Fort Lauderdale Hotels

[Dalabar]

Just an FYI.....Extended Stay America Ft. Lauderdale-Conv. Center is offering $10 off for booking online. You just enter the special code on your reservation and print out the coupon to present at check-in.

[Grandeur Cruiser]

Has anyone stayed at the Sheraton Yankee Trader? Is it nice? :rolleyes:

[Sanz]

Trent, what are the dangers of staying in a State Road 84 motel as an overnight before a cruise? What makes it a dangerous area? Is the Holiday Inn Express a bad idea if you're taking a taxi or the shuttle from the motel to arrive, ordering in dinner, having breakfast at the motel and taking a taxi or shuttle to the port? Perhaps going to the supermarket the next day. This is a fairly new motel. I picked it with the hope that the mattress would not sag, etc. We're staying at "the family condo" after the cruise. I don't want to rent a car at the FFL airport, drive to the condo, clean the night before a cruise, drive for 1/2 an hour the next day and wait for the Alamo shuttle to take me to the port.

 

Trent thank you for the info and I apologize for the belated thank you. We had a family crisis and thought that our paid for in full cruise would not be a reality (thank goodness for insurance). My DH and I can now joyfully discuss our accomodations in FLL. :D

[PandF]

Everything you could possibly want is within walking distance of the Extended Stay America or Holiday Inn Express "Convention Center". They're in the very best location for cruisers to stay in, less than 10 minutes from FLL and a block from Port Everglades in a very safe neighborhood with dozens of restaurants, shops, grocery, drug & liquor stores as well as the Water Taxi all within easy walking distance.

 

Here's a list of restaurants and other places along that SE 17th Street area I've posted a few times to that same question...

 

Tara Steak & Lobster is right next door to Extended Stay America/Holiday Inn Express... http://www.tarasteakandlobsterhouse.com/

 

Carlos and Pepe's (Mexican) & Durty Harry's (bar with food) are in the same shopping center as Tara. There's also a small diner in that strip mall that I've been told has an excellent breakfast.

 

Giorgio's (Italian) and Einstein Bros. Bagels are across the street from Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America... http://www.einsteinbros.com/

 

Bimini Boatyard and Bravo (Italian) are both across the street from Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America, and about a block east, opposite the Renaissance Hotel... http://www.bravoitaliano.com/

 

Jack Jackson's new restaurant FISH is across the street from the Renaissance hotel, attached to the Convention Center complex at the entrance to Port Everglades... http://www.fish-fl.com/

 

Chuck's Steakhouse... http://www.chucksflorida.com/

 

And Waxy O'Connors are both across the street from Embassy Suites, a long block west of Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America... http://www.waxys.com/

 

Outback Steakhouse and Del Rio Tex Mex are just west of Embassy Suites, and Quarterdeck is across the street and a block north of Embassy Suites on Cordova Road, just beyond Winn-Dixie... http://www.quarterdeckrestaurant.com/

 

Kelly's Landing is a great New England style seafood place in a strip mall on Cordova Road, across the street from Winn-Dixie.

 

If you want some excellent ice cream, Aspen Ice Cream is next door to Office Depot, in the large yellow strip mall across the street from Tara and Carlos and Pepe's... http://www.aspenicecream.com/

 

There are 3 large strip malls around Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America - More or less across the street, next door, and behind, as well as several smaller ones. There are at least a dozen other small restaurants scattered throughout those strip malls, plus a number of fast food and carry-out places in the area as well... You'll never go hungry along that section of SE 17th Street, there's something for every taste and budget.

 

Publix grocery store is in the large strip mall a block south on Cordova Road, behind Embassy Suites. Publix sell beer & wine as well as being very large, very nice grocery stores.

 

Barnie's Coffee & Tea is in the same strip mall as Publix, a few stores to the west, next to Carvel Ice Cream... http://www.barniescoffee.com/

 

Chicken Grill... http://www.naturalchickengrill.com/

 

And Camille's Sidewalk Cafe are also in that same strip mall... http://www.camillescafe.com/

 

Crown Wine and Spirits is across the street from Embassy Suites, behind the Chevron station, and 67 Wine & Spirits is across the street from Crown.

 

Winn-Dixie grocery store is next door to Crown, and there's a CVS drug store in the same strip mall as 67 Wine & Spirits.

 

Walgreens drug store is a block east of Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America, across the street from the Renaissance hotel.

 

The restaurants above are just those that you can easily walk to. If you take the Water Taxi you can easily get to dozens more. The nearest Water Taxi stop is 2 long blocks east, under the SE 17th Street Bridge, in front of the Marina Marriott hotel... http://www.watertaxi.com/FortLauderdale/FLLHome.Asp

 

Some popular places easily accessible by Water Taxi are...

 

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-ftlaud/chcrab-ftlaud.html

 

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

 

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

 

 

Trents....is the Holiday Inn Exp on W State Rd 84 within walking distance of say the Publix or would taking a taxi be wiser? Thanks .....

