"Night Before" Hotels in Ft. Lauderdale

[Abavus]

DW and I are on the Carrib. Princess this fall. After thinking about the merits of a 6am "day-of" flight, we're looking at flying in a day early. I've seen threads on here about what hotels are near the port and airport and the best way to get transfers to/from the hotel and again for the return trip, but can't seem to find them now.

 

 

So ... would like some opinions on:

- Hotels

- Transportation (rent a car? taxi? moped? :) )

[Colo Cruiser]

The Embassy Suites and the Renaissance Hotel are right on 17th St and are about a $6 cab ride to the pier. Less then a mile. Those are the best bets.

The airport is very close to both the hotels and the pier. :)

[HotJet]

We are staying at the Amerisuites before our cruise next month.

 

This thread has some very helpful information and links for you:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=365279

[trvlcrzy]

There are several "regulars" who are very knowledgeable about the Ft. Lauderdale area on the Hotels-pre and post cruise section of this board.

 

Here is some info I have gleaned from posts over there...

Avoid SR 84

SE 17th is better

Hope this helps. To the original poster of this information, I thank you, but I cannot remember your username!

 

SE 17th area:

AmeriSuites... http://amerisuites.com/reservations....asp?facid=3929

Extended Stay America... http://www.extendedstayamerica.com/...ter-marina.html

Ft Lauderdale Grande….http://www.fortlauderdalegrande.com

Holiday Inn Express... http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hd/fllcc

Embassy Suites... http://www.embassysuites.com/en/es/...ctyhocn=FLLSOES

Renaissance... http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/FLLBR

AIRPORT

La Quinta …http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=985

Fort Lauderdale Beach...

Lago Mar... http://www.lagomar.com/

HarborBeach Marriott... http://www.marriottharborbeach.com/

Bahia Mar... http://www.bahiamarhotel.com/

Pelican Beach Resort... http://www.pelicanbeach.com/

The Atlantic... http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxur...propertyID=1475

St. Regis (opening in January)... http://www.starwoodhotels.com/streg...propertyID=1512

 

Along the Intracoastal, just off of Fort Lauderdale Beach...

Hyatt Pier 66... http://pier66.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml

DoubleTree Guest Suites... http://www.doubletreegalleria.com/

Downtown Fort Lauderdale...

Riverside Hotel (Las Olas Blvd.)... http://www.riversidehotel.com/

Hampton Inn (best only if you have a rental car)... http://www.hamptoninnftlauderdale.com/

HollywoodBeach (just south of Port Everglades)...

HollywoodBeach Marriott... http://www.hollywoodbeachmarriott.com/

Westin Diplomat... http://www.diplomatresort.com/

RamadaBeach Resort..http://www.ramada.com/Ramada/control/Booking/property_info?propertyId=13027&brandInfo=RA

Bougainvilla on the Beach…….http://www.bougainvilleahollywood.com/

Seadowns Hollywood Beach….http://www.seadowns.com/

Tides….http://www.tideapartments.com/

Riptide Patio Motel……http://www.netside.net/~jorge/home.htm

WalkaboutBeach Resort…..http://www.walkaboutbeachresort.com/

Driftwood on the Ocean…http://www.driftwoodontheocean.com/english/index.html

Mantaray Inn…http://www.mantarayinn.com/

GreenbriarBeach Club…..http://www.greenbriarbc.com/

Hollywood by the Sea …….http://www.hollywoodbytheseabandb.co...mmodations.htm

Suburban Fort Lauderdale (best only if you have a rental car)...

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino... http://www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com/

Renaissance Plantation... http://www.renaissanceplantation.com/

Sheraton Suites Plantation... http://www.sheratonplantation.com/

 

I-95 Corridor

MarriottCourtyardDaniaBeach... http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/FLLHT

HolidayInnHollywood... http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hd/fllas

 

SE 17th Street Restaurants...

Tara Steak & Lobster is right next door to Extended Stay America... http://www.tarasteakandlobsterhouse.com/

Carlos and Pepe's (Mexican) & Durty Harry's (bar with food) are in the same shopping center as Tara. There's also a small diner in that strip mall that I've been told has an excellent breakfast.

