Accommodation in Ft Lauderdale

[Cap_D]

4 hours ago, Esmerelda said:

@Cap_D, we stayed in the newer wing when we have been there.  The room are very nice and no HVAC issues. ☺️

Glad you found it okay.  For about the same money, I have had better just blocks away.  I stayed at the Riverside in 2021, and 2022, and a few times over the years before the pandemic and found the rooms in the tower that was built in 2002 to be dated (and dark), as were the conference rooms.  They were clean.  Restaurant was fine, although there are many in the area. 

Edited September 24, 2023 by Cap_D

[Cruise till you drop]

14 hours ago, capriccio said:

You've received some excellent recommendations without anyone knowing the date and your budget.  Providing those would help narrow down your choices.  You can also check out the Fort Lauderdale tourist website (www.visitlauderdale.com) for an extensive list of hotels in all of Broward County (including Dania Beach and Plantation mentioned in earlier posts).

I’m assuming from the OP’s post that the options were a more expensive flight on the day of the cruise or what they opted for was a less expensive flight the day before with a less expensive hotel stay.

[oakridger]

On 9/23/2023 at 7:18 PM, Debberly said:

Hi,

For those of you that have stayed at Riverside Hotel, was there shuttle service to the port?  If not, what mode of transportation did you take?  TIA!

 

In October 2022 I took a taxi from Port Everglades and back four days later.  $20 plus tip one way.

I love the location of the Riverside and the staff were great. It's nice to stay in a place that isn't the same cookie cutter chain hotel.  Next time I'll take the water taxi tour.

 

~Nancy

[TTEllis]

Not sure I would stay here for 1 night but I LOVE the W, you can get it on Hotwire for a decent price. 

[Not a username2]

Sorry all, was away. I have booked Riverside Hotel, I like the look of that area. I was astonished at the price for hotels but I guess it is on a weekend though. 

[Not a username2]

Thank you very much for all your replies and information on the subject. It was very helpful!

[Not a username2]

On 9/24/2023 at 1:34 PM, Cruise till you drop said:

I’m assuming from the OP’s post that the options were a more expensive flight on the day of the cruise or what they opted for was a less expensive flight the day before with a less expensive hotel stay.

Yes this is correct, I was hoping to save some money by going the day before but didn't really work out.

[muffydawg]

We like the Renaissance on 17th St, the Ritz Carlton on A1A and the Le Meridien @ Dania.

[Lois R]

On 9/23/2023 at 10:18 PM, Debberly said:

 

 

Hi,

For those of you that have stayed at Riverside Hotel, was there shuttle service to the port?  If not, what mode of transportation did you take?  TIA!

I have stayed at the Riverside at least 1/2 dozen times over the years. It is my #1 choice for sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  I LOVE it😀

No, they do not offer shuttle service to he port. You can have them call a cab for you or you can take and Uber/Lyft. I stayed there back in January and had a cab take me to the port. It was about 20 bucks.

[Cruise till you drop]

1 minute ago, Lois R said:

I have stayed at the Riverside at least 1/2 dozen times over the years. It is my #1 choice for sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  I LOVE it😀

No, they do not offer shuttle service to he port. You can have them call a cab for you or you can take and Uber/Lyft. I stayed there back in January and had a cab take me to the port. It was about 20 bucks.

This thread is interesting as there seems to still be a fascination with hotel shuttles that I don’t get.

 

Most hotels charge extra for that service and it leaves the hotel at a set time, which is usually later than I want to leave.

 

Uber/Lyft have comparable rates and they leave when you want to leave (as long as you book in advance)

[capriccio]

5 minutes ago, Cruise till you drop said:

Most hotels charge extra for that service and it leaves the hotel at a set time, which is usually later than I want to leave.

And

• if your traveling party is 2 or more the shuttle could be more expensive than Uber, Lyft or a taxi depending on the shuttle price per person and the distance of the hotel from Port Everglades.
• some shuttles board passengers going to multiple ships in one vehicle.  If your ship is the last stop you spend potentially lots more time on the shuttle versus transportation directly to your ship.

[ymncruise]

I don’t get the shuttles either. They are slow loading and unloading. By the time the shuttle is ready to go, you could have been at the port and for a lower cost. 

