Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale-Plantation - No frills, but clean & comfortable
Introduction I spent one night at this hotel in March 2022, before embarking on a cruise from Port Everglades. I picked this hotel because my cruise companion and I prefer to stay in this area (versus closer to the Ft. Lauderdale beaches and Las Olas core), have had a previous favorable experience with this hotel, and wanted an option with two beds (and free breakfast) towards which I could use an expiring Chase free night credit. I had originally booked a different hotel in the area, but IHG cancelled my reservation two weeks before our stay, so we were able to book this one with my FNC with relatively short notice. Check In The check in process was quick and easy. My reservation was on file as expected, and I was given my IHG Platinum status welcome bonus without having to ask. Room Room 414 offered no frills, but it was clean, spacious, and comfortable. An older hotel, it does have a somewhat dated feel, but the room was well-maintained. While the cheap sheets were a bit stiff and scratchy, I found the bedding quite comfortable and had a good night's sleep. The view from this room did leave something to be desired, but it was fine for one night. Bathroom The bathroom was about what you'd expect from a Holiday Inn Express. While it was not fancy, everything was very clean, and the shower had very good water pressure. The towels were thin and cheap, but clean and servicable. Dining Free breakfast was offered in the morning. While I am picky and did not partake, my less discerning companion was satisfied with the offerings. YMMV. Location This hotel is outside of the core area of Ft. Lauderdale, so it is removed from the nightlife, beaches, and dining that may attract you to the area. There are options for dining and shopping nearby, but much of what you will find in this location are larger chains. That said, we had dinner just down University at Broward Mall at a non-chain restaurant, so it is possible to find some interesting options in the vicinity with research. Within a block of this hotel are a Walgreen's, Publix, Starbucks, and other stores/restaurants. The area is not particularly walkable, however, so having a car is recommended. For pre-cruise usage, it took us a leisurely 30 minutes on surface streets to get to one of the parking lots just outside of Port Everglades. Overall This kind of place is very YMMV; it is a Holiday Inn Express, after all, so if you need luxurious accommodations, you won't find them here. Also, it may not be suitable for someone who wants to be in the thick of Ft. Lauderdale nightlife and culture. However, with appropriate expectations set I had a very positive experience and would not hesitate to spend a night here again.