Rare PTC DAWG Posted December 10, 2023 #201 Share Posted December 10, 2023 (edited) I have stayed at this Hilton, once, we now always stay at Riverside Hotel on Los Olas…MUCH more to do right around the hotel…the happy hour at the Golden Lion on site can’t be beat. 🙂 https://www.goldenlyonpub.com/menus Edited December 10, 2023 by PTC DAWG 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tyler414 Posted December 10, 2023 #202 Share Posted December 10, 2023 17 hours ago, niksmom630 said: Debarkation was easy until you got to the taxi line. Uber was no better, 15-20 minutes… think it was just a busy day in port. We walked off around 9, and were on our way to the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. again, our “go to” usually , not no more. Lots of changes, and not in a positive way….its been under “construction” for a few years it seems. the first thing we noticed is the poolside bar/restaurant is gone this is where is used to be. 😟 A positive is the location can’t be beat for for yacht shopping… DH really outdid himself on my Xmas gift this year 😔🥳 I stayed there in January 2023. Never again. Crazy expensive. The room wasn’t ready until 6pm. Average service at best. Drinks were served in the cheapest 10oz plastic cups possible. I honestly thought when they were making it, if I was at some private party, until they asked for the $18+ for the drink. 😂 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare niksmom630 Posted December 11, 2023 Author #203 Share Posted December 11, 2023 10 hours ago, depplep said: I appreciate the comments about the Hilton as we are Diamond level with them and always choose Hilton where available. On a side note, I just paid $18.95 plus 18% gratuity and tax for a Rum Punch at Universal Thanksgiving weekend. The world has gone mad. Thanks for the review. we used to really like this property. I’ve probably covered it in several reviews over the years. The outdoor bar/pool area, views of the port have been highlights. A few years ago they started a major construction project. For awhile their lobby was located in a conference room, and the main entrance wasn’t even open. the changes they’ve made have all been detrimental, in my view. The lobby got smaller, so it’s a madhouse on weekends. I’ve noticed the prices creeping up also, and spent some time at the pool this trip because we were there most of the day…. Half the pool loungers were ripped or sagging. Thats basic maintenance and one would expect more from a hotel at this price point. I really just want someplace clean, comfortable, with a nice pool and outdoor area that gives a “happy start” to vacation vibe. Water views are a plus… 😍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare hcat Posted December 11, 2023 #204 Share Posted December 11, 2023 there are several Hilton properties in the area. Embassy Suite ( old and due for a refurb), Hampton and Garden Inns...Better rates! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo_Cruising Posted December 11, 2023 #205 Share Posted December 11, 2023 On 12/4/2023 at 10:13 AM, niksmom630 said: @hcat thanks! The mugs were $20. DH thought they were more expensive than the ones we usually purchase, but I like a travel mug for coffee in the mornings to keep it hot longer. We purchase them on most sailings, sometimes they get abandoned if there’s little space left in the luggage, but I’ll be keeping these. Better quality than the plastic exterior insulated mugs we normally get from Royal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mo_Cruising Posted December 11, 2023 #206 Share Posted December 11, 2023 I bought a mug last cruise on Apex. It strangely didn’t have a cover…and was at least $25…I’m packing my own for our upcoming cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare abbydancer2003 Posted December 11, 2023 #207 Share Posted December 11, 2023 On 12/9/2023 at 2:33 PM, niksmom630 said: thanks, @DaKahuna, just booked the renaissance for our 2024 sailing in November on ascent! We stayed at the Renaissance on Saturday night. It's always been my go to hotel here, but this was a less than stellar experience. I'll talk about it again in my Apex Live on Saturday, but there are two issues. First, the lounge is still not open, over two years after the post Covid reopening. The very (plus for hotel) friendly clerk who checked us in had no idea when and if it would. She did give us water and chips though. And I get free breakfast buffet, so that was Ok. The bigger issue is that they are replacing the elevators and only one was working. Sunday is a very busy ship day (ships I saw: Symphony OTS (us), Caribbean Princess, Ruby Princess, Celebrity Ascent, Celebrity Equinox, and a Holland America - Niew Statendam I think. So elevator waits were over 5 minutes. We were on floor 10 of 12. When it came time to take our shuttle, we waited 6 minutes, and the elevator opened, no room for us, so we ended up taking the service elevator. My view was that with only one elevator, they should have only filled the hotel to no more than 2/3 capacity. We have it again in February, but I'll be calling in a month to see if elevator construction is done. It will be in my 2/9 Beyond blog. I can live with the lounge, but not the elevator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oceangoer2 Posted December 11, 2023 #208 Share Posted December 11, 2023 20 hours ago, niksmom630 said: we used to really like this property. I’ve probably covered it in several reviews over the years. The outdoor bar/pool area, views of the port have been highlights. A few years ago they started a major construction project. For awhile their lobby was located in a conference room, and the main entrance wasn’t even open. the changes they’ve made have all been detrimental, in my view. The lobby got smaller, so it’s a madhouse on weekends. I’ve noticed the prices creeping up also, and spent some time at the pool this trip because we were there most of the day…. Half the pool loungers were ripped or sagging. Thats basic maintenance and one would expect more from a hotel at