FLL Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Recent Experience?

[seamare]

Has anyone stayed here since the pool area was supposed to be completed, also how are the rooms. We will be staying here on February 10 and have been quite concerned over the not so favorable reviews that I have read. Hope things are getting better!

[michmike]

we will be staying there 1/20 and 21 prior to a 10 day cruise, so will report back when we return on 2/2. Hoping that things have improved from what some have reported in the recent past. Apparently the pool has reopened.

[TerriDHair]

I will be stayed here on Feb. 11th and 12th. I got the room via Priceline and am wondering whether I should call in advance and request a particular room type and view?

 

Also, I know there is a water taxi nearby, but will my antsy DH be happier if we rent a car for exploring? I can get a full size for around $30/day at Budget and they'll shuttle us to the port on the 13th.

[TrentS]

Request one of the "garden/lanai" rooms as those seem to have all been remodeled now. They appear to be be currently working on the tower rooms as several of them looked like they were gutted as I drove past a couple of days ago.

 

The Water Taxi is fun and I highly recommend a ride, you get a great "tour" and it's one of the best bargains in Fort Lauderdale. However I personally never go anywhere without renting a car! I highly recommend you do rent one, there are so many more places you can explore with a car.

[TerriDHair]

Thanks Trent, I have the same thought about renting a car for exploring on our own terms. The only time I regretted it was when we stayed in South Beach for several days, paid for a car and parking, and only used it for a couple of hours one day.

I'd read another post where you noted the gutted tower rooms; thanks for the tip about the garden/lanai rooms. An important factor for us, though, is a view of the port and/or water of some sort. We have a tradition of spending the night before a cruise on our hotel room balcony watching the boats and imagining our ship sitting in her sport at the port. Would any of the garden/lanai area rooms have such a view? Even if we can at least get a view of the marina it would be good.

[TrentS]

Well, for a view of Port Everglades you'll need to be in a tower room. Some of the garden/lanai rooms have a view of the yachts in the marina, but you can't see the port from there.

[leeleemarie]

I just won a Priceline bid of $106 for Pier 66 on April 6th. I'd really like to hear from those who are traveling there soon. I'm hoping that the recent renovations included the Lanai rooms, since what I've read seems that PL customers are booked in those rooms. I've read that those in the East Lanai wing are the most recently renovated, but I couldn't get a date on that post. Any current details on rooms would be greatly appreciated.

[seamare]

Trent - thanks for the info, where would you suggest eating dinner - is there somewhere close within walking distance of the Hyatt?

[coiran]

Bimini Boatyard - about a mile walk over the bridge - on the same side of the street - good food - decent prices.

Ron

[TrentS]

There's nothing REAL close, you'll have to walk across the bridge if you want to stay on foot.

 

Bimini Boatyard isn't what it once was IMO. :(

 

Bravo Italian Restaurant in the same shopping center (across the bridge, opposite the Renaissance Hotel) is EXCELLENT however... http://www.bravoitaliano.com/

 

Tara Steak & Lobster is also quite good. It's across the street and another block west of the shopping center the Renaissance is in... http://www.tarasteakandlobsterhouse.com/

 

There are a number of nice restaurants easily available by Water Taxi however... http://www.watertaxi.com/FortLauderdale/FLLHome.Asp

 

Everything below is quite easy to get to by Water Taxi from the Hyatt Pier 66...

 

15th Street Fisheries... http://www.15streetfisheries.com/

 

Jackson's Steakhouse... http://www.jacksonssteakhouse.com/

 

Shirttail Charlie's... http://www.shirttailcharlies.com/

 

Fort Lauderdale Riverhouse... http://www.ftlauderdaleriverhouse.com/

 

Downtowner Saloon... http://www.downtownersaloon.com/

 

Shooter's Waterfront Cafe, and at the same stop Taverna Opa... http://tavernaoparestaurant.com/

 

Charlie's Crab... http://www.muer.com/locations/chcrab...ab-ftlaud.html

 

There are also many many restaurants and shops along beautiful Las Olas Blvd... http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/

 

And Las Olas Riverfront... http://www.riverfrontfl.com/

[Bequia]

....is there somewhere close within walking distance of the Hyatt?

 

Why leave the hotel grounds? Grill 66 the Hyatt's signature restaurant is excellent. The seafood and steaks are second to none. For a casual dinner even the Mariners Cafe offers a pretty decent menu. ;)

[dogsdogs]

Just for your info, Pier 66 is now charging a $12 per day resort fee. That applies to the priceline customers too. On their website they claim this covers a host of ammenities, but I think it is just another fee to generate revenue. They charge you a fee to park there too. That can really make your bill add up.