Einstein Bros. Bagels is across the street from Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America... http://www.einsteinbros.com/

Bimini Boatyard and Bravo (great Italian restaurant) are both across the street from Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America, and about a block east, opposite the Renaissance Hotel... http://www.bravoitaliano.com/

Jack Jackson's new restaurant FISH is across the street from the Renaissance hotel, attached to the Convention Center complex at the entrance to Port Everglades... http://www.fish-fl.com/

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

And Waxy O'Connors are both across the street from Embassy Suites, a long block west of Holiday Inn Express/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, just beyond Winn-Dixie... http://www.quarterdeckrestaurant.com/

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

If you want some excellent ice cream, Aspen Ice Cream is next door to Office Depot, in the large yellow strip mall across the street from Tara and Carlos and Pepe's... http://www.aspenicecream.com/

There are 3 large strip malls around Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America - More or less 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.

Publix grocery store is in the large strip mall a block south on Cordova Road, behind Embassy Suites.

Barnie's Coffee & Tea is in the same strip mall as Publix, a few stores to the west, next to Carvel Ice Cream... http://www.barniescoffee.com/

Crown Wine and Spirits is across the street from Embassy Suites, behind the Chevron station, and 67 Wine & Spirits is across the street from Crown.

Winn-Dixie grocery store is next door to Crown, and there's a CVS drug store in the same strip mall as 67 Wine & Spirits.

Walgreens drug store is a block east of Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America, across the street from the Renaissance hotel.

The restaurants above are just those that you can easily walk to. If you take the Water Taxi you can easily get to dozens more. The nearest Water Taxi stop is 2 long blocks east, under the SE 17th Street Bridge, in front of the Marina Marriott hotel... http://www.watertaxi.com/FortLauderdale/FLLHome.Asp

Some popular places easily accessible by Water Taxi are...

15th Street Fisheries... http://www.15streetfisheries.com/

Jackson's Steakhouse... http://www.jacksonssteakhouse.com/

Shirttail Charlie's... http://www.shirttailcharlies.com/

Fort Lauderdale Riverhouse... http://www.ftlauderdaleriverhouse.com/

Downtowner Saloon... http://www.downtownersaloon.com/

Shooter's Waterfront Cafe, and at the same stop Taverna Opa... http://tavernaoparestaurant.com/

Charlie's Crab... http://www.muer.com/locations/chcrab...ab-ftlaud.html

The many many restaurants and shops along beautiful Las Olas Blvd... http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/

And Las Olas Riverfront... http://www.riverfrontfl.com/

[mii]

I am also a big fan of the Hotel pre=post forum. There is alot of valuable information there.

 

marilyn

[CatherineM]

We are staying at the Marriott Courtyard. They pick us up from the airport and take us to the hotel and the next day they will shuttle us to the cruise terminal.

 

Cath

[Abavus]

I am also a big fan of the Hotel pre=post forum. There is alot of valuable information there.

 

marilyn

 

Doh! :eek:

[mii]

Doh! :eek:

 

I do not know why you said Doh. Did you mean duh?? There is a hotel pre-post forum on Cruise Critic. There is all sorts of information there. Just go back to what I call the table of Contents where you came in to the Princess board and you will find it. There is roll calls, cruise air, fashion, all sorts of information.

 

marilyn

[Abavus]

I do not know why you said Doh. Did you mean duh?? There is a hotel pre-post forum on Cruise Critic. There is all sorts of information there. Just go back to what I call the table of Contents where you came in to the Princess board and you will find it. There is roll calls, cruise air, fashion, all sorts of information.

 

marilyn

 

Yah, I see it now but didn't think to look for it before posting. I felt a little silly. :D

[partyboy]

Great information folks!:)

 

Abavus,

 

Ordinarilly, I would not be this strong to recommend a pre-cruise stay in Ft.Lauderdale. This cruse you have planned on this date calls for extra precautions. By Geezes, it's hurricane season. You need to be relaxed for this holiday. Get yourselves down there the day before, enjoy the heck out of FLL and have a blast on the Caribbean Princess.

 

So many hotels, so many restaurants, sooooo much fun!

If by chance the weather turns sour, you'll have options by booking your flights a day early.

 

I cruise this time of year often. I've never had a problem, but I'd hate to see you blocked out of your cruise without options unless you're packing some heavy trip insurance coverage.

J

[cbpanda]

My husband is very insistent about going the night before. He says he doesn't need the stress of getting up early and dealing with possible delays on the airline.

 

We stayed at the Harbor Beach Marriott, and while I probably wouldn't stay there again (it was rather pricey), we will be staying at the Courtyard Airport/Cruise Port next year. They have a free shuttle to/from the airport and a free shuttle to/from the cruise port.

[M&MCruisin]

DW and I are on the Carrib. Princess this fall. After thinking about the merits of a 6am "day-of" flight, we're looking at flying in a day early. I've seen threads on here about what hotels are near the port and airport and the best way to get transfers to/from the hotel and again for the return trip, but can't seem to find them now.

