Fort Lauderdale Vacation Help

[themacfive]

My husband and I are taking advantage of a SWA refund credit from our family's April Disney vacation. We are planning a 4-day get-a-away ALONE!
Our credit must be used by the end of January, so we've decided to go to Fort Lauderdale since that's the furthest SWA flies in Florida and we figured it would be the best chance of warm weather. Problem is, we're not familiar with the area at all. As a Disney Veteran, having been 12 times in the past 15 years, I am used to knowing all the ins and outs of planning. I'd appreciate any and all advice as to where and what to avoid on this little vacation. My husband and I are counting on nice weather, being from MA it will still be warmer there! We'd like to stay on the beach (does anyone know the name of the main street along the beach?) within walking distance to the main hotspots/bars/restaurants/touristy areas. Any ideas? We're not looking for fancy, just clean, convenient and location. Thanks!

Kris

 

[frannn]

check out my company's gallery on Las Olas Blvd in Ft Lauderdale. They sell animation art from Disney, Warner Bros, Fox, etc. Even of you don't purchase anything, it's cool to look at if you're in that area anyway. It's American Royal Arts. Don't know if this will help at all, but I'll be going to FL in early Dec, and have booked the Ramada in Deerfield Beach. I think it is between Boca and Ft Lauderdale, and has a Denny's in the pkg lot. It is 58/night. Can't vouch for the cleanliness yet, though. If you're interested, I can post when I get back. I believe La Quinta is only 40+/night (also free breakfast).

 

[Muushka]

I am more bumping this for you than trying to answer your question.

I hope you have a great getaway!

Great, someone else helped you!

 

[princessmurdough]

The beachside road is A1Aand there are a number of hotels along there - there is a BRANDNEW Best Western that is opening right next to an existing one, slightly north of Sunrise. You might try Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, is just north, but not as far as Boca. We usually stay on the Intercoastal, and get water taxis to Las Olas and the Galleria mall, but if you want to be by the beach, and oceanfront hotel is your best bet. My DH notes to stay away from the Doubltree Oceanfont. My pick for beachfront dining - the Casablanca cafe - great outdoor patio.
hope this helps!

 

[HookedOnDiz]

Be sure to check out the Cheesecake Factory on Las Olas Blvd.... awesome.

There is also an pretty cool boat tour that leaves not far from the Cheesequake Factory... you get to see all of the $$$ houses and also go into the Port Everglades harbor to see the cruise ships and US Navy ships up close.

There is also a Riverwalk type commercial area near Las Olas Blvd.... has some nice restaurants and shops...

Thats about all I can remember from our trip there this past March... we are headed back there again in March 2005 before we go to Disney.

Have a great time.

 

[BuzzMe]

We had a great stay at the Sheraton Yankee Trader (Yankee Clipper is also in the area)last June. It's just a few blocks from Las Olas and right across from the beach. The staff is terrific. Sweet Sleepers! If you are a Starwood member the hotel is often available for cash & points. A beautiful new Starwood property, the Atlantic is also in the area-bit more pricey. You might try looking on Tripadvisor.com for reviews of various hotels in the area.

 

[princess pooh]

This was a few years back but I had a great stay at the Mariott Beach Harbour resort. It was really nice and comfortable, and right on the beach too! I went during the winter holidays and they had all sorts of activities planned for kids and adults. I haven't seen it recently so I don't know how much it's changed.

Be sure to check out Sawgrass Mills! I think I spent a whole day shopping there

 

[jwfla422]

The Lago Mar Resort is beautiful. A1A which is the road that runs by the beach is also known as Ocean Drive. This hotel has everything. It's on the ocean, has a beautiful pool area, great restaurants, you can see the cruise ships come in and out of Port Everglades.

Down the street is Las Olas and the strip (Ft Lauderdale beach area). You might even be able to take a shuttle to Sawgrass Mills, a huge outlet type mall with a Disney Character Premiere store)!

You should be able to do a search and access more info on Ft. Lauderdale. I know Lago Mar's website is: http://www.lagomar.com/ (hope it's ok to post that). You might find some good rates in April, that's kind of the "season" cut off time depending when Easter falls and I know it's early next year.

 

[frannn]

Just wanted to say we had a holiday dinner at the Cheesecake Factory last Dec on Las Olas-it really was awesome! The drinks went down very easy & the food was delicious!