[rnlmigacz]

We are 16 of us staying at the Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport North the middle of March. Has anyone stayed here or have any information about it. Any information would be appreciated.

[martdm]

I'm also curious about the Hampton Inn North and hoping the great and knowledgable Trent or someone else could provide some info.

 

Our flight doesn't get in until 11pm so we'll literally just be sleeping there and then heading for the port in the AM. I grabbed a reservation while I could because the Embassy Suites and many other recommended hotels are full and others are either going quick or priced sky high (normally I would pay for a nicer hotel but I can't see paying $450 if we're only going to looking at the inside of our eyelids).

 

I have two questions:

 

First, I've read good reviews of this hotel on tripadvisor that note it is a basic but clean place to crash for the night...can anyone provide first hand knowledge? Should I keep looking or is this an OK choice?

 

Second, since we'll be flying from 4pm to 11pm, I'm guessing we might need a bite to eat when we arrive. We won't have a vehicle so I'm wondering if there is anyplace we might be able grab a late night snack within walking distance?

 

Greatly appreciate any insight you can lend!

[flamingos]

We live south of Miami and will be coming up to Ft. Lauderdale the night before our cruise for the opera; driving home and back again the next morning would be silly. Are there any hotels that will let us keep the car there for the week if we stay for only one night?

[rnlmigacz]

We are 16 of us staying at the Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport North the middle of March. Has anyone stayed here or have any information about it. Any information would be appreciated.

Adding on to my last post:

Our group will be getting in a little after noon. Is there anything to do in the area and places to eat. We don't have vehicles, but could get taxis if necessary.

[martdm]

We live south of Miami and will be coming up to Ft. Lauderdale the night before our cruise for the opera; driving home and back again the next morning would be silly. Are there any hotels that will let us keep the car there for the week if we stay for only one night?

 

From what I read on the Hampton Inn North that I was inquiring about above, they will let you leave your car.

[Jaxmike]

We are planning to stay at the Days Inn because some people we are traveling with had already booked there. I am still not convinced, any advice?

[martdm]

Also found a room at the Courtyard Airport/Port. Any reviews? Seems to list OK on tripadvisor & has shuttle from airport and to the port.

[sally83]

For 48-50 people I'd hire a bus. We use Tri-County/Airport Express... http://www.floridalimo.com/

 

Or Larry's Limo... http://larryslimo.com/

 

I think either one can help you with a bus, but I don't have any personal experience with a group of that size, and have only used them for limos or vans. Yes, limo/shuttle/bus companies have to have the proper permits to enter Port Everglades.

 

The problem with FLL airport is that on winter/spring weekends it's simply overwhelmed with the number of people off the Port Everglades ships, plus all those on the Miami ships who use it, plus the normal tourists. During those peak times they won't let you through security until 2 hours before your flight. The check-in and security lines can both be very long at the peak times, however if you're flying later in the day or not on a weekend it's not quite so bad.

 

If you're flying later in the day, usually 3pm or later, you can take an Everglades excursion that can be purchased from your cruise line's shore excursion office. You and your luggage both go on the bus together, and then after the excursion you're dropped at the airport. For a group of your size however you may want to again hire a bus and arrange your own tour of some sort.

 

It would be nice to think that the cheaper chains such as those you mentioned would take some interest and see that the places are brought up to standards, however in South Florida those chains are NOT nice places. Spend some time on here, or read some of the Trip Advisor reviews. The majority of those places are simply horrible, run down dumps here, and there are countless reviews from victims who say never again, to those that found them so bad they paid whatever it took to get out of them and into a nice hotel.

 

We are flying into ft lauderdale March 10 getting in late at 11:00 taking a taxi to our hotel at the embassy suites, then leaving out of there March 12, but crusing out of port of miami, what do u think the best way to get there is?? Got some quotes on some limos, there are 8 of us with luggage, any suggestions would be appreciated!!

Thanks

[Debbesa]

Good morning! My daughter and I will be sailing on 2/18/07, and while I realize things will change in a year, we are planning 2 nights in FLL prior to the cruise (Caribbean Princess). We'd llike to be near the port, as well as near the beach, or within easy access. I've been reading the comments about the the Embassy Suites--would that suffice? Also, I am a runner, and always looking for a good place to take my am runs..Would that be safe?

Thanks for any help!

Debbe:)

[Bequia]

I've been reading the comments about the the Embassy Suites--would that suffice? Also, I am a runner, and always looking for a good place to take my am runs..Would that be safe?

Thanks for any help!