[seamare]

Thank you for all the replys - I have talked to the Hyatt and because of going through Priceline, they stated that I would get a garden or lania room. Hopefully they are all remodeled. We will be there Feb 10th. Room from Prieline for $125.

 

Trent, after looking at all the options, I'm considering the 15th St Fisheries, looks like you get a good meal for the money.

 

Can anyone tell me about the renovations at the pool area?

 

Marilyn

[seamare]

Thank you for all the replys - I have talked to the Hyatt and because of going through Priceline, they stated that I would get a garden or lania room. Hopefully they are all remodeled. We will be there Feb 10th. Room from Priceline for $125.

 

Trent, after looking at all the options, I'm considering the 15th St Fisheries, looks like you get a good meal for the money.

 

Can anyone tell me about the renovations at the pool area?

 

Marilyn

[hollyberry]

I checked with the hotel directly and they stated that they will only charge the resort fee on reservations made after January 1, 2006. This was according to Ron at the front desk.

[nonna5]

I just returned from a cruise with a precruise stay at the Pier 66. The small pools and hot tub were complete but the big pool was still under construction. It looked like it would be finished any day. We stayed in a tower room and did not notice any construction going on in the towers. At least there was no noise. It did appear that the garden rooms were all complete. Our room had a great view of the port. We booked prior to January 1st and were not charged a resort fee (nor was one even mentioned). We were suppose to have a garden room but asked when we got to the hotel about a tower room and were accomadated without a problem. We had a wonderful time at the resort. We did not rent a car but instead used the water taxi which was great for us as we were only there for a day and half prior to our cruise. I would definitely stay here again. Hope this helps.

[beachlovergirl]

The pool area used to be really gorgeous. So what does the new pool look like? Anyone take any pictures?

[seamare]

Nonnna5 - soooo glad to hear someone that had a wonderful stay at the Hyatt. Did you optain your reservation through Priceline? They told me that we had to stay in the garden/lania area because of Priceline.

[CoolKath]

I stayed at the Pier 66 on Dec 30, booked through Priceline in October. The construction around the pools appeared to be practically complete, the big pool was still empty. I didn't get a chance to explore the grounds much, but from my room the pool area looked newly landscaped with fresh ground cover, etc. I had a drink out on the pier and breakfast in the dining room. The staff was very pleasant and helpful (pointing out that I'd get better value ordering the buffet than ordering an omelette ala carte). I had a tower room (requested before hand and again at teh desk) with a view of the 17th street bridge. The room was very nice, the bathroom was very well appointed.

 

I was able to watch the Caribbean Princess pull in from my balcony, which was very exciting. I enjoyed my stay there. I got in the evening and left the next day around 11, so I didn't get to do much. But, I'll answer any questions I can.

 

Kathy

[nonna5]

seamare - We did book thru priceline. I never called and asked for a tower room but opted to wait until we got there. I asked the man checking us in if there was anyway we would get a tower room since we had my four year old grandson with us and he would loved to be able to see the ships and yachts coming and going. He said he would check if there was one available and after a couple of minutes we had one. Hopefully when you get to the hotel you will have the same luck.

[seamare]

If a person has a choice between the tower rooms or the garden, which would you chose and the reasons why????

[XBARBSX]

My DH and I stayed at the Hyatt Pier 66 on Jan. 12-14, 2006 and unless assured of a newly renovated room would not stay there again! The 1st night was a nightmare with 4 different rooms (from them giving one away while we were waiting for it to be cleaned to one without air conditioning). By the time we were in the 4th room (an old one....Yuk!) I just wanted some sleep. The next morning my husband (who never complains about anything) got us moved to a lovely room in the new section.

 

Ours was a Priceline Bid. But........that was for a 4* hotel not the 2* section of a 4* hotel. We paid a lot more that the $106 someone else mentioned. Good price!

 

The Water Taxi is a lot of fun. $7 per person, per day, unlimited use.

 

Have a wonderful time.:)

 

Barb

[seamare]

Thanks XBARBSX - sounds like the key is to ask for a "renovated" garden room. I also obtained this reservation through Priceline for $125 for a 4 Star, if i wanted something like a 2 star I would have stayed out at the airport. I'm sure glad to be gathering all this information before hand. Was the pool area opened and what did you think of that area? Where did you go for dinner?

[Tfish]

Stayed at the Hyatt Pier 66 Monday January 23, 2006.

Booked thru Priceline for $125.

Was given a renovated garden room; it was great, including plasma tv.

All pools and hot tubs open and great.

Service was excellent.

Breakfast a little pricey. ($40 all in for two)

Would be happy to get it again at that price.

Did charge me the $12 Resort fee.

 

Fish

[TerriDHair]

Does anyone know whether any of the tower rooms are rennovated, yet? I know DH is going to insist that I do whatever possible to get a room with a view of the port. Two weeks to go!