this price point. I really just want someplace clean, comfortable, with a nice pool and outdoor area that gives a “happy start” to vacation vibe. Water views are a plus… 😍 Our opinion of the Marina as well and always recommended it.. Stayed many years pre cruise in a high floor room, overlooking ships (which room were you in, same view but lower down; we were on mid 14th and I think the lower view is better from your photos) and enjoyed the patio dining in the pool area. Now it's gone with no replacement except a small booth with umbrella serving drinks and loungers in very poor condition (last month, maybe not there now?). Dining is in a super expensive, small mostly fish menu, very nice attached restaurant but not what most cruisers are looking for. Room charge in Canadian $$s is quite high, but I booked early so doable for a renovated property. The $30 service charge came off at check out, I suppose because we dined at their restaurant for dinner and breakfast (had a very good buffet but also pricey). Reno isn't what we expected so will now be looking elsewhere. Never use room service but if we did, that would be a turn off. The Riverside doesn't seem very nice. Maybe the Hilton Conrad next time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PTC DAWG Posted December 11, 2023 #209 Share Posted December 11, 2023 7 minutes ago, Oceangoer2 said: The Riverside doesn't seem very nice. Maybe the Hilton Conrad next time. If you prefer sterile chains, it may not be for you, the Wife and I have always had great stays there. From boat watching at the river to the variety of bars, restaurants, shopping etc..lots to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billc23 Posted December 11, 2023 #210 Share Posted December 11, 2023 (edited) 52 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said: If you prefer sterile chains, it may not be for you, the Wife and I have always had great stays there. From boat watching at the river to the variety of bars, restaurants, shopping etc..lots to do. I agree. We love the suites in the old section and the location is great! So many restaurants and bars to choose from. The hotel has a wonderful terrace for hanging out and easy access to a water taxi to go sight seeing or perhaps go to the beach. Sipping a cocktail on the second floor balcony - overlooking Las Olas - after flying down to FLL can't be beat! The balcony spans the entire front of the original hotel on the second floor and serves 2 suites. Great to have a living room and kitchen too. I guess if someone traveled for work and has airline/hotel status they may enjoy the benefits, but to me it limits choice. I alway look for a boutique hotel when traveling and some really nice ones are now owned by the chains. Usually they keep the character of the property but raise the price dramatically and often cut some of the services. We used to go in a day early and stay at a "pre cruise" hotel, whereas now we will arrive 3 to 7 days pre cruise and enjoy the area. It is great to be retired! Edited December 11, 2023 by billc23 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaKahuna Posted December 11, 2023 #211 Share Posted December 11, 2023 2 hours ago, abbydancer said: We stayed at the Renaissance on Saturday night. It's always been my go to hotel here, but this was a less than stellar experience. I'll talk about it again in my Apex Live on Saturday, but there are two issues. First, the lounge is still not open, over two years after the post Covid reopening. The very (plus for hotel) friendly clerk who checked us in had no idea when and if it would. She did give us water and chips though. And I get free breakfast buffet, so that was Ok. I had forgotten about the lounge being closed. We are normally there on weekends and even pre-COVID the lounge was closed from Friday after breakfast until Sunday evening. I do like the free breakfast buffet. They have real biscuits and sausage gravy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PTC DAWG Posted December 11, 2023 #212 Share Posted December 11, 2023 Billc23, I have stayed in that room… 🙂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
billc23 Posted December 11, 2023 #213 Share Posted December 11, 2023 9 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said: Billc23, I have stayed in that room… 🙂 I'll be there in a month pre Ascent! I always book it a year or more ahead of time and I was hesitant to post about it since there are only two. Lago Mar Beach Resort is great also if traveling with young ones or prefer staying on the beach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kokopelli-az Posted December 12, 2023 #214 Share Posted December 12, 2023 (edited) 20 hours ago, DaKahuna said: I had forgotten about the lounge being closed. We are normally there on weekends and even pre-COVID the lounge was closed from Friday after breakfast until Sunday evening. You mean the bar is closed at the Renaissance?? (We were there in November and it was open . . . The bartender was somewhat crabby and it was packed.) Edited December 12, 2023 by kokopelli-az Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare PTC DAWG Posted December 12, 2023 #215 Share Posted December 12, 2023 (edited) 20 hours ago, billc23 said: I'll be there in a month pre Ascent! I always book it a year or more ahead of time and I was hesitant to post about it since there are only two. Lago Mar Beach Resort is great also if traveling with young ones or prefer staying on the beach. Boarding Ascent the 21st of Jan myself. Edited December 12, 2023 by PTC DAWG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaKahuna Posted December 13, 2023 #216 Share Posted December 13, 2023 22 hours ago, kokopelli-az said: You mean the bar is closed at the Renaissance?? (We were there in November and it was open . . . The bartender was somewhat crabby and it was packed.) No the Concierge lounge. The bar has always been open and yes, the bartender has always seemed overwhelmed, although when we were there in April, he recognized us from having been there in February and greeted us