Hard Rock, Pelican Beach, or Lago Mar w/ kids before FL cruise?

[cawhite]

Hi there,

 

Which of these 3 hotels would be best for 2 nights pre-cruise w/ a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids - ages 14 and 11) in the Ft. Lauderdale area:

 

Hard Rock - because of the mega-sized pool with slide / waterfalls / swim-up bar (my kids LOVE great pools)

 

Pelican Beach - because of the great beach location and lazy river by the pool

 

Lago Mar - because of the beautiful location / setting / ambience + activites (game room, put-put golf, shuffleboard, volleyball, etc.)

 

We live near the beach in California so while we like being close to the beach, it's not like we don't see the ocean regularly (I realize FL beaches are different than CA beaches).

 

Also, do any of these have a nice breakfast included?

 

Are any of these walking distance to intersting places?

 

Can you snorkel or dive from either of the hotels on the beach (2 of us are divers, 2 are snorkelers)?

 

I'm leaning toward the Hard Rock (even though we don't care about the casino), but we do want to go to the beach. How far is it to the beach from this hotel? Is the parking (spring break) so difficult that it's much better to stay at a hotel ON the beach than to stay off the beach and drive there?

 

Thanks for your input!!

[lindanick]

I live in the area. Actually I live around the corner from the Hard Rock. Although the pool is nice, there is nothing else around there. If you do not gamble then I would not reccommend it. The lago Mar is the best. Right on the beach. Two pools. You can watch the cruise ships leaving Port Everglades. Will you have a car? In order to explore from the lago Mar you would need a car. Be sure to take the water taxi while in Ft Lauderdale. Parking is always a problem on Ft Lauderdale Beach. I am not sure about the Pelican, so I have no comment about that hotel. I'll be happy to answer any questions.

[cawhite]

Thanks lindanick!

 

I really appreciate feedback from people who live in the area!! Yes, we plan on having a car.

 

My kids are big pool fans, especially those with slides, waterfalls, and lazy rivers. They go to the beach quite often here at home so I was thinking a place with a really nice pool would be great. Even when we were in Hawaii (4 islands) last summer we didn't go to the beach for hours at a time... but they did go to the hotel pools for hours at a time IF they were "fantasy pools".

 

Other than that, I think a hotel on the beach would be optimal... so they can easily go back and forth between the beach and the pool. I'm assuming the beaches at Lago Mar and Pelican Beach are right near the pool, and they could just shower off and jump in the pool after being in the ocean. The Pelican Beach does have a lazy river, which caught my eye... not sure if there is a current in the river or not.

 

We originally thought we'd go down more toward the Key Largo area to stay... but then we thought it might be better to stay in Ft. Lauderdale as we'll only be there ~48 hours. We want to do whatever will be most fun for the kids and enjoyable for the adults.

 

Thanks again!! More ideas are greatly appreciated!!

 

Carole

[beachlovergirl]

Carole -

 

The Lago Mar is in the exclusive Harbor Beach section....very nice area!! Beautiful hotel with spa, two pools (one on the beach and a large lagoon-style pool), lots of palm trees on the beach and prices of $375+ too!

 

The Pelican Beach Resort has a new tower (no smoking) and an older section (smoking), but it's still a Best Western! I believe prices are around $225+ a night. It's getting good reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

I don't know the dates you need in April, but have you checked availability for Pelican Beach? A friend was trying to get a reservation for April for her family but the dates she wanted were already booked up.

[cawhite]

Thanks Beachlovergirl!

 

I do have a reservation at the Pelican Beach Resort. I got one and have to give them a credit card # to hold the reservation (and charge one night) by the end of this week (hence my trying to decide this now). The weekend we'll be there is the weekend BEFORE Easter.

 

The rate (with AAA discount) @ the Pelican Beach is something like $278 I believe! I've heard lower rates from others on cruisecritic, so maybe it's going up for next year? Sounds like a lot to me (for a Best Western)!! Also, they said for 4 people we would have to have a suite to get 2 beds. The other option they seem to offer is 1 King bed for 2 people... so maybe the people w/ the lower rate are getting that? I do know it's rated #1 in popularity by tripadvisor.

 

I called the Hard Rock Seminole for pricing and they are not even taking reservations that far out!! Difficult to make a decision when one is almost full and the other is not even accepting reservations. I have yet to call Lago Mar.

