English_in_Spain Posted November 2, 2017 #1 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I have asked this on the Florida board but, as many of you here have experience of Fort Lauderdale hotels, I thought I would post it here as well. I have stayed many times at Pier 66 before my cruises and we are booked there for 2 nights pre-cruise next month but, following comments here on CC and elsewhere, we have decided to change hotels. Our TA has given us 3 alternatives. Hilton Marina Renaissance Cruise Port Hotel B Ocean Resort. We like the location of the Hilton being in the same sort of area as Pier 66 but generally I am not a great fan of Hilton hotels. I am also concerned by a comment I read about there being a Tiki bar open late at night. Is this very noisy? B Ocean Resort looks nice but a bit far out - we are not interested in the beach as we have that at home. There is a small extra charge for the Renaissance. Can anyone give me some advice which to choose. So many changes have happened to this trip I wonder if someone is trying to tell me something - lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innlady1 Posted November 2, 2017 #2 Share Posted November 2, 2017 We love the Riverside over on Las Olas. Lots of shops (Chico’s, fresh produce, etc)and restaurants and right next to a stop for the water taxi. We ❤️ it...just as we love the Colon in Barcelona. You helped me with that back in ‘13. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxmantoo Posted November 2, 2017 #3 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Out of the 3 hotels offered, we prefer the Renaissance for its proximity to shops and restaurants. The Hilton is just a block farther away but the rooms are nicer also at the Renaissance. p.s. Agree with innady1, we are booked for 4 nights at the Riverside before our January cruise. Great location as January is too cold for the beach anyways. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted November 2, 2017 #4 Share Posted November 2, 2017 (edited) We love the Riverside over on Las Olas. Lots of shops (Chico’s, fresh produce, etc)and restaurants and right next to a stop for the water taxi. We ❤️ it...just as we love the Colon in Barcelona. You helped me with that back in ‘13. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pier 66, is no longer a Hyatt franchise but the hotel has reopened, in time . there are going to be some substantial changes made, and unfortunately some of the lovely grounds will be dis turbed. The Hilton mairna is just opposite Pier 66 on same side of 17th street. Edited November 2, 2017 by sail7seas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mllewis48 Posted November 2, 2017 #5 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I have asked this on the Florida board but, as many of you here have experience of Fort Lauderdale hotels, I thought I would post it here as well. I have stayed many times at Pier 66 before my cruises and we are booked there for 2 nights pre-cruise next month but, following comments here on CC and elsewhere, we have decided to change hotels. Our TA has given us 3 alternatives. Hilton Marina Renaissance Cruise Port Hotel B Ocean Resort. We like the location of the Hilton being in the same sort of area as Pier 66 but generally I am not a great fan of Hilton hotels. I am also concerned by a comment I read about there being a Tiki bar open late at night. Is this very noisy? B Ocean Resort looks nice but a bit far out - we are not interested in the beach as we have that at home. There is a small extra charge for the Renaissance. Can anyone give me some advice which to choose. So many changes have happened to this trip I wonder if someone is trying to tell me something - lol Being Marriott folks we usually stay at the Renaissance, close to restaurants and shops! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roses313 Posted November 2, 2017 #6 Share Posted November 2, 2017 We were booked into Pier 66 for our November cruise, but have changed to the Renaissance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English_in_Spain Posted November 2, 2017 Author #7 Share Posted November 2, 2017 We love the Riverside over on Las Olas. Lots of shops (Chico’s, fresh produce, etc)and restaurants and right next to a stop for the water taxi. We ❤️ it...just as we love the Colon in Barcelona. You helped me with that back in ‘13. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk This is not one of the hotels our TA offered. I will ask him if it is possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English_in_Spain Posted November 2, 2017 Author #8 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Pier 66, is no longer a Hyatt franchise but the hotel has reopened, in time . there are going to be some substantial changes made, and unfortunately some of the lovely grounds will be dis turbed. The Hilton mairna is just opposite Pier 66 on same side of 17th street. I have heard that although Pier 66 is open the tower suffered quite a bit of damage in the hurricanes and that neither the tower rooms nor the restaurant are currently open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted November 2, 2017 #9 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I have heard that although Pier 66 is open the tower suffered quite a bit of damage in the hurricanes and that neither the tower rooms nor the restaurant are currently open. B y restaurant, are you referring to the breakfast room or to Grill 66? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougandEric Posted November 2, 2017 #10 Share Posted November 2, 2017 We used to stay at the Hilton when it was a Marriott. Ask for a tower room facing the port and you won't be bothered by the tiki lounge noise. We also booked the Hyatt Pier 66 but after getting the email that it was no longer going to be a Hyatt, we originally moved to the Renaissance but since we're driving from Tampa, I decided to move to the Hyatt Place on 17th St since they have a parking package. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted November 2, 2017 #11 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I have heard they will be knocking down the banquet/ function rooms that abut the Pier 66 parking lot and will be building condos in that area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Florida_gal_50 Posted November 2, 2017 #12 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I've stayed at the Hilton Marina and really enjoyed it. I enjoy that area. I really don't enjoy the Los olas area. Way to far from the port for my enjoyment. I would only stay there if it was much cheaper. I did book the riverside for my cruise in the spring but canceled when the price of the hotels went down at hotels I prefer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted November 2, 2017 #13 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Pier 66 is open for the Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. The new signage is up. Grille 66 is also open. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innlady1 Posted November 2, 2017 #14 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I've stayed at the Hilton Marina and really enjoyed it. I enjoy that area. I really don't enjoy the Los olas area. Way to far from the port for my enjoyment. I would only stay there if it was much cheaper. I did book the riverside for my cruise in the spring but canceled when the price of the hotels went down at hotels I prefer. To each their own, I guess. We love the ambiance...the in house restaurant, the piano player in the lobby each night, the tower rooms with the view of the river walk, having breakfast at their sidewalk cafe...all of it. We consider it a vacation before our vacation. ❤️ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rkacruiser Posted November 2, 2017 #15 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I migrated from Hyatt Pier 66 to Marriott Harbor Beach and have had no regrets! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bennybear Posted November 2, 2017 #16 Share Posted November 2, 2017 I migrated from Hyatt Pier 66 to Marriott Harbor Beach and have had no regrets! Good to hear! We will be trying it too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Crew News Posted November 2, 2017 #17 Share Posted November 2, 2017 Staying at the Hilton Marina for my upcoming Veendam cruise both pre-and post-cruise. A balcony room provides a nice place to relax. A number of restaurants on site saves having to leave for meals. There is a drugstore one block away for toiletries/snacks. I have stayed at this hotel twice and enjoyed the ambiance and level of service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GateGuardian Posted November 2, 2017 #18 Share Posted November 2, 2017 The Renaissance in FLL is below par compared to other renaissance. I don't think it's worth the $$$. However, it does have a Walgreen across the street and it's next to a strip mall that has a decent burger joint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxmantoo Posted November 3, 2017 #19 Share Posted November 3, 2017 To each their own, I guess. We love the ambiance...the in house restaurant, the piano player in the lobby each night, the tower rooms with the view of the river walk, having breakfast at their sidewalk cafe...all of it. We consider it a vacation before our vacation. ❤️Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk And we've done them all and keep going back (y)(y) And we love the Big City Tavern just across the street. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Himself Posted November 3, 2017 #20 Share Posted November 3, 2017 I must say I have stayed at Pier 66 and I liked it. I have also stayed at the Renaissance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rinderoo Posted November 3, 2017 #21 Share Posted November 3, 2017 I like the Renaissance, but the have been on the other side of I-95 in the Residence Inn and Courtyards too. Lately its been Residence Inn because of space, and they have great transportation to the ship in the morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ski ww Posted November 3, 2017 #22 Share Posted November 3, 2017 We stay at the Embassy Suites on 17 St. They have breakfast included, Happy Hour "' free drinks every night & close to the docks. No free shuttle to the docks. Allan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
English_in_Spain Posted November 3, 2017 Author #23 Share Posted November 3, 2017 We have decided to go with Riverside Hotel. I think the location will suit us as we will have a few bits of shopping to do (buying toiletries etc rather than bringing them from home). Our TA has offered us a choice of room types with extra costs on what we have already paid for the two nights at Pier 66 The standard ‘Classic’ room - £11 extra Executive room - £56 extra Executive Balcony room - £92 extra Can anyone advise whether it is worth paying extra for the better rooms. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxmantoo Posted November 3, 2017 #24 Share Posted November 3, 2017 We have decided to go with Riverside Hotel. I think the location will suit us as we will have a few bits of shopping to do (buying toiletries etc rather than bringing them from home). Our TA has offered us a choice of room types with extra costs on what we have already paid for the two nights at Pier 66 The standard ‘Classic’ room - £11 extra Executive room - £56 extra Executive Balcony room - £92 extra Can anyone advise whether it is worth paying extra for the better rooms. We much prefer the Executive rooms (also refered to as Tower rooms). Both the Executive and the Executive Balcony are the same size. They are much bigger than the Standard Classic rooms which are in the older original part of the building and also have a larger bathroom. If you opt for Tower room, request a room with a view of the River Walk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
innlady1 Posted November 3, 2017 #25 Share Posted November 3, 2017 We have decided to go with Riverside Hotel. I think the location will suit us as we will have a few bits of shopping to do (buying toiletries etc rather than bringing them from home). Our TA has offered us a choice of room types with extra costs on what we have already paid for the two nights at Pier 66 The standard ‘Classic’ room - £11 extra Executive room - £56 extra Executive Balcony room - £92 extra Can anyone advise whether it is worth paying extra for the better rooms. Absolutely better. Without hesitation. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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