Fort Lauderdale Questions

[JennsBabySky]

I'll preface this by saying that I am a compulsive planner, so I am trying to minimize any uncertainty. I am planning to cruise on the September 12 Wonder. Since we're flying in on September 11, we were planning on renting a car and driving to the port, then staying that night. If DCL is still docking in Fort Lauderdale, then I want to rent a car on Saturday with a one way rental to Fort Lauderdale and stay the night there. Unfortunately, I don't have any idea where the port is in Fort Lauderdale. From what I can gather, Fort Lauderdale is a rather large city.


Can anyone suggest a couple hotels close to the port? Also, does anyone know which rental locations are closest to the port (for a one way drop off). Thanks to Dave's wonderful site, I have already researched this for our "regular" cruise, but I don't know where to turn if there is a modified location.

Thank you for any help,
Jennifer

 

[videogal1]

Originally posted by JennsBabySky
. Since we're flying in on September 11, we were planning on renting a car and driving to the port, then staying that night. If DCL is still docking in Fort Lauderdale, then I want to rent a car on Saturday with a one way rental to Fort Lauderdale and stay the night there. Unfortunately, I don't have any idea where the port is in Fort Lauderdale. From what I can gather, Fort Lauderdale is a rather large city.


Can anyone suggest a couple hotels close to the port? Also, does anyone know which rental locations are closest to the port (for a one way drop off).
Jennifer

I have signed on for a Holland America Service Dog training cruise in November that leaves out of Fort Lauderdale. I will be staying the night before the cruise at the Amerisuites, 17th street, which has a shuttle to and from the port. They have a very informative website that allows you to book on-line. I also considered the Comfort Suites, which, according to their website, also has a shuttle but I changed to Amerisuites when I found that the shuttle drivers at the Comfort Suites, in violation of the ADA, have refused to pick up people with Service Dogs.

 

[MBFergie]

The port and the Ft. Lauderdale airport are within 1-2 miles of each other. You can use any of the airport rentals. If I was coming for a quick trip down here I would consider the following nice hotels by beach:
Marriott Hotel and Marina (954) 463-4000
Embassy Suites (954) 527-2700
Marriott Harbour Beach $$$ (954) 525-4000
There are a ton of beach hotels that would be within a 15 minute drive to port.

hotels about 15 minutes away
Baymont Inn 954-846-1200
Crown Plaza (across street from outlet mall) 954-855-1020
Amerisuites 954-370-2020
Wellsley Inn 954-473-4287
(these would be in the Plantation area-it's a hop to I-595 and that road dead ends into Port Everglades)

There is also a new Hard Rock Hotel that would be fun! I heard the pool is really nice!!

I've grown up in the Plantation/Davie area so very familiar with whats to do if you have any more ??.

 

[CPM]

The nicest hotel is the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood. A quick, easy drive up A1A to the Port.
http://www.westin/diplomat.com

 

[TheWog]

If you bid for a 3* hotel in FLL you will get either Embassy Suites or Marriot Marina both within site of the port for about $55 - $75 per night. There is also the Rennaisance and Hyatt Pier 66 right near by. My understanding is the port is not far from I-95.

 

[JennsBabySky]

Thank you all for your wonderful replies. I really appreciate everyone's quick response.

MBFergie: Since you offered, do you have any restaurant suggestions? My b-day is actually on Saturday, so if we are not too tired after flying from LA, followed by driving to the port (if we are moved to Fort Lauderdale), then I am hoping to still have my b-day dinner

Thank you,
Jennifer