I really appreciate all your pre-trip help. LBTS was a very pleasant, laid back place to stay considering the busy and congested area that surrounds it!

My friend and I managed five days away from our husbands and sons to just lay back and de-stress. This was a great place to do it. We didn't bother with a car (except for one day), and it was nice to be able to walk (safely) to dinner and drinks and back to out hotel without feeling unsafe; and yet a few steps away is the very busy A1A.

It's been 20 years or so since I've been in the area, and I have to say Ft. Lauderdale has really grown up!!! I don't remember downtown with all the new, sleek, tall bank buildings. Then again, the last time I was there it was spring break and I was young and I probably don't remember a lot of things!!! We spent the day on Saturday visiting the outdoor art show on Los Olas Blvd., had lunch at the Cheesesteak Factory, and then took the CarrieB boat tour. The houses on the waterway were absolutely beautiful - not to mention the yachts. The Queen Mary 2 was docked in the port. Oh my God that boat is huge. We really enjoyed the day. Thanks, Heartburn, for the coupon!

GoTravel - I appreciate your recommendation for Captain's Quarters. It was a very decent, clean, no-frills hotel. The courtyard/pool area is VERY nice. I was happy to have the Clarion beach bar next door - they make a mean rum punch - and much cheaper than the drinks down at Aruba's! It was a bit noisy at night. I'm glad we didn't stay there. A little too much party crowd for me, but again, glad that pool bar was available.

Special note to GOTravel: However (yes, there is a complaint here), I reserved a room with two beds at Captain's Quarters. I was told that the only room available was a hotel room with two beds and a fridge and I immediately accepted it. I wrote it down, noted who I spoke to (the owner has a very heavy accent), and asked it I would receive a confirmation. I was told that wasn't necessary. I called to confirm two more times before the trip, the last time being the day before arrival(especially because we would be late arrivals after the office closed) and confirmed both times what type of room we would have. Well, we arrived at 11:00 p.m. to the smallest, most claustrophobic room (with ONE bed) I have every seen. My friend just gave me a look like "you've got to be kidding me!" The next morning we went downstairs to discuss our problem, and was given the royal runaround! The female half of the owner insisted that she is the only one who makes reservations and that I must not have told her I wanted two beds. Funny....I made the reservations with the male half. I'm not real hard to please, but I have to tell you, this room was claustrophobicly small! I wouldn't even want to be that close to my husband, let alone a female traveling companion! Well, they offered to move us to a double...but we had to move three times or stay in the original room. We opted to move three times (in five days) than stay where we were. I had the feeling that I was being given the shaft, and it was later verified by a long-time snowbird who stays there every year for a month or more. She asked me why we changed rooms, and when I told her she said "oh, that's not unusual...they do that all the time. I bet they didn't give you anything in writing." Oh well, I wasn't gonna let it get to me. After all, I went there to get away from stress, not to add to it. And honestly, compared to some of the dumps I saw, I'd say Captain's Quarter's was definitely a good choice despite my problems with it.

One night they closed off a block of El Mar Drive and had a live band with dancing and drinks. It was a great time.

The biggest downside of the trip was the one day we rented a car to do a little driving around and we went to the flea market. YIKES!!! Don't get me wrong...I'm pretty street smart and I've been to flea markets...but this place with just downright disgusting and scary. It's nothing like the brochures make it out to be. Oh well, we had quite a laugh once we got out of there.

By the way, we had two celebrity sightings. I walked past Marvin Hamlisch in the Buffalo airport, and stood next to Jackie Mason in Ft. Lauderdale! OK, it's not as exciting as Brad and Jennifer, but still..... I saw two entertainment classics!!!

Well, we're going to have highs in the whopping 40's this week here in Buffalo. That's not bad for March!Sorry to ramble....once again, thanks for all your help.

Buffalo, I'm so very sorry you had such a bad run around! We've stayed there probably four times and have never had a problem.

We do stay in LBTS during off season so that may be the reason. I've never met the owners, just the very busybody manager.

Glad you enjoyed the other parts of the vacation. They do keep Captain's Quarters clean which is important for a older mom and pop motel.

Thanks GoTravel. We were there at a very busy time of year. I'm sure that had something to do with it. I really can see why you recommend it. I would definitely stay there again - but in the off season. Thanks, again for your help.

BuffaloGirl, you are more than welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed the Las Olas Art Fair and the Carrie B cruise. I checked out the Carrie B website and they only offer a minor discount ($2-$3 off) so I'm glad I mailed you the coupon.

Sorry about your accommodations, but I'm glad the Capt's Quarters were clean.

As far as the Swap Shop/Flea Market, I agree with you. I never really liked the place and only go if a friend wants company (thank goodness it's not often!) Some people love to look hard for a bargain, but not me. I'd rather go to Sawgrass Mills Mall in the western part of Sunrise.

All in all, it sounds like you had a great time!