Welcome to Bequia's Ft.Lauderdale 411 Blog

CAR RENTALS

2008-08-10T15:03:00.000-04:00

Most car rental firms are licensed to do business at Port Everglades and when ships are in port, may provide courtesy shuttle service to/from the cruise terminals to their nearby offsite locations.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport recently opened a Rental Car Center which houses a number of car rental companies servicing both the airport and the seaport.

A single shuttle pickup at Port Everglades is offered by many of the rental car companies at the Center. (they all share the same shuttle bus). A single shuttle pickup at Port Everglades is offered for the following rental car companies at the Center: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Continental, Dollar, Enterprise, EZ Rent-A-Car, Hertz, National, Payless, Royal and Thrifty.

I recommend that you confirm the availablility of shuttle service with your car rental company as contracts between the car rental facilities and the county operated shuttle buses change from time to time.

Pelican Grand Beach resort's day-rate targets local market

2008-06-04T07:39:00.001-04:00

The Pelican Grand Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale this week announced day-rate packages starting at $99. Check in after 8 a.m., leave by 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and you get an oceanfront room for up to six people, use of its special pools and all facilities, plus free ice cream for the children from the resort's old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

Hollywood Beach Hotel Booking Site

2008-05-31T09:02:00.003-04:00

To make finding accommodations as easy as possible, the city of Hollywood's Office of Tourism is offering live online hotel booking at visithollywoodfl.org.

The booking capability features a range of hotel listings, from luxury resorts to small lodgings. Individual listings include a detailed description, map and directions, along with photos and video footage.

Visitors can search by location, travel dates, hotel name, hotel chain, amenities or rating. They can also see side-by-side comparisons of accommodations or create a map of hotel locations.

Here's the link:

http://reservations.visithollywood.org/nexres/search/search_results.cgi?interstitial=done&src=10020604&validpromo=&clear_cache=Y&nps=Y&tab=tab0&unps=&city=Hollywood&state=FL&country=US&t0_distance=15&t1_addr=&t1_city=Hollywood&t1_state=FL&t1_zip=&t1_country=US&t1_distance=&airport=&t3_landmark=&t3_state=FL

The hotel pictured in the opening link is the SEA DOWNS. A wonderful family owned property directly on the beach. We've stayed at this property numerous times and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it as our favorite in Hollywood Beach.

Fort Lauderdale named NFL headquarters for 2010 Super Bowl

2008-05-24T07:00:00.002-04:00

Ft Lauderdale in Broward County is hoping for its largest economic windfall ever from the Super Bowl when it returns to South Florida in 2010, because for the first time, the NFL headquarters and media center are expected to be in Fort Lauderdale rather than Miami.

The National Football League headquarters will be at the Sheraton Yankee Trader, which is to reopen next year as the Westin Beach Resort Fort Lauderdale..

Other NFL guests and the media will stay in hotels, including the St. Regis, the W and the Hilton, located along the beach between the Westin and the Broward County Convention Center, which will serve as the Super Bowl's media center.

$500 million waterfront plan would remake Bahia Mar

2008-05-16T05:50:00.002-04:00

Fort Lauderdale's waterfront oasis Bahia Mar would be reborn as a Waldorf- Astoria hotel surrounded by new luxury condominiums and shops, under a $500 million development plan submitted to the city Thursday.

In addition to a new four-acre waterside park, the plan from developer LXR Luxury Resorts & Hotels would maintain a permanent home for the annual fall boat show.

The project could bring welcome revenue to the city, according to LXR, quadrupling the government's take from lease payments and real estate taxes to almost $10 million annually. And it would further remake Fort Lauderdale beach as an upscale strip, one that already includes new St. Regis and Trump hotels.

Key to the plan is a 20-foot-tall parking structure as big as a football field that would be topped by trees and grass and open to the public. The structure would sit on the west side of Bahia Mar, softening the view of the 16-acre property from the city's Idlewyld neighborhood across the Intracoastal Waterway.

The park would be covered by exhibition tents during the boat show, and other exhibits would be located in the parking area. The wiring, duct work and other infrastructure for the show would be built-in during construction.

City officials will now have to look hard at the future of Bahia Mar, especially in light of voter resistance to big new buildings at the beach. The Palazzo Las Olas mixed-use project, which was on public land, and The Sails hotel and marina, both failed to survive the permitting process.

