Can anyone tell me about Coral Springs Marriott?

[mcfaddensfarm]

In a stupid mistake today, I accidentally got us a hotel in Coral Springs, instead of Fort Lauderdale.:( Totally my fault, I wasn't paying close enough attention to the areas I had chosen when I was trying to do a re-bid on Priceline. I tried in vain to get it canceled, but of course due to the Priceline policy they wouldn't cancel or change it, even though I offered to re-book with any other hotel in Fort Lauderdale as long as it was closer to the cruise port. It's their policy, so I can't complain. I'll just have to put this in the "live and learn" column of life...

Anyway, we're now booked at the Coral Springs Marriott on Heron Blvd. Can anyone tell me about this hotel? We're not too picky, so I'm hoping this won't be a disaster, especially since we're staying there two nights. What can you tell me about this hotel--good or bad, I can take it.;)

[royalcruz]

I've been to this hotel for events. It is a very nice 3 star type hotel. It is very far from the cruiseport and airport and will cost you more in taxi fare ($130 plus tip round trip) than it will cost you to book another hotel. If you don't plan to rent a car or if the hotel cannot arrange inexpensive shuttles, just book another hotel and take the loss.

[mcfaddensfarm]

I've been to this hotel for events. It is a very nice 3 star type hotel. It is very far from the cruiseport and airport and will cost you more in taxi fare ($130 plus tip round trip) than it will cost you to book another hotel. If you don't plan to rent a car or if the hotel cannot arrange inexpensive shuttles, just book another hotel and take the loss.

 

Yeah I heard about the taxi fare, so I am now looking into rental cars. I can get a 2 day rental from Budget for $65 total. I figure I can't get another hotel for that, so I will probably just get the rental car. I don't have a lot of extra money for this trip, so the idea of having to book another hotel room and let this one go is hard.

[royalcruz]

Yeah I heard about the taxi fare, so I am now looking into rental cars. I can get a 2 day rental from Budget for $65 total. I figure I can't get another hotel for that, so I will probably just get the rental car. I don't have a lot of extra money for this trip, so the idea of having to book another hotel room and let this one go is hard.

 

That makes sense. You won't be too far from Sawgrass Mills Mall, so it would be good to have a car.

[RuthlessBunny]

Coral Springs is a nice, suburban area. Good news is you're close to some pretty fun stuff out there! (I lived in Coral Springs for YEARS!)

 

As RoyalCruz said, you're a hop, skip and a jump from Sawgrass Mills. Take the Sawgrass Expressway south to Sunrise. Get off and head east (left), BING! There it is!

 

 

Another thing that's fun is Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on 441 and Sterling. Take the Sawgrass Expressway to 595, head east, exit on 441 south, and go down about a mile or so. Can't miss it!

 

If you want a regular mall, Coral Square Mall is at University and Atlantic. Macys is there, along with all the usual suspects.

 

Old Vienna on University has been there since the dawn of time. You can get beer in a big, glass boot! There's a Melting Pot on Sample Rd.

 

A great place for a sub is the La Spada on Sample Rd, East of University, between Riverside and Woodside Dr.

 

Jasmine Thai on Coconut Creek Parkway is a wonderful Thai restaurant.

 

At any rate, relax by the pool, check out the neighborhood, you're in a nice area and it's not a tourist ghetto.

 

Frankly, by what you'll save on meals and the rate you got on your hotel, I think you're about even!

[BlueHerons]

Personally I think it is a great area.

 

This is why we plead with people to read www.BiddingForTravel.com and www.BetterBidding.com before they bid.

 

You really didn't do that bad and will have a chance to see a little of FLL.

[mcfaddensfarm]

Thanks Ruthless Bunny & Blue Heron! You've really eased my mind.

 

Blue Heron, the ridiculous thing is that I DID research those web sites, I had notes & everything! I just made a dumb mistake in the middle of using my free re-bids when I decided to switch tactics & didn't realize Coral Springs was still marked. Like I said, I'll have to chalk it up to live & learn.

 

Ruthless Bunny, I appreciate all the detail you've given me. Over the last day or so I've tried to look at this as an "adventure" and not be bummed out about it but it sounds like it's not that bad! When you say we'll "save money on meals" are you talking about being away from the touristy area and having choices of less expensive restaurants? When I checked the hotel didn't look like it has a complimentary breakfast or anything like that. They also don't have complimentary wi-fi. But I still haven't decided if I'll be bringing the laptop to keep in contact with my husband, so it may not be a big deal. Besides, when we're not on the cruise, we can just use our phones.

