www.booking.com/hotel/us/pelican-grand-beach-resort.en.html

my fav many other cheaper options betterbidding.com

Mariotts Hyatt Place around the airport from $35 bidding

priceline.com were cheapest for me.

stay123.con has the best free stay park fly deals with car.

Happy Hunting!

Hilton has been closest for me in the past

1 mile from port decent price point from $100 or so.

Join HHonors program for upgrades

travela.priceline.com/hotel/POI-Cruise_Line_Terminal_Port_Everglades_Dania_Florida

The closest beach to the port is the world famous "strip". Most of the hotels are across the street from the beach with A1A in between. You can find anything from the Ritz to Howard Johnsons (is that still there - Im not sure.) As winter approaches those properties get more expensive.

17th street causeway has a lot of more budget friendly type hotels, like courtyard and holiday inn express.
Closets to port....
http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=port+of+fort+lauderdale&fb=1&gl=us&hq=port+of+fort+lauderdale&cid=0,0,5075636626644511970&ei=smyTTvqBGOqLsAKL08HJBg&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&ved=0CBQQ_BI

It really depends on how many days who have to spend before leaving. If its one night - Id stay on 17th street - if its 2 or more id stay at the Westin or W on A1A.

Lots of choices by the port. Some are within walking distance. Some even offer free shuttle from airport to hotel and then from hotel to port. All teh major brand names are there too. Best Western, Marriot, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Ramada. The Embassy Suites on 17th street is clsoe to the port, maybe 15 minutes walk.

If you are there for more than the one night, I will suggest go further south to Hollywood Beach (we stayed there all the time). Rent a car from Budget at the airport and return the car to Quay Plaza by the Port. They take you to the port with their shuttle.