Hotel Recommendation for Pre-cruise? Driving Ft-Lauderdale to Miami

[hiyall804]

We will be sailing on the Freedom Oct 29, but plan to fly in to Ft. Lauderdale 10/28 am and rent a car to drive down to Miami. Can anyone recommend a hotel (perhaps one with a good pool) for a family with three kids (11, 9 & 5)? I was thinking perhaps the Hard Rock, but it seems to me a read a less than possitive review somewhere.

 

Thanks

[KShea]

Sheraton Bal Harbour Beach Resort

.......one of the nicest properties I've ever stayed at. Its more of a drive to the port but worth it.

[signman]

Hard Rock is a big casino hotel far far from the beach. Sheraton Bal Harbour has a great pool area, but is supposed to be closing, so you would need to find out when. In Miami Beach, one of the nicest pool areas is the Loews.

 

Details on good options are here http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=276536

[ehamp23]

Stayed here a few times before the cruise. Right next to Bayside, which is very close to port of Miami.

[Bequia]

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is an excellent property, only 15 minutes from Hollywood Beach, one of the nicest beaches in SoFla.

 

http://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com/

 

The nicest pool for children in Miami Beach is at the Fountainebleau. Besides a giant pool they have a lazy river, a 100 foot water slide and waterfalls for kids. The hotel is currently under a multi million dollar renovation. Perhaps it will be completed by April. ;)

 

http://www.fontainebleau-hilton-resort.aboutmiamibeach.com/