 

We got the hotel for $50/night plus tax to just under $120 for 2 nights. As I mentioned before I am looking at getting a car for around $65 from Budget's website. Hopefully I don't run up a big gas bill...;)

[RuthlessBunny]

Yup, being out of the touristy area, you'll save money on food.

 

I forgot to mention, there's a Lester's Diner, it's either on Royal Palm or on Coconut Creek Parkway, but that's an awesome place for breakfast.

 

There are also 1000 cheapy bagel places with a 99 cent deal.

 

You'll be fine! It's a great area.

[mcfaddensfarm]

Thanks, I'm going to print out your suggestions to bring with me so I can remember the places to hit. :)

 

And who knows, maybe my son & I will try to play a round of golf while we're there, lol.

[royalcruz]

The hotel doesn't have a complimentary breakfast. It has a buffet only, and it is not worth it. We met some relatives there for breakfast and I decided on just coffee, as nothing looked appetizing. I would bring breakfast bars.

 

Ruthlessbunny, Coral Square Mall is fine but has gone downhill. Many of the nice chain stores have been replaced with cheap local boutiques. La Spadas is the greatest sub shop...we have one in LBTS (the original?).

 

A lot of restaurants have opened locations in Coral Springs including Blue Moon Fish Co. and Bonefish Grill. Also not too far is the new Promenade of Coconut Creek, which has shops, restaurants, and World of Beer.

[mcfaddensfarm]

Thanks for more great suggestions royalcruz! Sounds like we'll have to try the La Spada for subs! :)

 

My son is a vegetarian, so any suggestions for some "non-meat choice" venues in the area?

[RuthlessBunny]

RC, it's been over 5 years since I've been back to Coral Springs. I had to google some stuff to be sure it was still there! Coral Square was always my second choice. Heck, it wasn't Macy's I went to there...it was Burdines!

 

As for vegetarian fare...most places have a vegetarian option for something. Tofu in asian restaurants, cheese in sandwich joints, etc.

 

There's a Whole Foods on Atlantic and University, I believe they have a buffet with all sorts of vegetarian friendly items on it.

[mcfaddensfarm]

As for vegetarian fare...most places have a vegetarian option for something. Tofu in asian restaurants, cheese in sandwich joints, etc.

 

There's a Whole Foods on Atlantic and University, I believe they have a buffet with all sorts of vegetarian friendly items on it.

 

Thanks again! He's vegetarian, not vegan, so at least the options are a little more open. Plus, he's known to "cheat" once in awhile if it's just seafood so those other seafood restaurants that were mentioned would probably work too.:D

[royalcruz]

RC, it's been over 5 years since I've been back to Coral Springs. I had to google some stuff to be sure it was still there! Coral Square was always my second choice. Heck, it wasn't Macy's I went to there...it was Burdines!

 

The Mall actually has 2 Macy's now...one for women and one for men and home goods! There doesn't seem to be much difference between Burdine's and Macy's, although I think Burdine's sold TVs a long time ago. I think there was a Lord & Taylor at some point where the 2nd Macy's was.

[RuthlessBunny]

How much do I miss Lord and Taylor???? I used to get cocktail dresses on Jan 1 for $15!!!

 

They still have one in New York.

 

Kind of miss Burdines too, truth be told.

[mcfaddensfarm]

Ruthless Bunny & Blue Herons, we're here in Coral Springs--we arrived last night! I'm actually glad about the Priceline mixup now. This is a lovely hotel & my son loves it here!

And guess what we're eating for lunch right now? LaSpada! My son is a vegetarian & he just told me it's the best veggie sub he's ever eaten! :)

Thanks again for your advice.

[royalcruz]

Ruthless Bunny & Blue Herons, we're here in Coral Springs--we arrived last night! I'm actually glad about the Priceline mixup now. This is a lovely hotel & my son loves it here!

And guess what we're eating for lunch right now? LaSpada! My son is a vegetarian & he just told me it's the best veggie sub he's ever eaten! :)

Thanks again for your advice.

 

You are welcome. I'm glad that you like it. I haven't been in the rooms, but the lobby area and grounds are very pretty. We used to own a sub shop and we were sure to get the same bakery as La Spadas for the bread!