Best Starwood hotel in Fort Lauderdale for pre-cruise stay?
#1
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Best Starwood hotel in Fort Lauderdale for pre-cruise stay?
Setting up a points stay (free night) for parents in Fort Lauderdale before their cruise departs. What hotel is the best to stay at for a day? They have plenty of points. They are in their 60's, like quiet places, enjoy a nice view and maybe restaurants/shopping if nearby. Been debating on the Westin (but it's not beachfront since there's a road in between it and the beach), maybe the soon to reopen Sheraton (used to be Yankee Trader), but it looks retro (not their thing), and the W which is too disco looking. I realize it's only one night, but I like to choose hotels as if I were the one going and therefore I plan fanatically to try to avoid disappointments. Any suggestions on location/resort/hotel styles.
The other option is to use Marriott points, although they don't have as many of those, so a 5 star Marriott probably won't work for a free stay.
The other option is to use Marriott points, although they don't have as many of those, so a 5 star Marriott probably won't work for a free stay.
#2
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Have you checked the master threads?? There is a ton of information in those threads. I hope that helps.
#3
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I think the Westin Diplomat might be a great fit. I stayed there last year before a cruise- right on the beach, nice rooms, higher end family oriented resort. Nice steakhouse/bar on site. While in Hollywood- its not a long drive to the port. Not sure if your parents have SPG status, but they are very generous at this hotel. I'd read the master thread for more details.
#4
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Will your parents be renting a car, or taking a taxi from airport to hotel, then hotel to Port Everglades?
Also (since dates were not provided in the OP) be aware that many FLL-area hotels will be heavily committed to the Super Bowl during the first weekend in February. The Westin is the NFL headquarters hotel, and the W is sure to be impacted as well. Also, don't be surprised if one of the teams stays at the Diplomat (they have hosted many NFL and college teams in the past).
Also (since dates were not provided in the OP) be aware that many FLL-area hotels will be heavily committed to the Super Bowl during the first weekend in February. The Westin is the NFL headquarters hotel, and the W is sure to be impacted as well. Also, don't be surprised if one of the teams stays at the Diplomat (they have hosted many NFL and college teams in the past).
#5
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The Westin on the beach is nice. Parking is expensive though, $30. Not sure if they are renting a car. It is newly renovated. Shula's is in the hotel. Nice pool and view. They have a bridge over to the beach, with an elevator, so no stairs or crossing the street. Not much within walking distance. Make sure they get the main tower. It is a walk to the second tower.
The Marriott Beach Club is a time share and not so friendly to one night stays. Check in is strictly 4pm, no late check out, checking in is a pain. No club level.
What about the Hilton on the beach? It is an awesome property. All rooms have an ocean view. Wonderful staff. Great food.
The Marriott Beach Club is a time share and not so friendly to one night stays. Check in is strictly 4pm, no late check out, checking in is a pain. No club level.
What about the Hilton on the beach? It is an awesome property. All rooms have an ocean view. Wonderful staff. Great food.
#6
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Sorry, I didn't mention the date of April 8 (after Easter).
No they will not be renting a car, but relying on taxi from airport to hotel and then to port the next day. A Starwood property within easy walking distance to catch a water taxi would be convenient if they want to explore the intercoastal waterway and stop at restaurants and shops.
#7
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Churnman,
I apologize that I am unable to provide some positive information, but I do need to say that mr. ladysheri & I just completed a stay at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port and were not very happy. Hotel rooms are a little shabby, ours smelled moldy, nowhere other than the hotel restaurant for eating, and housekeeping walked in on us even with a Do Not Disturb sign out. I got the impression that this hotel did so much "transient" business that they did not care about their customers. Will not stay there again.
S
I apologize that I am unable to provide some positive information, but I do need to say that mr. ladysheri & I just completed a stay at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port and were not very happy. Hotel rooms are a little shabby, ours smelled moldy, nowhere other than the hotel restaurant for eating, and housekeeping walked in on us even with a Do Not Disturb sign out. I got the impression that this hotel did so much "transient" business that they did not care about their customers. Will not stay there again.
