in my 60++ years. Some were great, some were not so great but for me it's not always been about reviews or ratings. I'll also have to say of the criteria I use to pick a hotel their in-house eating venues is, if not last, close to the bottom. On the other hand, especially if I'm going to be there a couple of days, the hotel's proximity a variety of sites and in turn dining venues is important. Might add it's not all about money or cost. One of my favorite Mexican restaurants is a "hole-in-the-wall" family run diner where the menu is a large chalk board and you sit at the counter or on vinyl clad booths...and oh yeah....it cost 2/3 to 1/2 what you'd pay in one of the upscale named restaurants.

 

I agree. Some of the best restaurants are the small, informal, out-of-the-way, and out-of-the-ordinary types. I usually book hotels close to a variety of restaurants we can walk to. When we booked the hotel from HAL, we didn't really realize we might be somewhat "captive". I will trust my judgment over theirs next time.

[Globaliser]

This hotel looks great according to their website; however there is no in-room safe ...

I'm confident that we had an in-room safe when we were there a couple of months ago.

I would not be inclined to have to walk anywhere outside of the hotel in order to find a place serving an inexpensive breakfast, which the hotel should be providing! Also, this hotel does not and should be offering a better/less costly breakfast value in the form of a 'buffet'!

It's a matter for you whether you wish to cut off your nose to spite your face.

 

There's no "should" about either of these things, other than in your own mind. So you're only punishing yourself with this approach.