 

After showing my kids the websites of the 3 hotels, they like the Hard Rock and that fabulous pool. I am hoping to get as much input on these 3 places as I can, and then make the decison.

 

Thanks again!

 

Carole

[dantesab]

My wife and I had reservations at this hotel on 12/3 for 1 night pre cruise for I think $60 a night balcony room ocean view the works. We cancelled it to stay closer to the port as we are traveling with our neighbors and they said that it is a long way away from anything. So we are now staying at the Bahia Mar Beach resort looks nice close to water taxi restaurants and you can see the ships from the hotel and the beach is across the street. Sounds like a lot of money to me..

[signman]

Where did you get the $60 rate. I'm looking in November on the BW website and cheapest is over $150.

[happycruzer]

Yes I would love to know too as we have 2 rooms booked for March at a rate of $231 per room per night, this was booked wasy back in March but another CC pax got a rate of $200 just the week before me.

Love to know where you got that rate...although I do know the rates for old building are much cheaper , perhaps it was for there.

[Bequia]

So we are now staying at the Bahia Mar Beach resort looks nice close to water taxi restaurants and you can see the ships from the hotel and the beach is across the street.

 

When you say "see the ships from the hotel" , what ships are you refering to? :confused:

[Bequia]

cawhite, you should add the oceanfront Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa to your list.

 

"Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, is tucked away on 16 sun-drenched oceanfront acres. The resort offers an irresistible list of indulgent pastimes, superior meeting space and outstanding service, and the excitement of the nearby Beach Promenade and Las Olas Boulevard. "

 

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage.mi?marshaCode=FLLSB

 

I wouldn't write off the Hard Rock so fast. If you have a rental car it's in a great location. There's plenty for all to do both on property and off property. If you need some ideas on whats around let me know......

[dantesab]

I went on the hotels web site and they gave me the rate.It was in feb so maybe they had a sale or something but it said ocean view balcony room new building but you never know till you arrive do you. As for the ships we are on the carribean princess and they say that you can see the ships from your room.Now I am sure that is from some rooms but it is close to the port only about 2-3 blocks away and they have a water taxi stop at the hotel so it should be fun and I only paid $80 a night on priceline.

[cruzobsessed]

last december we stayed at the harbor beach pre cruise. it was awesome. the beach is pristine and they rake it everynight. the pool is a huge free form style and my kids were never out of it. we stayed in a balcony room that when you looked to your left you saw the beach and ocean, if you looked straight down you saw the pool and if you looked to your right you saw a large marina with yauchts and the port with all the cruise ships waiting to go. it is a 5 minute walk to the water taxi which for 5.00 will take you all day up and down the intercoastal. you are also a quick car ride to "las olas" which is a very nice shopping and eating section of ft. lauderdale.

we are going to ft. lauderdale at the end of july (not a cruise) and we chose pelican beach for this weekend. we try not to go to the same places twice and it also looks awesome. it is relatively new and trip advisor gives it high marks. good luck i will put my pelican beach review when i get back.

[cawhite]

Thanks Bequia - I actually did consider the Harbor Beach Marriott, as my hubby has a Platinum Rewards status w/ Marriott and he always gets great perks and free upgrades. But my kids are SO spoiled as to going to places with GREAT pools. They want the slides, waterfalls, and lazy rivers. You seem to have a thumbs up for the Hardrock as well. We aren't interested in the casino... just the pool. I did hear a comment of the smell of smoke everywhere... is that true (outside the casino)? We definitely would not like the smell of smoke, especially in our room. Also, can you tell me how far the Hard Rock is from the beach? And where would we go to pick up the water taxi? What other fun activities and eateries are there in the area? Should we plan to drive down to the South Beach or Key Largo areas some time in the 2 days we'll be there... or should we stick to the Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood Beach areas? We will definitely have a rental car. Thank you! Thank you!

 

cruzobsessed - We look forward to your review of Pelican Beach after your July trip. Have a great trip!

[Bequia]

..... they say that you can see the ships from your room.Now I am sure that is from some rooms but it is close to the port only about 2-3 blocks away and they have a water taxi stop at the hotel

 

The good news is the water taxi stops at the hotels marina, the bad news...the only "ship" you'll see from this hotel is the "Jungle Queen" which is docked right next door. You will not be able to see any ships in Port Everglades and I'm afraid Port Everglades is a little more then '2-3 blocks away', try 2-3 miles. ;) http://www.junglequeen.com/

[Bequia]

They want the slides, waterfalls, and lazy rivers. You seem to have a thumbs up for the Hardrock as well. We aren't interested in the casino... just the pool. !

