5 Best Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port for 2024
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The Best Hotels Near Ft. Lauderdale Cruise Port
My mom and I cruise a lot. And most of the time, we go on Caribbean cruises on Holland America that leave from Fort Lauderdale. As a result, we’ve stayed at basically all the nice hotels near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port.
So what are the best hotels near the Fort Lauderdale Cruise port?
If you aren’t sure which hotel to book for the night before your cruise, I have you covered.
No need to research the best hotels near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port. I’ll do the research for you. 😊
This guide with the best hotels near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port includes:
- The best hotels near the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
- Tips for getting from the airport to your Fort Lauderdale hotel
- Where to eat near the hotels in the Fort Lauderdale Cruise port area
- What to do the morning before your cruise leaving out of Fort Lauderdale
- Tips for getting from your hotel to the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
- FAQs about the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
4 Best Hotels Near the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
Alright, ladies and gentlemen. Here are my top picks of the best hotels near the Fort Lauderdale Cruise port.
1. Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Cruise-Airport
The Holiday Inn Express & Suites is my #1 go to hotel for hopping on a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale.
The Holiday Inn Express is in a GREAT location, it’s reasonably priced, it’s recently remodeled, and it’s SUPER close to the cruise terminal.
Plus, the Holiday Inn Express is probably the best bang for your buck.
Reasons to choose the Holiday Inn Express hotel near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port
★ Best affordable but still nice hotel near Fort Lauderdale cruise port
★ Right across the street from Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels
Address: 1150 SE 17th Street Causeway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954-728-2577
Google Rating: 3.7/5.0
2. Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street
For some reason, the Embassy Suites hotel near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port had a super deal last time my mom and I hopped on a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale.
If you haven’t stayed at an Embassy Suites before, you are missing out!
Embassy Suites hotels have a super cool lobby area with trees, plants, waterfalls, and fish. Plus, Embassy Suites has free drinks and appetizers each night and a full-breakfast each morning.
If you have kids or a large family, Embassy Suites would be my #1 recommendation for where to stay near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port.
The rooms are divided into two areas (two beds in one room, a door, and then a couch in the living room for more kids to sleep on), there is a fridge in the room (perfect for snacks), and the pool area is AMAZING.
Reasons to Choose the Embassy Suites hotel near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port:
★ Best hotel near Fort Lauderdale cruise port for families
★ Best hotel near Fort Lauderdale cruise port for business travelers
★ Best hotel near Fort Lauderdale cruise port that kids will love
Address: 1100 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954-527-2700
Google Rating: 4.1/5.0
3. Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina
If you want a hotel with a relaxing pool, a good workout room, and nice rooms – check out the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina hotel.
The Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina hotel is right next to the Boatyard, a fancy seafood restaurant dinner too.
Reasons to stay at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale hotel near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port:
★ Best hotel near Fort Lauderdale cruise port for avoiding kids and families near Fort Lauderdale cruise port
Address: 1617 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954-626-1700
Google Rating: 4.2/5.0
4. Crowne Plaza Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise
My mom and I end up staying at the Crowne Plaza hotel frequently because it usually goes on sale on Priceline. It’s a 3 star hotel and it’s usually very well priced.
The one thing that I hate about the Crowne Plaza hotel is that it isn’t really walking distance of anything.
In contrast, the Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn Express hotels are all right next to each other and within easy walking distance of TJ Maxx, Publix, Ross, the Dollar Tree, Starbucks, Chipotle, and Panera.
Reasons to book the Crowne Plaza hotel
★ Best hotel near Fort Lauderdale cruise port that frequently goes on sale
★ Large and modern rooms
★ Free shuttle from Fort Lauderdale airport to hotel (although I'd recommend paying for an Uber/Lyft)
Address: 455 FL-84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954-523-8080
Google Rating: 4.0/5.0
Map of the Best Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
Below is a map of the best hotels near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port.
You’ll see that Four Points by Sheraton Fort Lauderdale and Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port are also close.
Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
How to Get from the Fort Lauderdale Airport to Your Hotel
If I can give you one piece of advice, it is: don’t use the hotel shuttles from the Fort Lauderdale airport to your Fort Lauderdale cruise port hotel. Call an Uber or Lyft instead.
If your hotel has a free shuttle, expect to wait 45 minutes to an hour (really!) to get to your hotel. Plus, once you get to your hotel, there will be a big line to check in with so many people getting off the shuttle at the same time.
If your hotel has a shuttle service from the Fort Lauderdale cruise port to the hotel, still don’t use it! Uber or Lyft will be cheaper.
Last time my mom and I took an Uber from Fort Lauderdale airport to the Embassy Suites, we ended up paying around $12 for an Uber. In contrast, the airport shuttle would have been $8 per person, so $16 total.
Summary: How to Get from Fort Lauderdale Airport to Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
In summary, don’t use the hotel shuttles to get from the Fort Lauderdale airport to your hotel.
Call an Uber or Lyft. The wait is usually 4-6 minutes, and the price is very reasonable.
Tip: You have to walk a bit to get to the shared ride area at the airport, so don’t call your Uber/Lyft until you get to the shared ride area at the airport.
Restaurants Near the Hotels in the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Area
If you are like me, you are always hungry…and being close to food is important!
Thankfully, the best hotels near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port are on SE 17th St. between SE 10th Ave and Eisenhower Blvd.
Within this area, you’ll find quick-service restaurants like Panera, Chipotle, Einstein’s Bagels, Starbucks, and BurgerFi.
For dinner, you’ll be close to restaurants like Outback Steakhouse (my personal favorite), Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Waxy’s Irish Pub.
