Hotels In FLL - Help!

[TrentS]

AmeriSuites is the only one in the SE 17th Street area that will let you do that. There's a new Holiday Inn at I-95 and Sheridan that will let you do that as well, but they charge for their shuttle to Port Everglades... http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/6c/1/en/hd/fllas

 

The hotels lots are wide open and unsecured... The safest place for your car is in the covered parking garages at Port Everglades. Park 'n Fly is a less expensive, yet secured alternative ($45/week according to their website)... http://www.pnf.com/ftlauderdale/default.htm

[C 2 C]

BobbieSu and VaCruzzers - I have never been negative about that particular hotel, only the NEIGHBORHOOD that it's in! While I'm sure that particular hotel is fine and perfectly safe, it's not in the safest neighborhood.

 

I've stayed at the comfort Inn twice but after reading this site I'm looking for another location next week.... that is if any hotel has their power back \:

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34296-d84582-r2347694-Comfort_Inn_Airport_Cruise_Port_South-Hollywood_Florida.html

[Cardinala]

Hey guys.

 

I wanted to book the Holiday Inn Express for pre and post cruise. Unfortunately, they are booked. So, where shoudl I go next? Extended Stay? Seems like they are in the same area.

[TrentS]

Hey guys.

 

I wanted to book the Holiday Inn Express for pre and post cruise. Unfortunately, they are booked. So, where shoudl I go next? Extended Stay? Seems like they are in the same area.

Yes, try Extended Stay America, they're right next door to Holiday Inn Express, and are also a very nice "budget" hotel.

[TrentS]

I've stayed at the comfort Inn twice but after reading this site I'm looking for another location next week.... that is if any hotel has their power back \:

More and more areas are getting power back every hour. All I can tell you to do is keep checking as most hotels aren't damaged, they just can't reopen until they have power.

 

Many downtown Miami and Miami Beach hotels and Weston hotels have power, you may want to try there as a backup, but I would think many, if not most in Fort Lauderdale will have power by next week.

[Cardinala]

Well, I reserved a room at the Extended Stay America. Rates are $149.99 plus tax. That isn't cheap. Hopefully the location makes up for it.

[OSUFAN]

I received an e-mail confirmation today from Embassy Suites on 17th street in Ft. Lauderdale for our pre-cruise night there next Thursday, Nov. 3, so I guess will just keep thinking positively that power will be restored and everything back to as normal as can be after Wilma.

 

Trent, just wanted to echo everyone's thanks to you for all of your wonderful tips and advice. As someone said, you never talk down to anyone and give straightforward, honest advice. Are you in the travel industry? If not, they are missing out on quite a guy! We are all thankful you came through Wilma okay...thanks again for everything. ;) Carla

[TrentS]

FPL have now made gas stations, stores and business districts a priority so I suspect the SE 17th Street area should have power soon... I hope, for all of your sake!

 

Your welcome Carla... No, I don't work in the travel industry at all. I worked for an airline when I was in college, but that was my only foray into that business... I just love ships and love to travel! :)

[C 2 C]

37 Cruises on 12 Lines and counting..

 

So are you concentrating on any line?

[TrentS]

So are you concentrating on any line?

Nah, I like variety.

[chot]

pmc7704--We've stayed 2 times at the La Quinta in Ft. lauderdale and they will keep your car up to 14 days. We booked it thru park/sleep/cruise.com. We are also booked there for a Feb. cruise.

[dcourt]

I received an e-mail confirmation today from Embassy Suites on 17th street in Ft. Lauderdale for our pre-cruise night there next Thursday, Nov. 3, so I guess will just keep thinking positively that power will be restored and everything back to as normal as can be after Wilma.

 

I am surprised that you got this confirmation from Embassy Suites. When I called them directly yesterday they told me that they were not going to reopen until Monday, November 7th. I am so happy that you got this confirmation. My reservations are for the 5th and 6th. So, if it's open for you on the 3rd it will be open for us too!!! YAHOO, can't wait.

[OSUFAN]

Trent,

Now I understand how you got the "travel bug"! I worked for Continental Airlines 10 years, took an early out when they offered it. Unfortunately, my husband traveled a lot on business before he retired and isn't as into travel as I am, so I just grab a friend who loves to travel. Customer service was my main objective with the airline, and I sure see that reflected in all of your posts. It's great, because you really have nothing to gain except the satisfaction of how much assistance you are to others! Keep up the good work! :cool: Carla

[OSUFAN]

dcourt....Didn't see your post until just now since I was writing one to Trent.

 

Omigosh! :eek: Guess I'd better call Embassy and see what's going on instead of trusting the e-mail confirmation. I have been trying to avoid calling them because I know they must be swamped with calls and so much depends upon when power is restored, etc. On the other hand, I need a backup plan if they aren't going to be open! Thanks for letting me know what you were told. :cool: Carla

[Cardinala]

Trent, or anyone else, do you have a link to a good map explaining where the Extended StayAmerica is? I know it's near the port, but I can't seem to find a map of that either....it must be because it's Friday and we haven't seen the sunshine here in 3 weeks.

 

Can't seem to find any review on Trip Advisor as well.

[Cardinala]

To answer my own question...

 

http://search.travel.yahoo.com/bin/search/map;_ylt=AqugWU8FSj.SgHr3QviSVGniphQB?clat=26.100237&clong=-80.128348&zoom=9&sid=191501908&id=336782&t[]=lodging

 

This gives a pretty good idea for all the hotels/motels in the area, and their distance to the port.

[ToplessPony]

Thanks for the link Cardinala. Neat to get a view like that of all the hotel locations.