Two buildings of 19 and 17 stories would flank the park. The 2,000-square-foot units would start at more than $1 million, giving the developers almost $200 million upfront to fund the project.

Each tower would be angled at 45 degrees to the beach to maximize views. The south tower would have 84 units and the north one 96 units. They are described by LXR as interests in a cooperative.

If the plans are approved, by the third quarter of 2010, LXR hopes to open the initial phase of the project, a pair of elite waterside restaurants of 10,000 and 8,000 square feet along Seabreeze Boulevard on the site's north end. The existing 15-story hotel tower would be updated and marketed by Hilton Hotels Corp.

The 256-room Waldorf-Astoria, designed in a starkly modern style, would rise in place of a four-story hotel building on the property's south side. Although its exterior would look nothing like the 1931 Art Deco original on New York's Park Avenue, the interior would include that hotel's famed "Peacock Alley" promenade.

Bahia Mar Beach Resort and Yachting Center dates to 1949 when the city acquired title after a financial dispute and built a marina. In 1962, it was leased to a tenant who added a hotel in 1966.

Today most of the land at the marina is paved parking, unused except for the boat show. Henn said it could become a retail and office center for the yacht industry if the city rejects LXR's hotel plans.

Fort Lauderdale residents will likely be vocal about the future of the property.

Fort Lauderdale Beach INDEPENDENT Hotels

2008-05-12T18:31:00.003-04:00

With today's sky rocketing hotel rates for the chain hotels perhaps an independent hotel may be right for you. Listed below are the names of non-chain, independant hotels across the street from Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Many are located next to the popular higher priced chain hotels.

I will not vouch for any of them, some look nicer then others. You should closely scrutinize their web-sites, check the travel web-sites for reviews and then decide.

If you do decide to stay at one of them, I'd love to hear your thoughts when you return.

SUNRISE BEACH INN
999 Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL
877-894-6791

BEACH PLAZA HOTEL
625 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
(954) 566-7631

SEA CLUB RESORT
619 Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
800-327-9478

http://www.seaclubresort.com/

TROPIC CAY
529 Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
800-463-2333

http://www.tropiccayhotel.com/

AVALON WATERFRONT INN
521 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
800-543-2006

http://www.waterfrontinns.com/

OCEAN HOLIDAY HOTEL
205 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-761-9933

http://www.oceanholidaymotel.com/

THE MERRIWEATHER RESORT
115 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-462-5356

http://www.merriweatherresort.com/

SILVER SEAS HOTEL
101 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-467-2531

http://www.dailymanagementresorts.com/Resort.aspx?resort=17

Bequia's Ft Lauderdale Area Hotel List [updated 5/12/08]

2008-05-12T18:13:00.004-04:00

S.E. 17th Street (closest to Port Everglades)

HYATT PIER 66
2301 S.E. 17th Street,
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-6666

http://www.pier66.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

FT. LAUDERDALE GRANDE
1881 S.E. 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-627-6725

http://www.fortlauderdalegrande.com

RENAISSANCE
1617 S.E. 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-626-1700

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/FLLBR

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS CONVENTION CENTER
1500 S.E. 17TH Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-728-2577

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/fllcc

EXTENDED STAY AMERICA
1450 S.E. 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-761-9055

http://www.extendedstayamerica.com/...ter-marina.html

EMBASSY SUITES
1100 Southeast 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, Florida 33316
954-527-2700

http://www.embassysuites.com/en/es/...ctyhocn=FLLSOES

HYATT PLACE AIRPORT NORTH
1851 S.E. 10TH Avenue Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-763-7670

http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/place/locations/index.jsp?N=450+4294966761

COMFORT INN & SUITES AIRPORT
1800 S. Federal Hwy.Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-767-8700

http://www.choicehotels.com

Fort Lauderdale Beach (oceanfront)

LAGO MAR
1700 South Ocean Lane
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-523-6511

http://www.lagomar.com/

HARBOR BEACH MARRIOTT
3030 Holiday Drive
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-4000

http://www.marriottharborbeach.com/

SHERATON YANKEE CLIPPER
1140 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-524-5551

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=664

PELICAN GRAND BEACH RESORT
2000 North Ocean Boulevard
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33305
800-525-OCEAN

http://www.pelicanbeach.com/

Fort Lauderdale Beach (across from the beach)

DOUBLETREE GALLERY ONE
2670 East Sunrise Boulevard
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-565-3800

http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=FVP4BWRNRPSPGCSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLTSDT

ST REGIS RESORT
1 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-465-2300

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?

