bruno

doubletree guest suites fort lauderdale galleria or doubletree surfcomber south beach?<BR><BR>I have hilton points and I want to stay 2 nights pre-cruise in the miami-fort lauderdale area. Our cruise is leaving from Miami, but as what I read in other post the distance from fort lauderdale is not that much, plus we wanted to see both locations. So as anyone stayed at the one in fort lauderdale? How fare is it from the beach? From the outlet stores? <BR><BR>Also, we are planning to stay 2 nights in orlando, as anyone heard of this hotel:<BR>doubletree castle hotel in orlando??

Cathy

I have stayed at the Doubletree surfcomber in Miami Beach. THe hotel was nice but nothing spectacular and we were happy for the deal that we got. We had booked a room for three and ended up getting two rooms for the price of one. The hotel at the time charged a &quot;beach use fee&quot; of about $20-$25 whether or not you used the beach ( this was summer 2001) so call and check it out.<BR><BR>The main reason we picked the Surfcomber was for its location. It is perfect walking distance to Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall, and a long, but doable walk to Ocean Drive and the main hot spots on Collins Ave. We didn't get a car and enjoyed walking and people watching. Plus, the surfcomber is right on the beach.<BR><BR>As far as I am concerned, there is so much more to see and do in Miami. I think the quality of the beach is the same in Miami and Fort Lauderdale and other than the giant outlet mall, there really isn't much that I want to see in Fr. Lauderdale.<BR><BR>Unless you are renting a car, it can be pricy to get to Miami from Fr. Lauderdale. Even renting a car is pain because of traffic, especially in the South Beach and around the port area. Parking in Miami is expensive and hard to find as well.<BR><BR>Unless there were many sites you wanted to see in Ft. Lauderdale, I would stay in Miami. As I stated before, I don't know of many things to see around FT. Lauderdale other than Sawgrass Mills ( giant outlet mall) which is an easy day trip out of Miami.

bruno

Thanks for the info! I think we will stay in south beach, I checked and the &quot;resort fee&quot; is now 7 $, which is a lot better then 20 $<BR><BR>As per south beach, miami area, is there any sites/activities you would recommand? I know about the pedestrian mall, but what else? Is there amusement parks worht visiting? I heard there was a small cruise you could take and it would take you to see all of the celebrities mansion, is that in miami? price range, web site?

Cathy

I would call the Miami tourist bureau and ask for as many as their brochures as possible. The last time we went to Miami, we did a van tour of the city which was very reasonable and took us to many parts of Miami, including Sylvester Stallone's house and Madonnas last residence in Miami. I think you can book boat tours on the Miami river from the Bayside Market place.<BR>I am not sure about any amusement parks, but I know there is a seaquarium in Miami that is excellent and the Parrot Jungle which is a sort of animal park. Then there are the Everglades where you can ride on an airboat. But if you are also going to Orlando, save the theme park experience for Orlando and enjoy the culture in Miami. Walk along Ocean Drive. Dance to live Salsa Music on Saturday night! See how many super models and famous people you can spot! Eat cuban food. And my favorite activity, get up early on Sunday morning, walk along Miami Beach, watch the sun rise and watch the cruise ships come in as you relax and get into your vacation frame of mind!

neviboy

Stay away from South Beach. It's the biggest rip off in S. Florida. Ft.Lauderdale is the best.<BR>neviboy

Paul Therault

Yes Neviboy, but wouldn't you say it is extremely interesting and worth the extra money? You just have to pace yourself and your money. <BR><BR>I always went to South Beach when I arrived a day early for my cruise and also spent time there when waiting for a late flight home. That is, until I discovered Bayside Marketplace. I now spend all my free time there. Also perfect for families.<BR><BR>Paul

bruno

Thanks for the replies!<BR><BR>What is bayside marketplace? Where is it located approx? Is there a website for it? Paul have you heard good comments on the doubletree surfcomber?

Paul Therault

Hi Bruno,<BR><BR>I never stayed in the Doubletree Surfcomber. I did take a look at the hotel once and it looked like a 3-star. Cathy could tell you more.<BR><BR>Bayside Marina is a couple of blocks south of the Port of Miami. A resonable hotel right across from the mian entrance is the Best Western Marina Park. It would have just about the same accomodations as the Doubletree (average hotel). <BR><BR>I do not know of a website but the park has many shops, upscale and tourist. Outdoor enterainment. Hard Rock and many other ethnic restaurants. Also a very large food-court. This is where you can take a bay-cruise as Cathy mentioned. The park is patrolled by police and perfectly safe. It is a lot of fun and you could spend many hours sitting or browsing. Although not as exciting as South Beach.<BR><BR>Paul

nina

bruno, I just booked the downtown Miami Hyatt Regency for $28 through priceline. Yes, that's right, $28. We booked 2 rooms for one night before our cruise over Presidents week.<BR><BR>I've stayed there before as part of a pre-cruise &quot;deal&quot; with RCCL and paid $149 per night. It's a nice hotel, within walking distance of Bayside and an inexpensive taxi ride away from the docks. Can't beat that deal.

ftlauderdale

I'd suggest Ft. Lauderdale. South Beach is very crowded and it is hard to find a parking space. Fort Lauderdale is a very nice area - great beaches. I'd suggest Lauderdale-by-the Sea or Hollywood, both are very close to Ft. L and are less crowded than Ft. L.<BR><BR>