Barb

I am new to this board - I'm usually on the Europe board, but my son and his girlfriend are planning a trip in June - flying into Ft. Laud. They want to see SoBe and maybe the Keys. Is this doable in a week? How far from Ft. to SoBe and then to Keys? Should they rent a car? What budget hotels in Ft. Laud and SoBe. Of course, they want to be on or very near the beach. I know these are very broad questions, but that's what's so great about this board - you can ask dumb questions. Thanks for the help. BTW he knows I am totally addicted to Fodors, that's why he asked for my help. (they are in their mid-20's).

Barb

Actually, my son just told me that they will spend 3 days in Fort Laud. and 3 days in Miami, pref. SoBe, and that they would be renting a car. He said their budget for hotels was $99 - $150 and would prefer something on the beach. Hope that helps to narrow it down a little. Thanks.

mclaurie

I can't help you with hotel specifics but I can comment on areas. Splitting the time between Ft. Lauderdale & South Beach makes no sense (to me anyway). They're relatively close. Have they checked a map? If they've got a car they can stay in one & easily visit the other. The keys is another matter. If they want a taste of the keys, they'd be better off spending a few days in either Fll or Sobe & then moving to tne keys. There is a big distance from the lst Key (Key Biscayne) & the last Key West.

Barb

Anyone have recommendations for hotels in Ft. Laud.? On the beach - around $100.

diann

Last summer my husband and I stayed in FLL--Late May. Prices drop considerably at that time. We stayed in 2 places. One was the Sheraton Yankee Clipper. It was right on the beach. It is somewhat dated, but it was clean and location was very good. At any rate it does sit on the beach, not across the street from the beach. We also stayed at a place which was owned by a best Western called Pelican Beach Resort. (pelicanbeach.com) It was $69.00 a night. It was located on a lovely stretch of beach. The staff was very nice, no parking charges, and a very nice continental breakfast was included. The Sheraton does charge for parking, we had them waived. The price was $89.00 a night. The Mariott Beach hotel is next door. It is nicer than the other 2, it was $120.00 a night. Then there is the parking on top of it. Prices may have gone up from last year. I dont know. They would need a car. Hotels in FLL are not far from the airport. We loved FLL and enjoyed our time there. The beach has a nice breeze, the water was great. I can't help with SoBe. Sorry. I hope this helps.

Postal

Key Biscayne is not considered one of the Florida Keys. They stretch from Key Largo at mile marker 110 to Key West at mile marker 0.

I would suggest your son use Hotwire or even Priceline because there's no way he'll get something on the beach for that price with regular rates.

I agree that it makes no sense to stay in Fort Lauderdale and South Beach. He should pick one or the other and then spend a few days in the Keys, which vary greatly from one end to the other.

mclaurie

Barb, try looking a the website www.roomsaver.com I have no personal experience with them but there are lots of Ft. Lauderdale hotels listed there with photos, maps & prices. They should have no problem getting a room in June for $100 based on a quick look at this site. The Pelican Beach that Diann mentioned is listed. Postal, the prices really drop in June & you're right about Key Biscayne.

missjanna

I have been to all 3 places last year and also planning a trip to the Ft. Lauderdale / Miami area this June, so hope this info helps as I am somewhat of a research queen.
If they are not too picky about hotels in Ft. Lauderdale, I would say stay at either the Ocean Manor which is right on the beach or even check out the Travelodge, which I stayed at last year and found to be clean, and very cheap ($44 the first night, $22 the second!) and I believe the Ocean Manor can be found for about $75-85 on Quikbook.com. Ft. Lauderdale is about an hour's drive to SoBe and then the Keys is about a 3 hour drive from there. Beware some of the cheaper hotels in SoBe, I have been checking reviews and I'm getting horrifying stories!! As for Key West, if they choose to stay in a hotel there for one night, have them try the northern part of the island, as they will be a better value.

Barb

Thank you all for the great info and I will pass it along to my son.

BrendaR

We are going to Ft. Lauderdale later this month and staying at the Doubletree Suites - Galleria location. It is about 2 blocks off the beach, but it is on the Intracoastal so at least we'll have a pretty view. They do, however, have a beachfront property that might be in their price range. Here are some websites that helped me in planning my trip: www.ftlchamber.com www.lbts.com www.watertaxi.com www.sunny.org www.hotels.com

Brenda

jd

Brenda, We have stayed here and enjoyed it very much. Just wanted to warn you that there is alot of construction there now as they are redoing the Galleria Mall next door. You may want to request a room overlooking the canal,but on the end furthest away from the Mall.