Kiddo

My husband and I are booked on the new Caribbean Princess departing from Fort Lauderdale in May. We will be driving from Ontario as our plans also include some post-cruise time in Naples. We plan to stay in Fort Lauderdale the night before departure and I read that there are some hotels that include complimentary parking while you?re on the cruise. The ones that I?ve seen mentioned are the La Quinta Inn, Amerisuites and Springhill Suites. Can anyone provide me with information on these hotels? Specifically are they located in a good area or should we use the parking lot at the Pier?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks.

bjboothman

We stayed at the Amerisuites 17th Street last summer (about $69, but I believe it may be as high as $99 at some times). The hotel was just fine. It's not a Ritz Carlton, but for $69, it was just fine. Yes, they did have free parking for cruisers and also provide free shuttle service to the pier in the morning (though you "may" have to take a taxi back to the hotel to pick up your car after the cruise -- I'm not sure, we were heading to the airport). It was in a perfectly decent neighborhood. There is also an Embassy Suites nearby which I believe has free parking - call them to be sure. I don't know about the other two hotels you mentioned.

maryann

The Springhill has a microwave,refrig type kitchen and living room and bedroom type of suite-more for the money.

If, you don't want to wait for the shuttle-it's $20+ back to your hotel. The other hotels are closer but the SS is bigger rooms and b'fast, too.

We never wait for the hotel shuttle getting back-takes too long.

And if you are going to Naples, then you are closer to the hiways.

Kiddo

Thanks very much Bjboothman and Maryann for your replies. While the Springhill Suites sounds nicer, we'll only be in Ft. Lauderdale one night so I'm sure Amerisuites will fit the bill. Although I will check out Embassy Suites to compare prices.

Thanks again.

Seaside8

Book Amerisuites thru ValueTrips.com or Priceline also has several options. Go to cruisecritic.com and read under the hotel section. There is lots of good info there.