Within the Harbor Shops shopping center, you’ll also find a Publix, a cute restaurant called La Bamba (Mexican and Spanish food), Joe’s Café, and a Manhattan NY Restaurant & Pizza.
What to Do Before You Leave for Your Cruise from Fort Lauderdale
Even if you get on the cruise ship at 11 am (boarding early is one of my tips for cruising), you will still have 2-3 hours before you need to leave for your cruise.
So what should you do?
If you are like me and get bored easily, here are ideas on what to do for fun while staying at a hotel in the Fort Lauderdale cruise port area.
What to do before you leave for a cruise:
1. Print your boarding pass and luggage tags at your hotel’s business center.
You’ll need these documents to board the ship.
With COVID, you’ll also want to print out your proof of a negative COVID test.
2. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast
Whether your hotel has free breakfast, or you choose to grab a bite and coffee at Starbucks, Panera, or Einstein Bros. Bagels – go ahead and take your time.
If you can, get a seat outside and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather!
3. Go shopping at Ross…but go early!
The Ross near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port hotels is well stocked and one of the best Ross stores I have come across.
Go ahead and get yourself a fun hat for your cruise, a pair of flip-flops, a beauty/skincare product on sale, sunblock (a MUST for cruises), or a new purse.
Just make to go to Ross early. All the cruise staff shop at Ross, so expect really long lines at Ross starting at 10am.
4. Go shopping at TJ Maxx
Can you tell that I love discount shopping?
If you have extra time, check out TJ Maxx in the Harbor Shops shopping center.
The TJ Maxx near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port usually has cute summer dresses, swimsuits in all sizes (including plus size bathing suits), and pretty sandals and heels for formal night on a cruise.
5. Pick up essentials at Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree is seriously under-rated. Or maybe I should call it the $1.25 store now. 😊
It’s a huge bummer when you are on a cruise and get a headache or a tummy-ache and have to pay $5+ for medication on the cruise ship.
In case you forgot to pack it, I’d stock up on these items at the Dollar Tree…just to be safe.
- Advil/Aleve
- Pepto Bismol
- Fun ribbons/décor for your cruise door (it’s my tip for your cruise even more fun!)
- Sunblock
- Toothpaste/toothbrush/deodorant (if you forgot to pack it)
How to Get from Your Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel to the Cruise Terminal
Many hotels offer shuttles to the cruise terminal, but please don’t do that!
The hotel shuttles are crowded and over-priced. Plus, they only leave at set times, which is kind of annoying.
Instead, call and Uber or Lyft to get to the Fort Lauderdale cruise port terminal. It will be less expensive and much less stressful too.
The last time my mom and I took an Uber from the Embassy Suites hotel to the Holland America cruise terminal, I ended up paying $13.
Tip: Leave early to avoid long lines. Most of the cruise terminals get busier later in the day, especially around 1-3pm. So leave for your cruise earlier vs. later to avoid long lines while security checks everyone’s passport/ID as they enter the cruise port terminal.
Another tip for the Fort Lauderdale cruise port terminal: Don’t try to walk!!!
The cruise port terminal looks close. It’s not!
I’m a huge fan of walking, but the walk from your Fort Lauderdale cruise port hotel to the terminal itself will be hot and long and miserable. That’s a horrible way to start your vacation!
Conclusion – The Best Hotels Near Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
In summary, the best hotels near the Fort Lauderdale cruise port are the Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Cruise-Airport, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale, and the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina.
Crowne Plaza is also nice, but it would be my last pick due to it’s location. It’s best if you literally just need a place to crash at night and don’t plan on walking around/exploring the area the night or morning before you hop on your cruise.
FAQs about Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port
Have a question that’s not answered below? Please leave a comment.
How far is the Westin Fort Lauderdale from the cruise port?
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is a 13 minute drive (5 miles) from the Fort Lauderdale cruise port.
How far is the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale to airport?
The Fort Lauderdale cruise port is a 13 minute drive (4 miles) to the Fort Lauderdale International Airport.
Where do you park for a cruise in Fort Lauderdale?
You can park for a cruise in Fort Lauderdale at the Port Everglades Official Parking ($15/day) or at one of the nearby parking lots ($6-$10/day) offered by Park ‘N Go, Park ‘N Fly, and Self Park FLL.
Are there shuttles from Fort Lauderdale airport to cruise port?
Yes, there are shuttles, but I’d recommend Uber/Lyft.
The shuttles are about $21 per person, whereas an Uber/Lyft will cost less than $15 total.
Does Uber and Lyft pick up at Port Everglades?
Yes! Uber and Lyft both pick up at Port Everglades, and the wait is usually 5-10 minutes.
Can you walk into Port Everglades?
No – don’t do it!
The walk from hotels (like Hilton Marina) to the port looks close, but it is deceptively far. I walk 10 miles a day and wouldn’t do the walk. You will be miserable. Take an Uber/Lyft instead.
How long does it take to get off a cruise ship?
It can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes to get off a cruise ship.
In my experience, it’s fast with smaller cruise lines like Holland America and more time-consuming with popular and larger cruise lines like Royal Caribbean.
More Vacation Guides and Travel Tips
Ready to plan your next vacation? You may find these articles helpful.
Cruise Tips
- Holland America Rotterdam Ship (pictures and deck plan included)
- Holland America Cruises: Tips for a 1st time cruiser on Holland America
- How to not gain weight on a cruise
Outfits to Wear on Your Cruise Vacation
- The best rompers for women
- The best swimsuits for plus size pear shape women
- The best dresses for apple shaped body
- The best plus size maxi dresses on Amazon (perfect for wearing on cruises)
Connect with Me for More Cruise and Vacation Tips
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Also, leave a comment below if you have any questions about cruises and vacations in Florida. I'd love to help you out!
