free2b4862

Taking a cruise next April from Fort Lauderdale, and would like to stay 3 nights pre-cruise either in Fort Lauderdale or Miami area. April looks like it's PEAK season with whopping hotel rates to match! The nicer Miami Beach hotels rates are insane.

I like "nicer" resort type of hotels preferably with nice pools and nice locations with a view, over "luxury" business hotels. We did stay one year at Mandarin Oriental pre cruise, it was lovely, but the location was definitely more of a business location and there was no beach and had a very tiny pool.

Has anyone stayed at any of these hotels: Hilton Beach Hotel, the Harbor Beach Marriott, Westin Beach Hotel , or Ritz Carlton in Fort Lauderdale? All about the same rate (the Ritz higher), pretty close to pier..
Any other hotel suggestions greatly appreciated. Thank you...

montereybob

I have stayed at the HB Marriott and would highly recommend it. It's right on a wonderful beach and has a great pool. It is a nice resort hotel. The Ritz is more business like and is across the street from the beach and more expensive. I would pick the Marriott between the two. The others I'm not familiar with.

free2b4862

thanks montereybob. I went ahead and booked a package deal at the HB Marriott, not cheap, but will keep checking for lower rates closer to my travel dates.

Frank

We stayed at the Courtyard pre-cruise, obviously a different class of hotel, but everything was recently renovated. You can't beat the location, right on the beach with wonderful views in all directions. The rate included breakfast, 2 free drinks at the poolside bar and free transport to the cruise port. It ran us about $265 per night, (tax included) in February, height of the season. We've also stayed at the Riverside for a similar price but preferred the Courtyard.

free2b4862

Frank-I did see the Courtyard while checking rates, and it looks really nice! I like the location and that the rooms were recently updated. The rate is now $279 for that same package (non ocean view room). Will keep this on my list. I like that I can earn Marriott rewards at both these hotels, a program I frequently use. However, Ritz Carltons, which are also part of the Marriott group, you CAN'T earn Marriott rewards, which is a real bummer.

montereybob

I have also stayed at the Courtyard. We really enjoyed it. It's a great lower priced alternative to the HB Marriott which is much more upscale than the Courtyard but I am no longer willing to pay the high prices there. 3 years ago, we were able to get rooms at the HB Marriott in the $200 range, but since their expensive remodeling, they have dramatically raised the rates.