[TrentS]

Here's a good map/satellite pic of where Extended Stay America on SE 17th Street is... http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1450+SE+17th+Street,+Fort+Lauderdale,+FL&spn=0.006535,0.012802&t=h&iwloc=A&hl=en

 

The satellite picture is a couple of years old though. The large empty lot to the left of the tank farm is now a big strip mall with the new Publix grocery store. Left click with your mouse and drag it around to "look around". The port is just to the right, the airport is left to Federal Hwy., and then down... Or you can zoom out and see everything, but smaller.

 

Embassy Suites is currently looking at reopening between November 7 and November 10. They have power back, but had extensive water damage. They're working on it as fast as they can, but can't give a firm reopening date yet.

[OSUFAN]

Hey Trent.....Trying to book a backup if Embassy Suites doesn't re-open by our pre-cruse night. Any opinion on the Marriott Beach Place Towers? How far is it from airport and pier for taxi fares? Is it close to anything else? We have stayed at similar Marriott Vacation hotels in Kauai and loved them. There aren't many hotels showing availability or allowing booking for next week. Thanks for all your help! :rolleyes: Carla

[TrentS]

Marriott Beach Place is in a great location, less than 10 minutes from Embassy Suites, between 15-20 minutes from FLL. As I'm sure you know it's a time share property that also rents suites, but isn't like a "normal" hotel. It's above an open air complex of shops, restaurants and bars called "Beach Place", and is within walking distance to many other places on the beach. The rooms on the lower floors can be a bit noisy with all the restaurants and bars below, but under the circumstances I would grab it and not worry about that.

[OSUFAN]

Thanks, Trent! I did already book it and glad I did, because even though I got a confirmation for our stay yesterday, I just received another e-mail from Embassy Suites this evening saying they were sorry they couldn't honor the reservation for Nov. 3 as the hotel is still closed.:( I know this one will be nice and actually with a senior discount got a cheaper rate than at Embassy, but he said I got the last room at that rate.:D This one probably isn't within walking distance of the water taxi, huh?:confused: Any restaurant recommendations near Marriott Beach Place Towers?

 

The only other property Marriott has available Nov. 3 is Renaissance for over $300 a night and couldn't find much desirable at other chains...so I'm tickled pink with what I have reserved......thanks so much for all your super advice! :rolleyes: Carla

[TrentS]

Actually it is within walking distance of a Water Taxi stop. I can't remember exactly where it's at, but I know there's one around there somewhere. :rolleyes: The Water Taxi is running again, but may not be during the Boat Show. At least the original plan was to use the Water Taxis to shuttle people from downtown parking and between the various show sites. I assume this hasn't changed with the new dates of November 3-6.

 

There are several restaurants in Beach Place such as Hooters,

Sloppy Joes... http://www.sloppyjoeslauderdale.com/

Lulu's Bait Shack... http://www.lulusbaitshack.com/

Cheeburger Cheeburger... http://www.cheeburger-cheeburger.com/

 

There are also several restaurants in a row on A1A a block south of Beach Place, but I haven't eaten at any of them in some time.

 

Shula's on the Beach is a few blocks north in the Sheraton Yankee Trader hotel... http://www.shulasbeach.com/

 

Beach Place is just a couple of blocks from Las Olas Blvd. It's too far to walk to the many many nice restaurants and shops along Las Olas, but it's only a short cab ride if the Water Taxi isn't running... http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/

[OSUFAN]

Trent, you are just awesome! I cannot imagine the time and effort you must put into helping everyone's questions on these boards. Thanks again for all you do! :cool: Carla

[Cardinala]

Trent, what kind of restaurants are located near the Extended StayAmerica? Are there many that are walking distance? I imagine I'm like most travellers, once they land the best thing to do is sit out on a patio and drink a beer and enjoy that nice south Florida scent. Will I be able to do this in the area without having to jump into a cab?

[TrentS]

Oh yes, that's one reason why I so highly recommend the SE 17th Street hotels. In addition to Publix & Winn-Dixie grocery stores, CVS & Walgreens drug stores, 3 liquor stores, dozens of shops, and the Water Taxi, there are at least a couple dozen restaurants within easy walking distance.

 

Tara Steak & Lobster is right next door to Extended Stay America (it's new, just opened, I haven't been there yet)... http://www.tarasteakandlobsterhouse.com/

 

Carlos and Pepe's is also in the same shopping center.

 

Bimini Boatyard and Bravo are both across the street from Extended Stay America, and about a block east, opposite the Renaissance Hotel... http://www.bravoitaliano.com/

 

Chuck's Steakhouse... http://www.chucksflorida.com/

 

And Waxy O'Connors are both across the street from Embassy Suites, a couple of blocks west of Extended Stay America... http://www.waxys.com/

 

Outback Steakhouse and Del Rio Tex Mex are just west of Embassy Suites, and Quarterdeck is across the street and a block north of Embassy Suites on Cordova Road... http://www.quarterdeckrestaurant.com/

 

Kelly's Landing is an excellent New England style seafood place in a strip mall on Cordova Road, across the street from Winn-Dixie.

 

And if you want some great ice cream, Aspen Ice Cream is in the large yellow strip mall across the street from Tara... http://www.aspenicecream.com/

 

I always forget some, but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. Many of them have outdoor dining/drinking. ;)

 

There are 3 large strip malls around Extended Stay America - Across the street, next door, and behind, as well as several smaller ones. There are at least a dozen other small restaurants scattered throughout those strip malls, plus a number of fast food and carry-out places in the area as well... You'll never go hungry along that section of SE 17th Street, there's something for every taste and budget.