SHERATON YANKEE TRADER
321 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-467-1111

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=663

HILTON FT LAUDERDALE BEACH RESORT
505 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-414-2222

http://www.hiltonworldresorts.com/resorts/Lauderdale/index.html

THE ATLANTIC RESORT & SPA
601 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-567-8020

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1475

DAYS INN BAHIA CABANA BEACH RESORT & MARINA
3001 Harbor Drive
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-1555

http://www.bahiacabanaresort.com/

COURTYARD MARRIOTT FT LAUDERDALE BEACH
440 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-524-8733

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/fllco-courtyard-fort-lauderdale-beach/

BAHIA MAR
801 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-627-6357

http://www.bahiamarhotel.com/

BEST WESTERN OCEANSIDE
1180 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-8115

http://www.bestwestern.com

Fort Lauderdale Beach INDEPENDENT Hotels (across from the beach)

SUNRISE BEACH INN
999 Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL
877-894-6791

BEACH PLAZA HOTEL
625 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
(954) 566-7631

SEA CLUB RESORT
619 Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
800-327-9478

http://www.seaclubresort.com/

TROPIC CAY
529 Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
800-463-2333

http://www.tropiccayhotel.com/

AVALON WATERFRONT INN
521 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
800-543-2006

http://www.waterfrontinns.com/

OCEAN HOLIDAY HOTEL
205 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-761-9933

http://www.oceanholidaymotel.com/

THE MERRIWEATHER RESORT
115 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-462-5356

http://www.merriweatherresort.com/

SILVER SEAS HOTEL
101 Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL
954-467-2531

http://www.dailymanagementresorts.com/Resort.aspx?resort=17

Hollywood Beach (oceanfront)

MARRIOTT HOLLYWOOD BEACH
2501 North Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
954-924-2202

http://www.hollywoodbeachmarriott.com/

WESTIN DIPLOMAT RESORT & SPA
3555 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
954-602-6000

http://www.diplomatresort.com/

CROWNE PLAZA HOLLYWOOD BEACH RESORT
4000 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
800-227-6963

http://www.cphollywoodbeachresort.com/

SEA DOWNS
2900 North Surf Road
Hollywood, FL 33019
954-923-4968

http://www.seadowns.com/

BOUGAINVILLEA ON THE BEACH
2813 North Surf Road
Hollywood, Florida 33019

http://www.bougainvilleahollywood.com/

Fort Lauderdale Airport

SLEEP INN & SUITES AIRPORT
1500 SE 5TH Avenue
Dania, FL 33304
954-874-1800

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=FL664

SHERATON FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT
1825 Griffin Rd
Dania, FL 33304
954-920-3500

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1115

MARRIOTT COURTYARD AIRPORT/CRUISEPORT
400 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach, FL 33304
954-342-8333

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/FLLHT

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT
151 Southwest 18th Court
Dania Beach, FL 33304
954-920-9696

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/flldb-springhill-suites-fort-lauderdale-airport/

HILTON FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT
1870 Griffin Road
Dania Beach, FL 33304
954-920-3300

http://hilton.com

HILTON GARDEN INN AIRPORT
180 SW 18th Ave Dania Beach, FL
http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=FVP4BWRNRPSPGCSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLFHGI

LAQUINTA INN & SUITES
2620 North 26th Avenue
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-922-2295

http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=985

HOLIDAY INN
2905 Sheridan Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-925-9100

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/fllas?_requestid=682206

HAMPTON INN & SUITES FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT
2500 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-922-0011

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=FVP4BWRNRPSPGCSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLAPHX

COMFORT INN AIRPORT SOUTH
2520 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-922-1600

http://choicehotels.com

HAMPTON INN FT LAUDERALE AIRPORT NORTH
2301 SW 12th Avenue
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-524-9900

http://www.hamptoninnftlauderdaleairport.com/

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AIRPORT
1150 West State Road 84
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-828-9904

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com

CANDLEWOOD SUITES AIRPORT/CRUISEPORT
1120 West State Road 84
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-522-8822

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cw/1/en/hotel/fllfl?_requestid=39199

Ft Lauderdale Suburbs

COMFORT SUITES FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT WEST
2540 Davie Rd. Davie, FL 33317
954-585-7071