Debbe:)

 

Excellent choice of hotel. The area is very safe. You can event take your morning run along 17th Street to the beach and back. ;)

[COLandlocked]

Just booked March cruise and now having hard time finding a good hotel room. Embassy, Marriotts, Hyatts all booked. HELP! I think I have narrowed it down to 3:

 

Doubletree Suites

Westin

Courtyard East

 

Can someone help me? Are these decent, in good location? Just need one night before cruise. Arrive around 7:00pm so would like someplace with something to eat (or at least walking distance). I have read all the posts but unless I missed something I have not seen these listed. If I am asking questions that have already been answered, my apologies. Just need to make a decision fast!

 

Any other suggestions?

Please help,

 

Thanks!

[blga]

I have cruise several times & booked online in many, many cities, but I have never had this much trouble. Many booked, most over my price range & I am absolutely panicky about what I might find when I get down there. Does anyone have any information on any of the "superior smaller lodgings" ? We fly in at 12am the night before the cruise and simply need a place to crash for the wee hours between 12:30 am & heading to the cruise port the next morning. We have a rental reserved but we can't find an affordable hotel!! Help!! I never dreamed it would be this difficult!

[Cruising89143]

TrentS is the obvious and very helpful expert on hotels in Ft Lauderdale but I did want to say that the Marina Marriott has been sold and is leaving the Marriott system in late February this year. We were going to stay there on the backside of our upcoming Volendam cruise and go to the King Tut exhibit under a special Marriott package. The new Marina management kind of waffled on whether or not they'd honor or fulfill the King Tut package so Marriott moved us to another property in Ft Lauderdale to preserve our package. Couldn't be more pleased with Marriott's handling of the situation. :)

 

Here is the link for the new owners of the Marriott Marina. Her new name is the Ft. Lauderdale Grande Hotel and Yacht Club.

 

http://www.luxuryresorts.com/?gclid=CKqDvKa0nIMCFTDlLAodCyB2cg

[Bequia]

LXR Luxury Resorts collection of luxury properties owned by affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors that are some of the most treasured luxury resorts, hotels, spas, golf clubs and marinas in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and Europe. WHM LLC is the operator of all LXR Luxury Resorts.

Blackstone Group, owners of Pier 66, Bahia Mar, Extended Stay America, Homestead Studio Suites, Wellesly Inns & Suites, Prime Hotels & Resorts. ;)

[Cruising89143]

I originally booked the Marriott Marina in FLL for my upcoming December cruise. The price for a room overlooking the port was $349.00 per night. I just booked the same room on the LXR site for $179.00 per night. I did call the hotel tonight and was told that they are going to start the refurb within the next 4-6 months so room availability may change over what was booked. I believe that the price drop was due to the refurbishment may be going on during that time. If anyone has a room booked there for this year with the old Marriott system I would check on line with the LXR site to see if the price has dropped. The only downside is no phone number to call for reservations. You have to book on line at this time. The hotel told me to call back in about ten days and they can go over my new reservation then.

[lojill]

Hey Trent we just came back from our cruise and your pre-cruise information was a big hit. From my family and friends thanks a whole lot. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express at the convention center on 17th. Why didn't you turn the heat on in FT lauderdale we froze-SMILE.

 

If you or anybody else have any information on the other western route-Ocho rios Jamica-Grand Cayman. We are thinking of cruising March 31th 2007 with our kids while they are on spring break

[maggieworkman]

After reading this thread and a few others, I booked the Embassy suites for our night pre cruise in June. I got it for $154. Does that seem like a decent rate? We are driving, so will have a car, but my mom is flying in to meet us. I will tell her to just take a taxi to the hotel (we probably will not be there yet when she gets in). I do not think they have a shuttle. Does it cost to park there?

 

Thanks,

Maggie

[surfklutz]

We are looking for day/night stay in Ft. Lauderdale on 3/26 post cruise. We have stayed at the Embassy Suites before and the Mariana Marriott...I'm not sure of the exact name....but right by the docks and by a bridge... and were happy with both of those. Embassy is booked. We don't want to go too high, but don't want dumpy either. A nice pool for the day would be a plus and shuttle to the airport....we could always get a taxi if needed. What do you know about the Yankee Clipper?

Yankee Clipper is a dump - smells bad, has a strange configuration...it needs to be redone badly

[surfklutz]

Has anyone stayed at the Sheraton Yankee Trader? Is it nice? :rolleyes:

 

Both the Sheraton Trader and Sheraton Clipper need a good overhaul - both are dumps as far as I am concerned.

[kelmac]

Both the Sheraton Trader and Sheraton Clipper need a good overhaul - both are dumps as far as I am concerned.

 

I think the Sheraton Trader must be in much better shape compared to the Clipper. Here are some recent reviews:

 

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34227-d84492-Reviews-Sheraton_Yankee_Trader_Hotel-Fort_Lauderdale_Florida.html

 

Hotel experiences change month to month and year to year. Last year's great hotel, maybe this year's "dump".

 

Enjoy!:)

Kel

[lojill]

We stayed next door at the Holiday Inn Express on 17th and we rented a car across the street at budget and we parked it there for no cost. We returned it the next day and caught the shuttle to the port.