Renaissance FLL

[Buzzard Cake]

Just booked this hotel for this December for one night pre-cruise. Not cheap but we'll have come from a long distance and want to treat ourselves. Anything we should know about this hotel? They say they're across the st. from the port, do they provide transportation? Are there certain rooms that are better than others (that said we're not doing the club level)? Where's a close place for dinner/breakfast?

 

Thanks!

[Freelancer]

We've stayed at the Renaissance before several cruises. It is only a short distance from the port (down the street). The hotel does not provide a free shuttle to the pier, but they will arrange transportation with a shuttle service. The last time we used the service it was $4 per person.

 

All the rooms are nice. The hotel renovated rooms last year and upgraded the bedding and other room amenities.

Since the hotel is on a busy corner you will see either street or a laneway behind the hotel. The hotel windows do a very good job of blocking the street noise.

 

The hotel has a restaurant with good choices for dinner and breakfast. Alternatively, there is a bagel restaurant less than two blocks down the street that makes excellent breakfasts--be warned, it's always packed, especially on the weekend. There is a French bakery around the corner from the hotel that serves some light breakfast items and beverages.

 

There are numerous restaurants within walking distance serving a wide variety of food.

 

Hotel staff are very friendly and helpful. There is a concierge who can provide information about the water taxi if you want to explore the Los Olas section of Fort Lauderdale.

 

Enjoy the hotel.

[Coral]

It is a nice hotel. Nothing extra-ordinary but a nice hotel.

 

There is an Italian Restaurant called Bravos right across the parking lot that is pretty good.

[signman]

When in December??? If before Christmas holiday time, you might be able to get this hotel on Priceline. It's the only 4 star in the Downtown zone.

 

http://www.biddingfortravel.com

[rkacruiser]

There is a very good seafood restaurant to the North of the hotel, in the same shopping area parking lot as the hotel called Bimini's Boatyard.

 

Also, within walking distance, go East towards the Fort Lauderdale Grande Hotel, and you will find the dock for the Water Taxi which will take you to areas of the city with many choices for places to dine.

[petlover]

Although this is a nice hotel with good service and staff, You may want to consider staying at Pier 66 instead. IMO, this is a better hotel and the rooms have balconies (no opening windows at Renaissance). If you get in the Newer Tower at Pier 66 you have an excellent view of the ships as well.

[molly361]

South Port Raw bar (no frills) is also a good seafood restaurant close by as is Kelly's Landing (Maine lobster and steamers)

[Coral]

I am trying Priceline for December and right now, nothing is biting.

[worldtraveler66]

We are staying at the Renaissance before our cruise at the end of August. Got a great deal through a travelzoo special and cancelled my reservation at the Yankee Trader. The trader had a great deal for $40 + a couple of thousand starwood points but I read so many reviews that were marginal I switched to the Renaissance.