ft lauderdale or hollywood??

[MJinPA]

I am looking at hotels for pre-cruise on 9/10 and want to get some input on a couple that I picked out. Anyone stay at Holiday Inn Ft Lauderdale Beach (on Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd.) or Holiday Inn Hollywood Beach or Ramada Inn Hollywood Beach Rst?? These hotels will all accomodate my family of 5. Any input anyone can give will be greatly appreciated.

[Jesseer]

We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Hollywood and it was nice. The beach area wasnt the biggest but we weren't there for the beach. Room was clean and service good.

[MTinGA]

Were there any restaurants in Hollywood that you can easily get too? I too am looking at some hotels in Hollywood. Any help would be appreciated!

[SANDY BEACH]

If you like seafood, try the Rustic Inn in Dania. We stayed at the LaQuinta in Hollywood and it was less than 5 minutes away. A real favorite of the locals so I hear. Very casual, but great.

[Mlascheid]

MJ in PA...

 

Hi. i see you're from my neck of the woods...we're just down the road in Mt. Lebanon. We're looking for a place to stay pre-cruise in Fll for Dec. 10.

[TrentS]

On Hollywood Beach I would go with either the gorgeous Westin Diplomat... http://www.diplomatresort.com/

 

Or the brand new, just opened Hollywood Beach Marriott... http://www.hollywoodbeachmarriott.com/

 

Yes, there are a lot of restaurants either a short walk, or short cab ride away from almost anywhere you stay along Hollywood Beach.

 

Rustic Inn is actually in Fort Lauderdale and is great if you love seafood... http://www.rusticinn.com/

[Bequia]

Of the two noted above by Trent, go for the Hollywood Beach Marriott. Its almost dead center of Hollywood Beach. There are no restaurants within walking distance to the Diplomat, its on the far, far southern end of Hollywood Beach. Don't get me wrong, its a wonderful property if you plan on staying on-site for your entire visit.

 

There's some great restaurants located on the intercoastal waterway near the Marriott. Taverna Opa is a blast, the waiters dance on the tables and invite you to as well. Fun to watch, fun to participate, the Ouzo flows freely here. Not to be missed... http://www.tavernaoparestaurant.com/home.php

 

One local restaurant recently made famous by GQ magazine is Le Tub. GQ rated this restaurants hamburgers the best in the country. Suddenly this restaurant went from favorite local hang-out to a "wait" a couple of hours to be served bistro. The owners were upset by the rating they received from GQ so they stopped selling burgers. Its finally returned to normal and they're serving burgers again. Its on the intercoastal walking distance from the Marriott. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g34296-d496429-Reviews-Le_Tub-Hollywood_Florida.html

 

Another wonderful family owned hotel directly on the beach is the Sea Downs. It's a clean, safe mom and pop type hotel. Nice pool, gardens, most rooms are efficiencys. See if room #8 is available, its our favorite. They can easily accomodate a family of 5;) http://www.seadowns.com/

[cherbobtt]

I got a deal I couldn't refuse from Hotwire for the Westin Diplomat in January. If there are no restaurants within walking distance, we will want to eat somewhere between the airport and the hotel. Any suggestions?

[MJinPA]

Hi Mlascheid:

 

Nice to hear from someone so close to home! Hope you have a great cruise!

 

You will find alot of good advise posted here, all depends on what you are looking for. TrentS is so-o-o-o knowledgeable on the area and very helpful.

 

We are flying into FLL but cruising out of Miami, so we rented a van for the day from Dollar for about $45. The Sea Downs sounds like a really nice place to stay. After we return from our trip, I will post where we stayed and how it was.

 

 

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!!!;)

[Mlascheid]

MJinPA...

 

We also flew into Fll and cruised out of Miami this past January on the Valor. We stayed at the Summerfield Suites Miami Airport. It was a great place...Seperate bedroom, kitchen, pull out sofa. They have 1 & 2 bedroom suites available. Nice pool area for the kids also a hot tub. There is also a nice strip shopping center just a few minutes drive from the hotel for last minute purchases. We rented our car through Alamo at FLL then returned it to MIA airport the next day and took their free shuttle to the pier. Was on the ship by about 12:30.

[Bequia]

I got a deal I couldn't refuse from Hotwire for the Westin Diplomat in January. If there are no restaurants within walking distance, we will want to eat somewhere between the airport and the hotel. Any suggestions?

 

Check out either restaurant noted above, both casual, they're a short cab ride from the Diplomat. ;)