[Port Power]

I will be spending six nights in Florida from December 12-18.  I disembark at Fort Lauderdale but will be flying out of Miami.  Being totally unfamiliar with these areas, which is better for a six night stay?  I would really appreciate advice.

 

I can rent an apartment via airBNB, or book a self catering hotel.  I would prefer being able to at least make toast for breakfast rather than eating out all the time. Any suggestions are welcome, but sorting out the area to stay is more important.

 

I will be on my own, so nearby restaurants are important. I will walk everywhere. No way I will attempt to drive!  

[Not a username2]

6 hours ago, Port Power said:

I will be spending six nights in Florida from December 12-18.  I disembark at Fort Lauderdale but will be flying out of Miami.  Being totally unfamiliar with these areas, which is better for a six night stay?  I would really appreciate advice.

 

I can rent an apartment via airBNB, or book a self catering hotel.  I would prefer being able to at least make toast for breakfast rather than eating out all the time. Any suggestions are welcome, but sorting out the area to stay is more important.

 

I will be on my own, so nearby restaurants are important. I will walk everywhere. No way I will attempt to drive!  

Don't tell me you're a port fan from WA?!

[Port Power]

6 minutes ago, Not a username2 said:

Don't tell me you're a port fan from WA?!

I prefer a good fortified shiraz, actually. From the Swan Valley.  But I am a fan of the Port of Fremantle, especially on the way to Rottnest.

[capriccio]

10 hours ago, Port Power said:

I will be spending six nights in Florida from December 12-18.  I disembark at Fort Lauderdale but will be flying out of Miami.  Being totally unfamiliar with these areas, which is better for a six night stay?  I would really appreciate advice.

 

I can rent an apartment via airBNB, or book a self catering hotel.  I would prefer being able to at least make toast for breakfast rather than eating out all the time. Any suggestions are welcome, but sorting out the area to stay is more important.

 

I will be on my own, so nearby restaurants are important. I will walk everywhere. No way I will attempt to drive!  

Have you thought of splitting your 6 post cruise days between the two cities? 

 

Since you are disembarking at Port Everglades, start with Fort Lauderdale.  Check out www.visitlauderdale.com for recommendations on hotels, transportation, restaurants, attractions, etc.  The water taxi (www.watertaxi.com) is great for transportation and sightseeing.  Free buses/vans run during the day (https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-i-z/transportation-and-mobility/transportation-division/laudergo-mobility-services/laudergo-water-trolley).  The most centrally located hotel (right on Las Olas Blvd with a water taxi stop and on the LauderGo bus route) is the Riverside.  There are lots of recommendations on this board for it.

 

After a few days take an Uber/Lyft or taxi to Miami.  Then you will be close to MIA for your outbound flight. I am sure some of the Miami locals can fill in more information but the areas of Bayside and Brickell Village are often recommended for lodging, restaurants, and transportation.

 

If you decide to go for a condo through AirBnB (or similar) be careful and confirm that the building allows short term rentals.  Many do not and you don't want to find access denied.  Read the reviews of the rental and the host.  You can also come back here and ask about neighborhoods.

 

Happy planning!

 

 

 

 

[Port Power]

52 minutes ago, capriccio said:

Have you thought of splitting your 6 post cruise days between the two cities? 

 

Since you are disembarking at Port Everglades, start with Fort Lauderdale.  Check out www.visitlauderdale.com for recommendations on hotels, transportation, restaurants, attractions, etc.  The water taxi (www.watertaxi.com) is great for transportation and sightseeing.  Free buses/vans run during the day (https://www.fortlauderdale.gov/government/departments-i-z/transportation-and-mobility/transportation-division/laudergo-mobility-services/laudergo-water-trolley).  The most centrally located hotel (right on Las Olas Blvd with a water taxi stop and on the LauderGo bus route) is the Riverside.  There are lots of recommendations on this board for it.

 

After a few days take an Uber/Lyft or taxi to Miami.  Then you will be close to MIA for your outbound flight. I am sure some of the Miami locals can fill in more information but the areas of Bayside and Brickell Village are often recommended for lodging, restaurants, and transportation.

