Hello

I am considering a cruise out of Port Everglades this upcoming winter. The way the timing works, it looks like I could have a full day (two nights) in Fort Lauderdale before I return home. I'll rent bikes, take cabs as needed, take the bus armed with schedules, and the water taxi system actually sounds like fun, but can't rent a car. I don't expect to be able to do the things automobile-driving folks can. Ideally, I'd love to not break the bank with a pricey hotel (the more under $200/night while remaining halfway decent, the better), be able to take a stroll on the beach (even bike if there are paths!), try a water taxi and thereby see the Intracoastal waterway. If this won't work, just having one or two decent restaurants within walking distance of my hotel will do. So in what general vicinit(ies) could I base myself?

I've read the "Las Olas Riverfront" area has some walking paths, but I notice on Trip Advisor more hotels and restaurants near where Las Olas hits the Atlantic Blvd.

Also, roughly how much for a cab to Port Everglades to let's say Las Olas/Atlantic Blvd.?

Thanks in advance! Daniel

Just you? Bid Priceline 3 star downtown. Usually you get the Hyatt Place on 17th Street Causeway, short walk to the water taxi and a good location. But this last time I bid, I got the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas -- even better for a carless location. Those seem to be the only two three stars that come up on there. In winter it may be about $90 or so, this week I got it for $50.

Can't help you with cab prices and I think they're kind of far and few between except they do cruise the beach and Las Olas.

I agree with your Las Olas plan. You will enjoy the sidewalk cafes and shops in the evenings.

You are close enough to reach the beach on bike or on foot.

NeoPatrick's guidance is always solid. I can't improve.

Neopatrick, stumpworks73, thank you!

I would recommend the Marriott Courtyard at the beach. You can walk to several restaurants, shops, and to the beach. It has more reasonable rates than other beach hotels and it's pretty nice. You won't need a car there. Taxi ride (including tip) to port is about $20-25.

Thanks montereybob

$20-$25 is quite reasonable. I like all these places as they seem close to the water taxi, which seems an enjoyable way of getting around in itself along the Intracoastal Waterway. I'm tempted to do the entire water taxi circuit as an activity (since one can only buy a day pass anyway it seems and not individual tickets), although wonder if they have issues often with filling to capacity during the holiday season. Biking sounds like fun too given the flatness of the area!

From Las Olas in the area of the Riverfront there's a free shuttle that goes to the beach. I don't know if it's funded by the restaurants on the beach or is public but I've seen it running back and forth.

There are several restaurants near the Riverfront hotel that are good and in different price ranges.

Thank you Myer for the heads-up on that free shuttle! I'm thinking that wherever I stay, I want to aim relatively close to Las Olas Blvd, what with water taxi AND shuttle.

And for a nice meal on Las Olas, try Johnnie V's

Neopatrick,

I tried Priceline (for the first time ever incidentally) using your suggested criteria for the night of Dec. 29th and ended up with Hyatt Place for $100 (tried $80 but failed). I was a little worried when it said "Airport", but even though it says "Airport", it IS the one by the 17th Street Causeway. Thank you for steering me to go against my usual instincts and attempt a bidding site; it seems to have worked out. It'll be mostly just a place to crash for the night, as I'm off to the Bahamas the next day but I look forward to exploring what I can of the vicinity on foot (and hopefully find somewhere not too far away to eat for supper).

Best wishes to you and thanks again to ALL for advising!

Daniel

You'll be in a good area close to everything so I wouldn't worry, there's good transportation down there so it'll be fine. Try Las Olas and Riverfront and Coco Walk on Ft.Laud beach for fun places to shop, eat, and anyuthing else you'd want!