Great pool? Check out this hotel in Miami, It used to be a Hilton property. It has a lazy river, water slides and huge pool as well as oceanfront beach access. http://www.southbeachluxuryhotels.com/hotels/fontainebleauhiltonmiamibeach.shtmlI

did hear a comment of the smell of smoke everywhere... is that true (outside the casino)? We definitely would not like the smell of smoke, especially in our room.

Don't know about the rooms but everywhere else...yes. The Seminole Indians who own the resort make a bundle selling tax-free cigarettes. Unfortunately, they're not about to ban cigarette smoking on their property.

Also, can you tell me how far the Hard Rock is from the beach?.

15 minutes to Ft Lauderdale Beach or 20 minutes to Hollywood Beach (far better then FLL)

And where would we go to pick up the water taxi?

Off of 17th street, park at the Marriott or Hyatt. water taxi stops at both hotels .

What other fun activities and eateries are there in the area?

Air boat rides in the Everglades http://evergladestours.com/, Outlet shopping at Sawgrass Mills http://www.sawgrassmillsmall.com/static/node787.jsp, the Miami Zoo http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/en/Home_Page.asp?ss_id=FD4D978D84E74FB2854140DCD61C311A, Bayfront Park in Miami http://www.bayfrontparkmiami.com/.

Should we plan to drive down to the South Beach or Key Largo areas some time in the 2 days we'll be there... or should we stick to the Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood Beach areas?

In 2 days you can do both. You can do the Keys in the morning and be back to South Beach by late afternoon for dinner.

 

Things to do in Ft Lauderdale http://www.sunny.org/visitors/index.cfm

The Keys http://www.fla-keys.com/

Ft Lauderdale best restaurants, best of anything guide http://www.newtimesbpb.com/bestof/2005/bestgoods/index.html

[cawhite]

Wow - bequia... that's fantastic!! Thanks for all the SUPERB information!!

 

The hotel you mention, the Fontainebleau, looks just great... pool AND beach (yes, I decided the Hard Rock is too far from the beach). Plus we'd be able to drive down to the Keys from there as well.

 

I just looked up the Fontainbleau on tripadvisor however. It appears there is a Fontainebleau TOWER (4401 Collins Ave.) and a Fontainebleau RESORT(4441 Collins Ave.). The Tower has a good review, but the Resort has some very poor reviews. Do you know why, or if these are accurate? The tower is listed as #53 most popular in Miami; the resort is #89. Do they share the same pool facilities?

 

Looks like I might be able to get it on priceline too.

[Bequia]

Wow - bequia... that's fantastic!! Thanks for all the SUPERB information!!

 

The hotel you mention, the Fontainebleau, looks just great... pool AND beach (yes, I decided the Hard Rock is too far from the beach). Plus we'd be able to drive down to the Keys from there as well.

 

I just looked up the Fontainbleau on tripadvisor however. It appears there is a Fontainebleau TOWER (4401 Collins Ave.) and a Fontainebleau RESORT(4441 Collins Ave.). The Tower has a good review, but the Resort has some very poor reviews. Do you know why, or if these are accurate? The tower is listed as #53 most popular in Miami; the resort is #89. Do they share the same pool facilities?

 

Looks like I might be able to get it on priceline too.

 

"No visit to Miami Beach is complete without at least a side trip to this monument to excess. Nothing about this hotel is small: chandeliers the size of mini-vans, the super-sized shopping gallery and two buildings housing more than 920 rooms and 60 suites. The Fontainebleau boasts a colorful history: It's been home to movie stars and gangsters, and has been visited by every American president since Eisenhower. Films shot on location include "Goldfinger," "Scarface" and "The Bodyguard."

Yes, they both part of the same resort. They are "old grand hotels" that still have some sparkle left.

Check out this link, the Bob Vila video tells the history of this grand post WWII hotel. http://www.bobvila.com/BVTV/HomeAgain/Video-1501-02-0.html

Another interesting article http://www.travel-watch.com/fontainebleau.htm

[signman]

I thought the Fountainbleu was closed and undergoing major renovations. Better check on this.

