We'd like to spend a couple of nights in Florida mid April 2005. We'll dock in Ft. Lauderdale. Not sure where might be best to spend those 2 nights. Some possibilities we're considering include:
Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando, Naples.

We're open to suggestions. We're a couple in our late 50s, we love traveling in the Caribbean and like upscale type things. Wondered how Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal and touring that might be.

I've heard Miami is like little Cuba - not sure we want that.

Have relatives in Naples, so that's a possibility -- what to see/do there?

Or should we just stay in the Ft. Lauderdale area and enjoy some stuff there. If so, what hotel would be best for that timeframe and would not break the bank?

Please help with ideas so we can come up with a fun/romantic ending to our cruise.

Thanks for everything.

Lois

Lois, Miami is such a diverse city that it would be impossible to stereotype it in one fell swoop.

There is a Little Havana in Miami but that is one small area.

I love so much about Miami.

Ft. Lauderdale is also a great town.

What are your interests?

Do you want a resort or are you more into action and adventure?

Do you want to shop?

Fine dining?

Arts?

What is your budget per night? April is peak time for South Florida and no where is cheap.

We love beautiful beaches, we love fine dining, like browsing through interesting shops, like fun things to do(that's why I mentioned Orlando)-- thought Portofino Bay hotel might be nice. Just not sure at this point that's why I thought I'd see what the majority say.

Captiva or sanibel ? both wonderful relaxing places with shops and beaches and restaurants

Portofino Bay Hotel is gorgeous and gives first class service. They also have a wonderful spa. The Universal Parks are great fun and you get express access to most attractions by staying on site. No long lines for on-site visitors. City Walk at Universal provides restaurants, shops, and entertainment also. We're heading off the Universal next week!

Lois- If you're in your 50's and like upscale things, you might want to stay away from an amusement park (universal) ...Instead, consider beachfront in Naples at the Ritz-Carlton or South Beach at the Loews. Both offer high end shopping, meals and more of what you may be looking for. Naples is a 3 plus hour drive across the state and South Beach is less than an hour... for a two day stay, I would take South Beach!!!

Stay in Ft. Lauderdale, get a suite at Hyatt Pier 66 on the Intracoastal.

Dinner one night at Mark's Las Olas, and another night go to Miami and have Stone Crabs at Joe's, so you can say you've been there.

I'm in my 50's and like upscale places. I'm also a kid at heart and enjoy the Universal Parks. Portofino Bay is a Loews hotel and is wonderful. I also enjoy Fort Lauderdale and Naples.