Best Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotels for a Pre-Cruise Stay
When cruising out of Port Miami and Port Everglades, some cruisers may opt to fly into Fort Lauderdale (FLL) airport, which can provide the opportunity to add an additional beach day before the start of a cruise. With so many options in Fort Lauderdale, the choice can be overwhelming. For those seeking an affordable pre-cruise option in the area, here are my suggestions, but for beachfront “splurge” options, keep reading.
But first, like my recommendations for Miami area beachfront hotels, I do not recommend staying at a beach hotel in March and April, as this is “spring break season” and the beaches are filled to the brim with rowdy students. Also, like Miami, the Fort Lauderdale area is generally more expensive than other cities with ports of call, and with beachside or beachfront hotels, you may also have to pay resort fees.
Best Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotels Before a Cruise
W Fort Lauderdale
401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304
This Marriott property is a luxury hotel with beachside access, meaning guests must cross the street to access the beach. This is a small inconvenience, though, because once there, guests have access to complimentary loungers, umbrellas, and towels, and there are numerous restaurants – some with live music – in close proximity to the hotel. It’s only about 13-15 minutes from the port, so getting there via Uber is quick and affordable. The resort fee is $45 per night and includes other amenities such as use of bicycles and yoga classes.
Lago Mar Beach Club & Resort
Address: 1700 South Ocean Lane, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316
This property is less than five miles from the port and is consistently rated as one of the best hotels in Fort Lauderdale, although its luxury and high quality come at a price, as Lago Mar is also one of the pricier hotel options in the area. Cruisers willing to splurge, however, will likely find an amazing experience here, with top-notch service and unparalleled cleanliness. Noted for its family-friendly and quiet vibe, this hotel offers easy access to 500 feet of private beach, along with complimentary towels and beach chairs (although umbrellas come at a cost), and no additional resort fees.
Hotel Maren Fort Lauderdale Beach
Address: 525 S. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
This property has the look and feel of a boutique hotel, but it’s part of the Hilton Curio Collection. This Fort Lauderdale hotel is highly rated, and moderately priced compared to other beachfront hotel options. Located directly across the street from Las Olas Beach, Hotel Maren is a short walk from several bars and restaurants. The daily resort fee of $45 covers guest access to beach chairs, towels, yoga class, Wi-Fi access, and daily signature drink, although umbrellas are an additional rental cost. This hotel is located about six miles from the port.
Getting to Port Everglades
There are many great Fort Lauderdale beach hotel options, but these are my top three recommendations based on consideration of cost, location, and guest ratings, and proximity to the beach. When it comes to getting to the port area (where these properties are generally located) from the Fort Lauderdale airport, there are four main options. To view these options, and see the pricing for each of them, check out my Port Everglades post.
To get from these hotels to Port Everglades, private transfer service through Get Transfer starts at $31 for up to three people, $56 for a van that fits up to 8 people, and $64 for a minivan that accommodates up to 16 passengers. Comparatively, an Uber for up to four people costs around $10-15, plus tip.