 

If your room at the Bhai Mar looks out on the ocean you will see every ship come and go at Port Everglades, as the shipping channel runs a little northeast. As the crow flies it would be less than a mile to the port entrance.

[cawhite]

Signman,

 

Well, I called the Fontainebleu and they are having renovations on the "resort" side during that time period, but there is availability on the "tower" side. The price is HIGH however. I think it was $389 for a Sunday night, and middle $400s ($449?) for Saturday night.

 

Also, Lago Mar is COMPLETELY sold out for our dates.

 

So, I'm going to keep our Pelican Beach reservation, and maybe try Priceline for the Fountainbleu a couple of months before travel.

[Bequia]

cawhite, another fine hotel you might want to check out is the Westin Diplomat. On the ocean in Hollywood, 20 minutes from Port Everglades, here's the link http://www.diplomatresort.com/Public/index.asp

[dantesab]

thanks for the info on the hotel Bequia ohh well live and learn it is only one night. Living in Ft Lauderdale how is the Bahia Mar Beach resort hotel? It looks nice from its website.

[cawhite]

Thanks again Bequia! I hear the beaches are nicer in Hollywood than Fort Lauderdale... is that true? The Diplomat pool does have waterfalls. What about that Boardwalk area I hear about in Hollywood... is that near the Diplomat? Are there any interesting places there? Can you take the water taxi from Hollywood?

 

I still haven't ruled out the Fontainebleau... it's just more $$ than we pay for some of our favorite hotels in Hawaii!! And we haven't completely ruled out the Harbor Beach Marriott, but it's expensive too! DH might have to use some of his precious Marriott points if we stay there!!

 

By the way, you haven't commented on the Pelican Beach. What about your thoughts on that property? Doesn't compare with some of these others you've mentioned? Thanks.

[Bequia]

Thanks again Bequia! I hear the beaches are nicer in Hollywood than Fort Lauderdale... is that true?

Yes, less crowded, IMHO cleaner.

What about that Boardwalk area I hear about in Hollywood... is that near the Diplomat? Are there any interesting places there? Can you take the water taxi from Hollywood?

The Boardwalk (actually its called the Broadwalk) is a little north of the Diplomat within walking distance along the beach. Unfortunately, the water taxi doesn't doesn't stop their yet. When the new Marriott Hollywood Beach opens there are plans for the water taxi to stop at its marina on the intercoastal.

 

I still haven't ruled out the Fontainebleau....

At this point the best thing going for it is the pool, I'd pass on it until your next visit, hopefully the renovations will be complete by then.

And we haven't completely ruled out the Harbor Beach Marriott, but it's expensive too! DH might have to use some of his precious Marriott points if we stay there!!

Go for the new Marriott in Hollywood Beach instead.

By the way, you haven't commented on the Pelican Beach. What about your thoughts on that property?

I've only read about it on this board, I have yet to see it but I trust TrentS a regular poster on these boards who says its a fine hotel.

 

The brand new Marriott on Hollywood Beach should be opening soon. http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/FLLOF If it were up to me that's where I'd stay. It's 12 minutes from the Port, 15 minutes from the airport directly on the beach. I'm looking forward to the grand opening just to be able to check it out. I've watched the construction progress and its close to being finished, It's beautiful. ;)

Edit: Just found out they're open. I'll be at the beach for the 4th of July weekend, I'll check it out and let ya know. Site unseen I'd go for it.

[Bequia]

thanks for the info on the hotel Bequia ohh well live and learn it is only one night. Living in Ft Lauderdale how is the Bahia Mar Beach resort hotel? It looks nice from its website.

You'll be fine. The location is great, the beach is beautiful, it's five minutes from the port. You can walk to nearby restaurants and shops. You have to try the water taxi, get the day pass. Many on these boards have stayed there and only a few have had minor complaints. Enjoy! :)

[cawhite]

Bequia.... that's great if you happen to check out the Hollywood Beach Marriott... hadn't even heard about that hotel. I didn't find any photos of the hotel grounds (pool, etc.) on the Marriott website. Looks like they have a grand opening rate of $159 per night through 8/31/05.... too bad I can't take advantage of that one!!

 

I can't believe I said "Boardwalk" after seeing people correct others that it is "Broadwalk" several times! :)