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5 best fort lauderdale hotels for pre cruise in 2023
Are you looking for the best fort lauderdale hotels for pre cruise? You’re in luck! Fort Lauderdale offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxurious resort-style hotels to cozy waterfront inns. Each of the hotels here offers the perfect complement to your trip and can help you get ready for a memorable cruise experience.
When I was recently attempting to find the ideal pre-cruising hotel in Fort Lauderdale, there were plenty of excellent possibilities! While they all looked nice, my preference is always to stay as near to the ocean or beach as possible when vacationing in that area. So, this became a top priority when making a selection. I didn’t want to just stay near the port, I wanted to be able to explore the boardwalk near the beach and all the amazing restaurants and shops nearby!
5 best fort lauderdale hotels for pre cruise
Alright, let’s cut to the chase – I’m revealing my top choices plus my #1 selection and where I decided to book!
1. Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa
Do you have a few days to enjoy prior to your cruise and are looking for a luxurious beach resort that offers the perfect blend of tranquility and excitement? Look no further than the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, situated in the exclusive Harbor Beach community and boasting 16 acres of beachfront property.
This resort offers more amenities than any other hotel in the area, making it the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.
One of the standout features of this resort is its unparalleled culinary experiences. From the elegant 3030 Ocean restaurant, which serves fresh seafood and farm-to-table dishes, to the laid-back Sea Level Restaurant & Ocean Bar, which offers cocktails and light bites with stunning ocean views, there is something for everyone.
The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa also offers an extensive range of programming and activities. Whether you want to relax by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or take part in a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding, you will find it all here.
But perhaps the biggest draw of this resort is its private beach, which is the largest in South Florida. With its sparkling waters and pristine sand, it is the perfect place to unwind and soak up the sun. And because it is a private beach, you can enjoy it without the crowds and distractions that can often be found at public beaches.
So if you’re looking for a beach resort that offers the perfect combination of relaxation, excitement, and luxury, the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is the place for you. With its stunning location, exceptional amenities, and unmatched collection of culinary experiences, it truly is a private beach oasis.
👍Recent Reviews:
– “This resort is absolutely amazing. The private beach is incredible and the culinary experiences are outstanding.”
– “The Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect place to relax and unwind. With its extensive range of amenities and stunning beachfront location, it is truly a private beach oasis.”
– “I have stayed at many beach resorts over the years, but the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is by far the best. The staff are friendly and attentive, the rooms are luxurious, and the private beach is simply stunning.”
Highlights
☀️🌞 16 acres of beachfront property
🌊 Beachfront pool with a swim-up bar and private cabanas
🛁 Spa treatments, yoga classes, and fitness center
⛵️ Water sports including jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding
🍴 A variety of culinary experiences from 3030 Ocean restaurant and Sea Level Restaurant & Ocean Bar
🏖 Private beach – the largest in South Florida with no crowds or distractions
2. W – Fort Lauderdale
W Fort Lauderdale is a luxurious hotel situated on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The hotel is at the center of all that is vibrant in the area, from world-class shopping to award-winning dining, and diverse attractions. Guests can enjoy beautiful views from their room balconies, which are equipped with Homtime Bluetooth charging alarm clocks, Comfort Zone spa toiletries, and NudeAudio Bluetooth speakers. Visitors can also enjoy a range of hotel amenities, such as the WET ® East pool, five floors above the ocean, a FIT gym, a full-service AWAY Spa, and beach boot camp and sunrise yoga. W Fort Lauderdale offers a range of unique suites, including residential and Extreme WOW Suites, which cannot be found at other W hotels.
One of the highlights of the hotel is the dining options available, with five unique outlets featuring culinary by James Beard Award-winning Restaurateur Stephen Starr. STEAK 954 is an award-winning restaurant that serves dry-aged meats, delectable sides, and an innovative cocktail menu. The hotel also offers a range of pet-friendly amenities, such as a W Doggie Bed, a Bark Box delivered to the room, specially curated Doggie Menus by Stephen Starr, in-room food and water bowls, and a supply of Doggie Pick Up Bags.
The hotel has won several awards and accolades, including being named to the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2019, Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2019, and U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels in Florida for 2019.
🌴🍹: Visitors can enjoy two complimentary cool cocktails at the WET Deck, five floors above the ocean.
🍴🥩: Dining options include James Beard Award-winning Restaurateur Stephen Starr’s STEAK 954, which offers dry-aged meats, delectable sides, and an innovative cocktail menu.
🐶🐾: The hotel is pet-friendly, offering amenities such as a W Doggie Bed, a Bark Box delivered to the room, specially curated Doggie Menus by Stephen Starr, in-room food and water bowls, and a supply of Doggie Pick Up Bags.
⭐Overall, the reviews for W Fort Lauderdale are positive, with many visitors praising the hotel’s location, amenities, and friendly staff. Some guests noted that the hotel can be quite busy and noisy at times, but this did not detract from their overall enjoyment of their stay.
3. Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach resort is an all-suite resort that overlooks the waterfront and is just three miles from Las Olas Boulevard’s trendy shops and restaurants. The resort is perfect for those looking for a beachside hotel with the bonus of a spa!
The resort offers lots of amenities including a spa, beach access, EV charging, an on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, room service, a business center, and meeting rooms.
The resort offers several dining options, including Ilios for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, S3 for oceanfront dining and a coastal menu, and Le Marché for beach access and fresh baked goods. So getting an amazing meal is super easy.
Although they charge a daily resort fee – it includes several amenities such as WiFi, 2-hour adult bike rentals for 2, morning beach yoga classes, one daily wellness class, 2 bottled waters daily, 2 beach chairs, 20% off spa services, 10% off gift shop, free dinner for kids (12 & under) with an adult entree, and kids club access!
Overall, the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is an excellent choice for those looking for a beachside vacation with access to top-notch amenities and dining options prior to their cruise!
Highlights:
🏖️ Beach access
💆♀️ Spa
🏊♂️ Outdoor pool
🍽️ Dining options
👨💼 Business center
💻 Free WiFi
🚗 EV charging
🛏️ Rooms and suites
👪 Group event spaces
💰 Hilton Honors member benefits
🚫 No pets allowed service animals only. Call for requirements.
⭐Reviews from previous guests have praised the hotel’s location, excellent service, and stunning ocean views. One reviewer noted, “This hotel is a must-stay when in Fort Lauderdale. The hotel is beautiful, rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable, and the service is exceptional.”
4. AC HOTEL FORT LAUDERDALE
Who doesn’t love a newly built modern hotel with waterfront views in Fort Lauderdale? This hotel offers contemporary guest rooms with ample workspace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and stunning views of the water. It’s conveniently located near shops, dining, and the nightlife of Las Olas Boulevard, as well as Fort Lauderdale International Airport and the Port Everglades cruise port.
If you want to enjoy the sun and waves, the hotel is just steps from Fort Lauderdale Beach. Or, you can also relax on the 4th-floor pool deck and bar while taking in the ocean views if you just want to hang out poolside.
The hotel’s AC Kitchen serves up an awesome breakfast each morning, including egg tarts and signature croissants. The AC Lounge offers a curated selection of small shareable plates and handcrafted cocktails.
The hotel also offers a fitness center and is pet-friendly, with a non-refundable pet fee and some pet restrictions. You’ll want to check with them prior to if you want to bring your pet.
⭐Overall, guests have left positive reviews of the hotel, praising the modern design, stunning views, and convenient location. Some reviewers have noted that the hotel can be noisy at times, particularly on weekends. However, many guests have still rated their experience highly and would recommend the hotel to others.
Here’s a highlight list of what you can expect at the AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach:
🛏️ Contemporary guest rooms with waterfront views
🍽️ AC Kitchen serving European-inspired breakfast
🍸 AC Lounge offering small shareable plates and handcrafted cocktails
💪 Fitness center on-site
🐾 Pet-friendly with a non-refundable pet fee of $40 per night
🎁 Several package offers available
🚪 Accessible features throughout the property
5. Curio Collection by Hilton
Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The hotel is known for its stunning ocean views, close proximity to Las Olas Beach, restaurants, and shops, and its state-of-the-art amenities.
The hotel is right across from Las Olas Beach and within a five-minute walk to restaurants and shops.
Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach offers tons of amenities too! The hotel features WiFi, a concierge, a boutique, an on-site restaurant, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, pet-friendly rooms, room service, and even a business center in case you have to get some quick work in before you depart!
The hotel charges a daily resort fee, which includes guest internet access (up to 2 devices), 2-hour bicycle rental for 2 adults, 2 beach chairs, sunrise yoga classes, daily signature drink (up to 2), and two bottled waters daily.
The hotel’s fifth-floor poolside restaurant, Riviera, is known for its awesome menu by Top Chef fan favorite Fabio Viviani.
⭐Overall, guests have had a wonderful experience at Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton. The hotel’s exceptional location, amenities, and services have been praised by many visitors.
Highlights of Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton:
🛏️ Luxurious and modern hotel rooms with waterfront views
🍽️ Riviera restaurant featuring menu by Top Chef Fan Favorite, Fabio Viviani
🎉Group event spaces & meeting facilities available
♟️ On-site boutique
🐾 Pet-friendly rooms available
🚲 Bicycle rentals, beach chairs & yoga classes included in resort fee
📱 Free WiFi access (up to 2 devices)
So there you have it, my top choices for the 5 best fort lauderdale hotels for pre cruise. They are all just minutes from the cruise port but offer the perfect amount of relaxation, fun, and amenities to make your experience unique and memorable.