Anyone have recommendations for a hotel? I'm flying into Ft Lauderdale for an overnight stay, then taking a cruise the following day from Miami?

Hi Travelottie,

I am cruising next month and have booked the Comfort Inn located on Stirling Rd. I have stayed there before about 4 years ago. They offer free shuttle service from FLL airport to the hotel and the next day they will take you to the cruise port for free as well. I found the most inexpensive way to book it was directly from the Comfort Inn website. Our rate for late March is $137.00. Make sure you book the Comfort Inn located on Stirling Road and not the other one. Good Luck!

My family and i stayed at Courtyard by Marriott Airport and Cruise. It was a excellent choice. Free Transport from Airport to hotel. The staff were fantastic and the room included breakfast and a ride to the cruiseport.

zanyzd:
I have been considering the Comfort Inn that you mentioned.

My rate in Oct. is $84. (AAA rate).

Can you report back here after your stay and let us know how it was? If you could....look around for stores and restaurants within walking distance.

Thanks!

We just stayed at the La Quinta airport in FLL for our Miami cruise. Really nice hotel, shuttles from airport and to ships (in FLL). Walking distance to TGI Friday's, Sweet Tomatoes and a few other places. Nice little pool....sits on a small body of water, super clean and a decent continental type breakfast.I don't know if you're taking the shuttle from the airport to Miami, but that would be a good choice for you.

Hi Travelottie,

Yes, I will definitely report back and let you know how our stay was. You got a great rate, I think mine was higher because were going around the spring break time. I'll keep in touch!

We like the Riverside on Las Olas for location and convenience. It's a great part of town with lots to do.

I use Priceline when I am looking for a place to sleep only, without looking for overall ambiance.

zanyzd, the area you are staying in is pretty lousy.

Also, no FLL hotel will provide free transfers to the POM.

travelottie, can you stay in Miami? The cruise port hotels there, The Hyatt, Intercontinental, and Holiday Inn are all within view of the Port of Miami.

From what I read, they were flying into FLL that night, then sailing next day. That's why I suggested a hotel with free airport shuttle, so they can shuttle back to the airport and catch a bus to the port.

Thank you all.

LLindaC - Yes, we planned on an overnight in FLL, using the airport shuttle the next day, to connect with cruise transport to POM. A travel agent has suggested Ramada Airport Hotel.

Go Travel - Maybe I'll look into a Miami Hotel. Do they ususlly have shuttle service to POM?

We've stayed at that Comfort Inn Airport/Cruiseport South on Stirling Road in FLL several times in the past few months. My preference would be the Hampton Inn right next door, simply because it's a bit nicer and has hard-wired connections in the rooms for my laptop vs a somewhat weak WiFi system at the Comfort Inn. But the Comfort Inn is fine for a pre-cruise overnight. From what I observed, shuttle services seemed efficient--we didn't use them and heard no complaints.

The Comfort Inn's poolside grill has great 'burgers and there are other places to eat within walking distance. If you want good Kosher food and have transportation, get directions to Deli Den--it's not far.

The location on Stirling Road isn't all that "bad"--I have a friend who lives not far from there and I will be staying there again in a month.

Linda Coffman
Author, Fodor's The Complete Guide to Caribbean Cruises
Co-author, Fodor's The Complete Guide to European Cruises

The Comfort Inn on Stirling Rd, was OK for the night, but they did not send the shuttle for us on our return from the cruise, despite phone calls. We waited over an hour until one came bringing passengers to the ship to start their cruise. Also the amount of smoking around the poolside was really bad. We moved several times to avoid being downwind of someone's smoke. We decided to go inside the pool bar and that was also thick with cigarette smoke, so, no smoke free area to have a drink.The pool area and bar is pleasant and relaxing, but not for the non-smoker.

If you are traveling early enough to get to Miami for the evening, you might want to consider the Intercontinental Miami. It is within a 1/4 mile of the cruise pier. But, if truth be told, unless you are into jewelry findings (as is my DW) or going to an event at the AA Center, there is not much you would want to do in the immediate neighborhood.