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=FL591

HAMPTON INN PLANTATION
7801 S.W. 6th Street Plantation, FL, 33324 954-382-4500

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=42O0PCTQRR5E2CSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLPTHX

RESIDENCE INN PLANTATION
130 North University Drive
Plantation, FL 33324
954-723-0300

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllpt-residence-inn-fort-lauderdale-plantation/

COURTYARD PLANTATION
7780 S.W. 6TH Street
Plantation, FL 33324
954-475-1100

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllpl-courtyard-fort-lauderdale-plantation/

RENAISSANCE PLANTATION
1230 South Pine Island Road
Plantation, FL 33324
954-472-2252

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllrp-renaissance-fort-lauderdale-plantation-hotel/

Miscellaneous

RIVERSIDE HOTEL
620 East Las Olas Boulevard
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-467-0671

http://www.riversidehotel.com/

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO
1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314
954-327-7625

http://www.seminolehardrock.com/

CROWNE PLAZA AT SAWGRASS MILLS
13400 West Sunrise Blvd
Sunrise, FL 33323
954-851-1020

http://www.sawgrasshotel.com/

SE 17th Street area Shops & Restaurants...

2008-02-25T12:18:00.001-05:00

Pazzo’s Cucina Italiano is right next door to Extended Stay America...

Carlos and Pepe's (Mexican) & Dirty Harry's (bar with food) are in the same shopping center as Pazzo’s. There's also a small diner in that strip mall that I've been told has an excellent breakfast.

Einstein’s Bagels, Coldstone Creamery, Starbucks, Tokyo Sushi and Giorgio’s Pizza are across the street from Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America

Bimini Boatyard and Bravo (great Italian restaurant) and an BonJour French Bakery across the street from Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America, and about a block east, opposite the Renaissance Hotel

Budget Car Rental is in the same plaza (Quay Plaza) as Bravo and Bimini Boatyard Restaurants.
Jack Jackson's restaurant FISH is diagonally across the street from the Renaissance hotel, attached to the Convention Center complex at the entrance to Port Everglades... http://www.fish-fl.com/

Chuck's Steakhouse... http://www.chucksflorida.com/ and Waxy O’Connor’s http://www.waxys.com/ are both across the street from Embassy Suites, a long block west of Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay AmericaOutback Steakhouse is just west of Embassy Suites next to Hyatt Place, and Quarterdeck is across the street and a block north of Embassy Suites on Cordova Road, just beyond Winn-Dixie... http://www.quarterdeckrestaurant.com/Kelly's Landing is a great New England style seafood place in a strip mall on Cordova Road, across the street from Winn-Dixie, next to Crown Liquors.

There are 3 large strip malls around Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America - More or less across the street, next door, and behind, as well as several smaller ones. There are at least a dozen other small restaurants scattered throughout those strip malls, plus a number of fast food and carry-out places in the area as well... You'll never go hungry along that section of SE 17th Street, there's something for every taste and budget.

Publix grocery store is in the Harbor Shops strip mall a block south on Cordova Road, behind Embassy Suites. Publix sell beer & wine as well as being very large, very nice grocery stores.

For liquor, beer and wine…Total Wine and More http://www.totalwine.com/ is located next to Publix. This store is to booze what Home Depot is to lumber, it’s huge!!!

For snorkel gear, fins, masks, clothing or any outdoor gear is available at Boaters World, next to Total Wine…http://www.boatersworld.com/

Dining establishments within the Harbor Shops ….
Carvel Ice Cream
Barnie's Coffee & Tea... http://www.barniescoffee.com/
RJ Gator’s… http://www.rjgators.com/ ,
The Original Steakhouse & Sports Theater… http://www.originalsteakhouse.net/,
Fire House Subs… http://www.firehousesubs.com/,
Camille’s Sidewalk Café… http://www.camillescafe.com/
Moe’s Southwest Grill…, http://www.moes.com/
CoCo Asian Bistro & Bar…, http://www.cocoasianbistro.com/

Crown Wine and Spirits is across the street from Embassy Suites, behind the Texaco station, and 67 Wine & Spirits is across the street from Crown.Winn-Dixie grocery store is across from Crown, and there's a CVS drug store in the same strip mall as 67 Wine & Spirits.

Walgreens drug store is a block east of Holiday Inn Express/Extended Stay America, across the street from the Renaissance hotel.The restaurants above are just those that you can easily walk to. If you take the Water Taxi you can easily get to dozens more.

