Hello,
For those of you who have stayed in FL hotel thru Priceline; what did info. did you select to get a hotel close to the port?
is it downtown, airport, beach area? if so did you put in 2 or 3 star? Would like a hotel that offers airport shuttle and to the port.
We are crusing Aug. 28th on Caribbean Princess and would like to stay for 2 nights pre-cruise.
Thank you in advance.

I live in Ft. Lauderdale and would recommend the following hotels in this order.

1. Marriott Harbor Beach
2. Renaissance Hotel
3. Marriott Marina
4. Hyatt Pier 66
5. Embassy Suites

In the immediate area there are many other hotels. But if you're taking a Princess cruise, I can't think of a better to begin your vacation. Strongly recommend the Marriott Harbor Beach.

Good Luck

If you want a hotel close to the port with shuttle service, the better bet is to book one directly.

With Priceline, you'll save a lot, which may or may not overcome location and transportation expense issues. Especially if you wish to arrive early for some seeing and doing without a car.

Study the hotel reviews for that "area" of Priceline on www.biddingfortravel.com and peruse recent winning bids for your dates.

You may find that what you'd pay/save with Priceline isn't really what you have in mind.

Sometimes, it's better to pay the extra. So, do consider "baesue" recommendations.

I always use Priceline for FLL - if you choose the downtown zone and 3 stars, you will either receive Embassy Suites or Marriott Mariana. 4 stars is Renaissance.

I also encourage you to look at www.biddingfortravel.com or www.biddingfun.com. Biddingfun is aimed at cruise ship passengers.

I wouldn't worry about the shuttle from airport to port - it is a $5-10 cab ride at most.

Definitely check Biddingfortravel.com prior to placing bids.

Previous posters have made great recommendations for hotels. My choices would be

1) Marriott Harbor Beach (Beach/Resort)
2) Hyatt Pier 66 (Beach/4*)
3) Marina Marriott or Embassy Suite
(Downtown/3*)
-or-
Renaissance (Downtown/4*)

If you wait until Winter/Spring rates are near the end, you'll probably get one of these hotels for a really good rate. I'd check BFT listings from last year to see when the rates seem to be the best. Hotel rooms are plentiful in August because it's the height of the hot/humid season. Be patient and it will pay off.

To give you an idea of what you can get through PCLN, I got Downtown 3* in November for one night during the week for $45 and we got a better room upon arrival at no extra charge. The room I ended up with would have cost $175 or more had I booked through Marriott.

Thank you all for your kind replies.
Will check prices calling directly if not thru Priceline.
thanks.

We got the Marriott Hotel and Marina for $65 pp. I am quite happy with that since we are sailing on school vacation in the North east.