S
#8
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Thank you ladysheri for your insight. That's one hotel I never considered as I also understood it as a dud. Sorry you had an unpleasant stay. Also, thank you to others that are responding. Any tips are appreciated.
#9
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Yes, checked the master threads, but looking for comparison's in this new thread and not just individual hotel information from individual hotel dedicated threads. Those have been helpful, but still not satisfied.
Sorry, I didn't mention the date of April 8 (after Easter).
No they will not be renting a car, but relying on taxi from airport to hotel and then to port the next day. A Starwood property within easy walking distance to catch a water taxi would be convenient if they want to explore the intercoastal waterway and stop at restaurants and shops.
Sorry, I didn't mention the date of April 8 (after Easter).
No they will not be renting a car, but relying on taxi from airport to hotel and then to port the next day. A Starwood property within easy walking distance to catch a water taxi would be convenient if they want to explore the intercoastal waterway and stop at restaurants and shops.
Fort Lauderdale: which hotel? [Master Thread]
#10
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But from an SPG perspective, I would agree with most others that the Diplomat is probably where I would try and stay.
#11
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Based on your details - specifically that they're not renting a car - want to be close to water taxi.
My recommendations would be as follows:
SPG - 1st Sheraton (Yankee Clipper) very near a water taxi stop and not very far from Port Everglades - 2nd W a few blocks from water taxi furthest away from Port Everglades - 3rd Westin a couple of blocks further from water taxi. Note all of these properties are not directly on the beach with a road between property and beach.
Hyatt Pier 66 - right at a water taxi stop - closest to Port Everglades - not one of your preferred chains - not on beach.
Marriott Harbor Beach - right on the beach - but not really near Port Everglades or water taxi.
My recommendations would be as follows:
SPG - 1st Sheraton (Yankee Clipper) very near a water taxi stop and not very far from Port Everglades - 2nd W a few blocks from water taxi furthest away from Port Everglades - 3rd Westin a couple of blocks further from water taxi. Note all of these properties are not directly on the beach with a road between property and beach.
Hyatt Pier 66 - right at a water taxi stop - closest to Port Everglades - not one of your preferred chains - not on beach.
Marriott Harbor Beach - right on the beach - but not really near Port Everglades or water taxi.
#12
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This thread wasn't helpful?
Fort Lauderdale: which hotel? [Master Thread]
Fort Lauderdale: which hotel? [Master Thread]
#13
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Based on your details - specifically that they're not renting a car - want to be close to water taxi.
My recommendations would be as follows:
SPG - 1st Sheraton (Yankee Clipper) very near a water taxi stop and not very far from Port Everglades - 2nd W a few blocks from water taxi furthest away from Port Everglades - 3rd Westin a couple of blocks further from water taxi. Note all of these properties are not directly on the beach with a road between property and beach.
Hyatt Pier 66 - right at a water taxi stop - closest to Port Everglades - not one of your preferred chains - not on beach.
Marriott Harbor Beach - right on the beach - but not really near Port Everglades or water taxi.
My recommendations would be as follows:
SPG - 1st Sheraton (Yankee Clipper) very near a water taxi stop and not very far from Port Everglades - 2nd W a few blocks from water taxi furthest away from Port Everglades - 3rd Westin a couple of blocks further from water taxi. Note all of these properties are not directly on the beach with a road between property and beach.
Hyatt Pier 66 - right at a water taxi stop - closest to Port Everglades - not one of your preferred chains - not on beach.
Marriott Harbor Beach - right on the beach - but not really near Port Everglades or water taxi.
I'm leaning toward the soon to be reopened Sheraton (Yankee) since you say it's closer to a water taxi stop. I thought the Yankee was directly on the beach, at least according to the photos I've seen and the satellite map image?
The Diplomat (15 minutes south of the airport) looks great and they would love it, but the reported taxi costs one way is between $60 and $80!! If that is true, I don't think they'll think it's worth it. That's why I'm trying to find something closer to the airport and port to lower the taxi costs.
Last edited by Churnman; Nov 17, 2009 at 2:21 pm
#14
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Best regards,
William R. Sanders
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Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
#15
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It was directly on the beach when I was in Ft Lauderdale last April. I can't imagine that the renovation called for actually moving it as well.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]