Driving to Port Everglades - Need Hotel Recommendation

[SC_Sam]

DW and I are going to drive from South Carolina to FLL for our cruise in September. We've flown down before, but with all the expense and hassles of flying these days (do I really need to list them?), I thought we'd try driving it this time. According to the computer, it's about nine hours.

 

My plan is to drive down on Friday afternoon, after I close my office at 1:00 p.m. I'd like to drive to within an hour or so of the port. Does anybody have any suggestions on a good place to stay? Obviously, we'd be getting in late and leaving early the next morning, so that I don't need a resort, but I also don't want a fleabag place, either.

 

Thanks for any guidance you can provide.

[chrysalis]

lots of people (including us) stay at the Amerisuites...it is right beside the port, they allow you to leave your car their during the cruise, the hotel is beside a mall and Publix groc store (if you want to get anything). Also, check the "pre-cruise/post-cruise" threads on cruise critic.

[arlenemilt]

Hi Sam...

I'm a "local" (40 miles or so) and sometimes use Amerisuites when I have an early flight out of Ft. Lauderdale. I leave my car there and they shuttle me to the airport. Easy, convenient and not expensive. Also, their included buffet breakfast is quite adequate.

 

Arlene

[mii]

Just got off of the Coral repo and we stayed at the Holiday Inn Express on S. 17th in FLL about 5 minutes from the port. It was fantastic, clean, and near alot of resturants, stores, etc. High recommend the place. Also free breakfast.

 

marilyn

[arlenemilt]

I agree that HI Express is also a good option, but if Sam wants to save $12/day in port parking fees, Amerisuites is the better choice.

Arlene

[SC_Sam]

Went online, found a AAA rate of $116 per night, plus tax. Then I called the hotel itself, was quoted a rate of $129 per night. When I mentioned the online rate, they matched it. The young lady who helped me was very friendly, making sure to tell me about the hot breakfast and complimentary shuttle. When I asked, she confirmed we could park there for the week for free. Hmmm, let's see, $12x7 is $84. That may just cover my bar tab for a few days! (More likely, will be spent by the DW on knock-off purses in St. Thomas).

 

Thanks for the guidance.

[Quilting_Cruiser]

Sounds like you aren't looking to stay in Ft. Lauderdale but an hour or two north?? I can't help you with that since I'm from Oregon, but if you decide to stay at Amerisuites in Ft. Lauderdale, you can get a better rate by booking through valuetrips.com. I got it for $69 a night.

 

Cheers!

Jayne