Girls Weekend, Marriott Harbour Beach???
 

In reference to my earlier post regarding my plans for Girls Getaway, I am leaning towards Marriott Beach Harbour in Fort Lauderdale, however, just how expensive is this place??? I have checked many sources for a package deal with air, and so far for 3 nights with air from Philly I am getting $550.00 or less. I having been reading many reviews about this resort hotel, and although they have all been positive, one thing I did notice was how expensive it is to stay and dine. Is it really that expensive. I don't want my group to be shocked by the prices. I am trying to keep this trip at a moderate cost. I have looked at many hotels in the area, and Marriott Beach Harbour has all that I am looking for. The place looks fabulous, and since we will not have a car, I have been reading that many shopping and nightlife are within walking distance or a short cab/water taxi ride. We will probably do most of our dining offsite, except for breakfast, but you never know.

Thanks for all suggestions.

I didn't see your earlier post but I have hosted a "Girls Weekends" that included the Marriott Harbor Beach. We did not stay there but we went to the spa which is great (a bit pricey but great.) We went to lunch at the pool in the hotel and I wasn't impresed-very expensive, pretty lackluster. It is a huge complex and pretty impersonal. I would think you would be walking a good bit to get to the beach. And the Ft. Lauderdale beach restaurants are at least a mile away. Have you considered staying in Lauderdale by the Sea? The beach hotels (like the Tides Inn) are very nicely priced (especially off season) and right on the sand. Not fancy but fun. You don't need a car-town has a few restaurants & shops. Taxi fare to the Harbor Beach Marriott is $17 (it is about 5 miles away as is Las Olas Blvd.) and the taxis take 5 persons. The water taxi pick-up spot is about 2 miles away. With all the money you save by skipping the Marriott you could really do up the town. Just an idea..

I agree w/mariasch. We did a girls weekend in FLL in March. We stayed in a friend's timeshare condo xchange on Hollywood Beach(definitely not fancy), but we spent a full day at the Diplomat Spa & Country Club in Hallandale Beach. It is a beautiful, new facility.

If you get a spa treatment there, you can spend all day using their spa facilities. We went early and sat around at the private spa pool, ordered lunch poolside, used the jacuzzi, saunas, etc. before our late-afternoon massages.

You could also check travelzoo.com or luxurylink.com to see if anyone is running specials for your time frame.

I think the Marriott is a great choice-we stayed there last year and had a great time. The property is beautiful, there is a great pool, and the beach is one of the best. You are within an easy walk to the water taxi. Rooms are typical Marriott-nothing special, but nice enough. Starbucks in the lobby. The breakfast buffet was good and average priced. We didn't eat dinner there, but the restaurant gets good reviews. Call the hotel and ask if they are having any specials. We got an oceanfront room for $219/nt. last year(in May).

www.lagomar.com

Pelican Beach Resort

Both are perfect for a "Girls Weekend". You can "cab it" to retaurants/bars (Like Charlie's Crab on the Intracoastal) Also, a short cab ride to Galleria Shopping Mall.

Lago Mar has 2 good pools. And, a very nice restaurant where you can dine "poolside".
Pelican has an ok pool & a fun "lazy river".
Both are right on the beach.

I don't know how much the Royal Sonesta is, but it would be a great location for a girls weekend.