The nearest Water Taxi stop is 2 long blocks east, under the SE 17th Street Bridge, in front of the Ft Lauderdale Grande Hotel... http://www.watertaxi.com/FortLauderdale/FLLHome.Asp

Some popular places easily accessible by Water Taxi are...
15th Street Fisheries... http://www.15streetfisheries.com/
Jackson's Steakhouse... http://www.jacksonssteakhouse.com/
Shirttail Charlie's... http://www.shirttailcharlies.com/
Fort Lauderdale River House... http://www.ftlauderdaleriverhouse.com/
Downtowner Saloon... http://www.downtownersaloon.com/
Shooter's Waterfront Cafe, and at the same stop
Taverna Opa... http://tavernaoparestaurant.com/
Charlie's Crab... http://www.muer.com/locations/chcrab...ab-ftlaud.html
The many, many restaurants and shops along beautiful Las Olas Blvd... http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/
And Las Olas Riverfront... http://www.riverfrontfl.com/

The Sun Trolley runs Thursday through Sunday, catch a trolley every 15 minutes, only 50 cents, get on and off wherever you want. http://www.suntrolley.com/maps/convention.html

Ft Lauderdale Hotels [updated 2-15-08]

2008-02-15T19:33:00.005-05:00

S.E. 17th Street (closest to Port Everglades)

HYATT PIER 66 ~ personal favorite
2301 S.E. 17th Street,
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-6666

http://www.pier66.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

FT. LAUDERDALE GRANDE
1881 S.E. 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-627-6725

http://www.fortlauderdalegrande.com

RENAISSANCE
1617 S.E. 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-626-1700

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/FLLBR

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS CONVENTION CENTER
1500 S.E. 17TH Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-728-2577

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/fllcc

EXTENDED STAY AMERICA
1450 S.E. 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-761-9055

http://www.extendedstayamerica.com/...ter-marina.html

EMBASSY SUITES
1100 Southeast 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, Florida 33316
954-527-2700

http://www.embassysuites.com/en/es/...ctyhocn=FLLSOES

HYATT PLACE AIRPORT NORTH
1851 S.E. 10TH Avenue
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-763-7670

http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/place/locations/index.jsp?N=450+4294966761

COMFORT INN & SUITES AIRPORT
1800 S. Federal Hwy.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-767-8700

http://www.choicehotels.com

Fort Lauderdale Beach (oceanfront)

LAGO MAR ~ nicest hotel in Ft Lauderdale
1700 South Ocean Lane
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-523-6511

http://www.lagomar.com/

HARBOR BEACH MARRIOTT
3030 Holiday Drive
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-4000

http://www.marriottharborbeach.com/

PELICAN GRAND BEACH RESORT
2000 North Ocean Boulevard
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33305
800-525-OCEAN

http://www.pelicanbeach.com/

Fort Lauderdale Beach (across from the beach)

DOUBLETREE GALLERY ONE
2670 East Sunrise Boulevard
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-565-3800

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/

ST REGIS RESORT
1 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-465-2300

http://www.StRegis.com/FortLauderdale

SHERATON YANKEE TRADER
321 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-467-1111

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=663

HILTON FT LAUDERDALE BEACH RESORT
505 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-414-2222

http://www.hiltonworldresorts.com/resorts/Lauderdale/index.html

THE ATLANTIC RESORT & SPA
601 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-567-8020

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1475

DAYS INN BAHIA CABANA BEACH RESORT & MARINA
3001 Harbor Drive
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-1555

http://www.bahiacabanaresort.com/

COURTYARD MARRIOTT FT LAUDERDALE BEACH
440 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-524-8733

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/fllco-courtyard-fort-lauderdale-beach/

BAHIA MAR
801 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-627-6357

http://www.bahiamarhotel.com/

SHERATON YANKEE CLIPPER
1140 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-524-5551

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=664

BEST WESTERN OCEANSIDE
1180 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-8115

http://www.bestwestern.com/

Hollywood Beach (oceanfront)

MARRIOTT HOLLYWOOD BEACH
2501 North Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
954-924-2202

http://www.hollywoodbeachmarriott.com/

WESTIN DIPLOMAT RESORT & SPA
3555 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
954-602-6000

http://www.diplomatresort.com/

SEA DOWNS ~ family favorite
2900 North Surf Road
Hollywood, FL 33019
954-923-4968

http://www.seadowns.com/

BOUGAINVILLEA ON THE BEACH
2813 North Surf Road
Hollywood, Florida 33019

http://www.bougainvilleahollywood.com/

Fort Lauderdale Airport

SLEEP INN & SUITES AIRPORT
1500 SE 5TH Avenue
Dania, FL 33304
954-874-1800

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=FL664

SHERATON FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT
1825 Griffin Rd
Dania, FL 33304
954-920-3500

