better areas to stay in FLL, South Beach recommendations

[ginger123snaps]

Hello all

 

We are looking at areas we should stay in OR AVOID for a 1 night pre-cruise stay. We sail from Miami and usually stay in fort lauderdale.

 

Also, considering spending the day at south beach after our cruise. Are there any clean places in the area we could change into/out of swimsuits or renting a hotel room is best option? We would be flying out the evening we disembark our ship out of fort lauderdale. We usually rent a van...is parking easy in that area? Would it be safe to leave our luggage in the van and hit the beach for a while?

Edited June 29, 2017 by ginger123snaps

[eandj]

So, when do you rent the van ? Just post cruise day before flying home? Very few, if any, South Beach hotels offer "day rooms" anymore. Public parking is limited but can be found early. Leaving luggage in a rental is always a gamble.

 

There are lots of Fort L. hotels recommended here. Most stay along 17th St. or along the beach. All depends on your needs and budget. Dates control rates which vary.

[JohninDC]

The Savoy in SB was offering day passes to their spa/pool, etc. for $25 per person (plus a fee to store your bags), but there was a report that they had stopped offering this deal. Might be worth while to check.

 

You could Uber/taxi to SB and store your bags at the Luggage Lounge - leaving you free to explore, shop, dine, sight see, etc. Collect your bags and then Uber/taxi to FLL in the afternoon.

[BlueHerons]

I would go to the beach in Fort Lauderdale because South Beach can be sketchy and I certainly would not feel great leaving luggage in a van. I would hotwire a beach hotel so you have somewhere to put your luggage, shower and change.

 

If a day room is out of the question, go to Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale. You can park the van safely inside the state park then walk across the street to the beach. There are showers but they are outdoor beach showers but you can change in the restrooms and Park & Ocean which is a great new bar/restaurant from the Beauty & The Feast group.