 

If you decide to go for a condo through AirBnB (or similar) be careful and confirm that the building allows short term rentals.  Many do not and you don't want to find access denied.  Read the reviews of the rental and the host.  You can also come back here and ask about neighborhoods.

 

Happy planning!

 

Thank you for your suggestions.  I really don’t want to have to unpack and pack again though.  I’ll have washing to do after the transatlantic cruise.  I am very careful with Airbnb and will only book with “super hosts”.  I definitely do not want a hotel because, as mentioned, I prefer self catering.

Edited October 26, 2023 by Port Power

[Elaine5715]

17 hours ago, Port Power said:

I will be spending six nights in Florida from December 12-18.  I disembark at Fort Lauderdale but will be flying out of Miami.  Being totally unfamiliar with these areas, which is better for a six night stay?  I would really appreciate advice.

 

I can rent an apartment via airBNB, or book a self catering hotel.  I would prefer being able to at least make toast for breakfast rather than eating out all the time. Any suggestions are welcome, but sorting out the area to stay is more important.

 

I will be on my own, so nearby restaurants are important. I will walk everywhere. No way I will attempt to drive!  

I also love a hotel with restaurants and some shopping within walking distance.  I have been staying near the Dania Pointe area in Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale. Tons of nice restaurants with a mile, movie theater, short rideshare to several casinos and malls. 

[Port Power]

5 hours ago, Elaine5715 said:

I also love a hotel with restaurants and some shopping within walking distance.  I have been staying near the Dania Pointe area in Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale. Tons of nice restaurants with a mile, movie theater, short rideshare to several casinos and malls. 

Dania Pointe is an area I have seen on the map, but did not realise its convenience. Thank you.  Through bookings.com, I found a one-bedroom suite in an apartment-hotel riverside in the Las Olas area.  That seems a very good location, and near the popular Riverside Hotel.  A safe way to book, too.

[capriccio]

3 hours ago, Port Power said:

Dania Pointe is an area I have seen on the map, but did not realise its convenience. Thank you.  Through bookings.com, I found a one-bedroom suite in an apartment-hotel riverside in the Las Olas area.  That seems a very good location, and near the popular Riverside Hotel.  A safe way to book, too.

The apartment-hotel sounds great.  With that location your transportation costs will be minimized and your choice of restaurants extensive plus you are on the bus route to the beach which, in addition to miles of beach, has lots of restaurants and bars.  If you have any other questions during your planning, just ask.

[Lois R]

5 hours ago, Port Power said:

Dania Pointe is an area I have seen on the map, but did not realise its convenience. Thank you.  Through bookings.com, I found a one-bedroom suite in an apartment-hotel riverside in the Las Olas area.  That seems a very good location, and near the popular Riverside Hotel.  A safe way to book, too.

Hi😃 this is a really good location for sure.  I love the Las Olas area and you will have lots of restaurants/shops nearby.  

[sfrieman]

How is Holiday Inn Express Cruise Port?

[DaveOKC]

On 10/26/2023 at 9:39 PM, Elaine5715 said:

I also love a hotel with restaurants and some shopping within walking distance.  I have been staying near the Dania Pointe area in Hollywood/Fort Lauderdale. Tons of nice restaurants with a mile, movie theater, short rideshare to several casinos and malls. 

Just stayed at Hyatt House in Dania Pointe and it was great.  Plus lots of shopping and dining options right next to it.  Great service and newer rooms.

[BlueHerons]

On 9/23/2023 at 9:08 AM, Guera53 said:

Riverside Hotel has great restaurants and their bakery cafe facing the river is impressive.

Just a slight correction, The Boathouse is not a bakery cafe.  It is a full blown restaurant with no bakery.  Gran Forno, on Las Olas Boulevard is a bakery cafe and it is excellent.

 

The exec chef is a friend of mine and would be offended by that branding.😉

[FritzG]

On 11/14/2023 at 9:48 PM, BlueHerons said:

Just a slight correction, The Boathouse is not a bakery cafe.  It is a full blown restaurant with no bakery.  Gran Forno, on Las Olas Boulevard is a bakery cafe and it is excellent.

 

The exec chef is a friend of mine and would be offended by that branding.😉

There is a new (2022?) bakery on the side street on the Cheesecake Factory side which seems to be part of the Riverside. They advertise them at the front desk.