Ft. Lauderdale Grande

[Cruising89143]

I just returned today from my Jewel of the Seas cruise out of Ft. Lauderdale. Prior to the cruise we stayed two nights at the Ft. Lauderdale Grande. This is a former Marriott property but was sold after the area and hotel was hit by Hurricane Wilma last year. The hotel is currently undergoing a major revitalization and the entire tower is closed as it was totally gutted. They are using the east and west villa wings.

 

We had a room in the west wing overlooking the port which is basically a view of the 17th street causeway bridge. We were able to see the Princess ship and that was about it. The bridge blocked the rest of the view of the port. The room was very tired and worn. It also did not look, smell or feel clean. We were charged a total of $450.00 for two nights which included parking. Normally I wouldn't have a problem with this price but I feel that until this hotel is completed with it's revitalization, they need to lower their prices. It is just not worth it.

 

Also I had asked on the second morning if they could leave extra towels in the room. They didn't. It took three calls to the front desk to get them that evening. The folks working at the front desk were not friendly. IMHO this hotel has done a 360 since it changed ownership. Not sure if I will stay here again even after it is finished with the remodel.

[Cruising89143]

Update on this hotel. The General Manager just called and was very nice and apologetic for the situation that happened last week during the stay. He did make things right and I am very happy that he took the time to contact me so quickly.

 

I asked him when the hotel would be finished and he stated by April things should be well underway with the major areas being completed and that when all things are finished the property will be brand new. Again this property cannot be beat for location to the port and water taxi.

[Vic The Parrot]

I was thinking of changing my res from the Holiday Inn on A1A for this hotel.

From what I can tell on the Grande's website, it looks pretty convenient to many things. The HI seems a bit far up 'north' from everything else.

 

 

Should I rebook the Grande? ..... I'm flying tomorrow :eek:

[Cruising89143]

I was thinking of changing my res from the Holiday Inn on A1A for this hotel.

From what I can tell on the Grande's website, it looks pretty convenient to many things. The HI seems a bit far up 'north' from everything else.

 

 

Should I rebook the Grande? ..... I'm flying tomorrow :eek:

 

The hotel is very convenient and in a great location. As far as booking this hotel, a lot would depend on the price that they are charging. I would not pay over $109.00 a night for this hotel until the revitalization is complete unless they are going to be able to place you in a room that has been refurbished.

[beachfanatic]

agreed, we stayed there for one night in November and the rooms were dreadful and the pool music was jack-hammers...the hotel made good for us also but they really need to advertise the remodel and possible inconvenience

during the remodel. I wouldn't pay more than that either til they are done.

I would opt for the Pier 66..you can usually get that on Priceline for less.

[Vic The Parrot]

Thanks for your input, guys .... I'll check it out.

 

 

In case we miss each other here, have a nice Xmas!

 

:)

[rainbird]

We will be staying at the Fort Lauderdale Grande on Jan 12 before our cruise on the Star Princess. When we made this reservation, we where told we would be able to see the port from our room. From what has been said, we will not be able to. Should i call the hotel and try to get a cheaper rate?

 

How are the pool and other parts of the hotel during this revitalization? We are looking forward to spending some time by the pool if the weather works out.

 

We still like the location, and if we can see the Star Princess on Sat. I think we will still be happy. But if the room are bad, maybe we should cancell and try something else. Maybe it's too late to get anything better at this late date. Priceline maybe?

 

Maybe i shouldn't worry so much. Whatever happens, happens. We will still have a great time.

[Bequia]

Maybe i shouldn't worry so much. Whatever happens, happens. We will still have a great time.

 

That's the right attitude. :rolleyes:

[Cruising89143]

We will be staying at the Fort Lauderdale Grande on Jan 12 before our cruise on the Star Princess. When we made this reservation, we where told we would be able to see the port from our room. From what has been said, we will not be able to. Should i call the hotel and try to get a cheaper rate?

 

How are the pool and other parts of the hotel during this revitalization? We are looking forward to spending some time by the pool if the weather works out.

 

We still like the location, and if we can see the Star Princess on Sat. I think we will still be happy. But if the room are bad, maybe we should cancell and try something else. Maybe it's too late to get anything better at this late date. Priceline maybe?

 

Maybe i shouldn't worry so much. Whatever happens, happens. We will still have a great time.

 

I didn't have a problem with the hotel as much as I did the amount that they were charging for the rooms while this hotel is undergoing the refurb and the lack of service at the front desk. Depending on your room location you may be able to see the Princess ship as we were able to see it along with the casino ship that docks directly behind it. Also after speaking with the GM of the hotel, I believe that he took care of some attitudes with some of his associates.

 

The pool area is okay and open but they do have some areas roped off due to construction in the tower. The pool bar was also open and had no problems with that at all. If you got a good price and that means something around $109.00 a night then I would not have a problem staying there but it is not worth the $200.00 a night that they charged us.