with a smile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LIMPIT Posted December 14, 2023 #217 Share Posted December 14, 2023 On 12/8/2023 at 3:28 PM, schooner_Drinker said: So On arriving at Taino Bay head left when you reach land Hug the walkway keeping the ocean on your left Go past the Big pool and Big Tiki bar Keep to the left and when you see a large bridge over the lazy River Take a left into the island 🏝️ surrounded by the lazy River Here you find day beds and cabanas that unlike Royal charge $499 per day to utilize here they are FREE Nice shade and there is a bar and food places within small walking distance Once when there all they asked was you purchased a drink of any kind Don't tell too many people, as like anything, it won’t be a hidden gem for long 😉 Nancy 🍹 Chris - Hope you had a nice relaxing spa day 👍🏻 We enjoyed our recent visit to this port, I agree that the Cruise Port set up was tastefully done, we also incorporated a walk into town to sample the real local culture which is definitely worth doing, I have attached a few photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare abbydancer2003 Posted December 14, 2023 #218 Share Posted December 14, 2023 On 12/11/2023 at 1:46 PM, DaKahuna said: I had forgotten about the lounge being closed. We are normally there on weekends and even pre-COVID the lounge was closed from Friday after breakfast until Sunday evening. I do like the free breakfast buffet. They have real biscuits and sausage gravy! Oh yeah, it's been so long that I'd forgotten that the lounge was closed on weekends. (When my sister and I cruised in 17,18 and 19 I got a free night each year that was good at a Marriott in North Fort Lauderdale, so we'd stay there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaKahuna Posted December 15, 2023 #219 Share Posted December 15, 2023 18 hours ago, abbydancer said: Oh yeah, it's been so long that I'd forgotten that the lounge was closed on weekends. (When my sister and I cruised in 17,18 and 19 I got a free night each year that was good at a Marriott in North Fort Lauderdale, so we'd stay there. I have not stayed there. We will be staying at the Marriott Fort Lauderdale airport the night before our Divina cruise in February. It will be the first time we have stayed at this hotel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare abbydancer2003 Posted December 15, 2023 #220 Share Posted December 15, 2023 5 hours ago, DaKahuna said: I have not stayed there. We will be staying at the Marriott Fort Lauderdale airport the night before our Divina cruise in February. It will be the first time we have stayed at this hotel. For that hotel, you probably need a car, since it's about 20 minutes from the airport. We did once stay at the Airport Marriott after a cruise. It's nice. It has an M club on the lobby level, and it's also across the street from an outdoor mall with lots of food choices, and (if memory serves) an ice cream kiosk. I'd stay there again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare DaKahuna Posted December 15, 2023 #221 Share Posted December 15, 2023 Just now, abbydancer said: For that hotel, you probably need a car, since it's about 20 minutes from the airport. We did once stay at the Airport Marriott after a cruise. It's nice. It has an M club on the lobby level, and it's also across the street from an outdoor mall with lots of food choices, and (if memory serves) an ice cream kiosk. I'd stay there again. Yes, I read that in the hotel review and also noticed they have a free shuttle to/from the airport. Our plan is to grab our bags, take the hotel shuttle, spend the night, and take a Lyft/Uber to Miami cruise port. When the ship returns, we'll go Lyft/Uber from the ship to FLL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare abbydancer2003 Posted December 15, 2023 #222 Share Posted December 15, 2023 1 hour ago, DaKahuna said: Yes, I read that in the hotel review and also noticed they have a free shuttle to/from the airport. Our plan is to grab our bags, take the hotel shuttle, spend the night, and take a Lyft/Uber to Miami cruise port. When the ship returns, we'll go Lyft/Uber from the ship to FLL. Good plan. BTW, there was a sign in the shuttle about charges, but they don't apply to airport pickup. We were there after a cruise ending in Miami, and decided to spend the night (sometimes when it's either a very late flight, or too early, we'll do that. We used a Celebrity transfer to FLL, and then grabbed the shuttle from there. Enjoy! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Aboard Posted December 22, 2023 #223 Share Posted December 22, 2023 Quick question to the OP (if still watching): You mentioned you stayed aboard in San Juan due to your dinner time and the late arrival. Was the MDR full that night? We had an overnight once in Aruba that we arrived mid-afternoon and when we showed up at the MDR it was pretty empty. Was thinking if so this might be a good night for the Rooftop Grill. Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare niksmom630 Posted January 12 Author #224 Share Posted January 12 On 12/22/2023 at 11:35 AM, Al Aboard said: Quick question to the OP (if still watching): You mentioned you stayed aboard in San Juan due to your dinner time and the late arrival. Was the MDR full that night? We had an overnight once in Aruba that we arrived mid-afternoon and when we showed up at the MDR it was pretty empty. Was thinking if so this might be a good night for the Rooftop Grill. Al MDR was empty--we assumed people were eating in San Juan...I tried Rooftop Grill on a Med sailing on the Edge, and liked it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Aboard Posted January 12 #225 Share Posted January 12 20 minutes ago, niksmom630 said: MDR was empty--we assumed people were eating in San Juan...I tried Rooftop Grill on a Med sailing on the Edge, and liked it Thanks. And thank you for taking all the time out of your trip to answer everyone's questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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