 

 

So ... would like some opinions on:

- Hotels

- Transportation (rent a car? taxi? moped? :) )

 

We stayed at the Renaissance Hotel and it was wonderful. I asked for a room overlooking the port and they accomodated. We went on priceline.com and offered $99...its a $350-$400 a night room. My sister offered $80 on priceline and they took it as well. The breakfast is outstanding. We had one problem at the hotel, but the staff quickly rectified it and gave us a $50 breakfast on them for the inconvenience. The beds are increadible! Its like floating on a cloud and the robes are so soft and so thick. I wish I would have bought one! Staying the night before is great. You can get on the boat earlier than you think. We were in line at 11am and people were already on the boat. Our luggage came so fast and we were having lunch right away. Hope you have a great time.

[partyboy]

Oppps.....maybe I was a little too diplomatic and

didn't make it clear!;)

 

Yes Siree, this thread belongs on the hotel thread!:)

[signman]

I assume this thread was transferred from the Princess board. To trvlcrzy who copied a very good and comprehensive list, credit for that information should go to TrentS, who sadly for everyone on these boards seeking information on South Florida, no longer posts, and to Bequia who has gallantly been filling the void left by TrentS's departure.

[mellak]

Does the embassy suites have transportation from the airport and to the pier?

[dcruisers]

Hotjet.........would you please write a brief review of the Amerisuites when you return? We are booked there in January and have been getting concerned about some of the negative remarks. We would really appreciate your feedback on the Amerisuites.

Thanks and enjoy cruise!

[Guest Spo]

Hampton Inn was nice and affordable. They provide complimentary transportation from the airport and to the port the next morning. They also recommended a nice restaurant and gave us a ride there, also. Sorry, can't remember the name of the restaurant. Also within walking distance of a grocery store (right across a side street) where you can pick up wine or whatever to take on board!

[phabric]

Does the embassy suites have transportation from the airport and to the pier?

 

I called Embassy Suites they have shuttle from the hotel TO airport only.

[HotJet]

Hotjet.........would you please write a brief review of the Amerisuites when you return? We are booked there in January and have been getting concerned about some of the negative remarks. We would really appreciate your feedback on the Amerisuites.

Thanks and enjoy cruise!

 

Will do.

[EKELLEY]

M&MCruisin,

 

What area & how many stars did you submit to Priceline to get the Renaissance?

[auntlatoya]

I have a question for some of you ft lauderdale experts...

 

I'm trying to decide bet/ a few hotels that are all offering a great price for our pre cruise stay, Oct 8. I would love some honest opinions, which I know you guys have no trouble giving.

 

I found the Ft Lauderdale Grande on travelzoo for $69. I don't think they offer any complimentary transfers.

 

The Sheraton Airport is $79 (on travelzoo) and they offer a shuttle from/to airport only.

 

I have booked a reservation with the Sleep Inn for $71 (which can be cancelled). They apparently offer transport TO airport (which we won't need) and transport to port.

 

It seems like with all of these hotels, we will have to pay for at least one taxi ride. I'm just wondering, which do you think would be the best deal? The Tripadvisor reviews seem to be about equal.

 

I guess what I'm asking is, which would give us the most bang for our buck?

 

Thanks for any input. I am also open to any suggestions of other hotels in this price range.

 

Tanya

[signman]

If you are saying Sleep Inn doesn't offer transfers FROM the airport to the hotel, then I would go with the Grande. It's right on the Intracoastal and nearby to all the 17th St. shopping and dining.

 

If you just want to lay your head down and don't care about anything else, then Sleep Inn or Sheraton will do.

 

If you are really looking to save $$ check Hotwire, or bid at Priceline but bone up at http://www.biddingfortravel.com

[signman]

M&MCruisin,

 

What area & how many stars did you submit to Priceline to get the Renaissance?

 

 

 

 

Renaissance is 4 stars in the Downtown zone.

[hightownCO]

M&MCruisin, would be very interested in your Priceline bid criteria as well. What stars, what amenities? Also how far out did you bid? I'm a long time away from my cruise so imagine it's too early.

 

Thanks!

[Bequia]

. I'm just wondering, which do you think would be the best deal?

 

Tanya, so many make the mistake of basing their hotel decision on a shuttle ride. More often then not the shuttle turns into a bigger hassle then its worth. Wouldn't it be nice to leave when you want, on your terms, no waiting, no lines, no hassle? Just grab a cab and go. ;)