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1115

MARRIOTT COURTYARD AIRPORT/CRUISEPORT
400 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach, FL 33304
954-342-8333

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/FLLHT

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT
151 Southwest 18th Court
Dania Beach, FL 33304
954-920-9696

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/flldb-springhill-suites-fort-lauderdale-airport/

HILTON FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT
1870 Griffin Road
Dania Beach, FL 33304
954-920-3300

http://hilton.com

HILTON GARDEN INN FT LAUDERDALE/HOLLYWOOD AIRPORT
180 SW 18th AvenueDania Beach, Florida, USA, 33004
954-924-9204

http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=FVP4BWRNRPSPGCSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLFHGI

LAQUINTA INN & SUITES
2620 North 26th Avenue
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-922-2295

http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=985

HOLIDAY INN
2905 Sheridan Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-925-9100

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/fllas?_requestid=682206

HAMPTON INN & SUITES FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT
2500 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-922-0011

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=FVP4BWRNRPSPGCSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLAPHX

COMFORT INN AIRPORT SOUTH
2520 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-922-1600

http://choicehotels.com/

HAMPTON INN FT LAUDERALE AIRPORT NORTH
2301 SW 12th Avenue
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-524-9900

http://www.hamptoninnftlauderdaleairport.com/

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AIRPORT
1150 West State Road 84
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-828-9904

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com

CANDLEWOOD SUITES AIRPORT/CRUISEPORT
1120 West State Road 84
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-522-8822

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cw/1/en/hotel/fllfl?_requestid=39199

COMFORT SUITES FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT WEST
2540 Davie Rd. SW 64th Ave
Davie, FL 33317
954-585-7071

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=FL591

Ft Lauderdale Suburbs

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cw/1/en/hotel/fllfl?_requestid=39199

COMFORT SUITES FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT WEST
2540 Davie Rd. SW 64th Ave
Davie, FL 33317
954-585-7071

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=FL591

HAMPTON INN PLANTATION
7801 S.W. 6th Street
Plantation, FL, 33324
954-382-4500

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=42O0PCTQRR5E2CSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLPTHX

RESIDENCE INN PLANTATION
130 North University Drive
Plantation, FL 33324
954-723-0300

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllpt-residence-inn-fort-lauderdale-plantation/

COURTYARD PLANTATION
7780 S.W. 6TH Street
Plantation, FL 33324
954-475-1100

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllpl-courtyard-fort-lauderdale-plantation/

RENAISSANCE PLANTATION
1230 South Pine Island Road
Plantation, FL 33324
954-472-2252

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllrp-renaissance-fort-lauderdale-plantation-hotel/

Miscellaneous

RIVERSIDE HOTEL
620 East Las Olas Boulevard
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-467-0671

http://www.riversidehotel.com/

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO
1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314
954-327-7625

http://www.seminolehardrock.com/

CROWNE PLAZA AT SAWGRASS MILLS
13400 West Sunrise Blvd
Sunrise, FL 33323
954-851-1020

http://www.sawgrasshotel.com/

What's the Closest Rental Car Company to Port Everglades?

2008-01-31T21:45:00.000-05:00

In addition to almost a dozen car rental agencies under one roof at Ft Lauderdale Airport there's two locations just outside of the secured port zone that can save you some money. Off airport facilities do not have to pay airport concession fees lowers costs to you. These two locations will also shuttle you to the port after you drop off the vehicle:

THRIFTY CAR RENTAL
FT. LAUDERDALE OFF ARPT, FL,US (FL9)
2400 MIAMI ROAD
FT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33316
(954) 463-8060

BUDGET CAR RENTAL (F07)
QUAY SHOPPING PLAZA
1515 SE 17TH STREET CAUSEWAY
FT.LAUDERDALE, FL 33316
(954) 761-7231

Which Hotels in Ft Lauderdale Offer Free Parking and/or Transportation to the Port?

2008-01-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

There's only two hotels that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend that offer safe free parking while your away on your cruise, free breakfast and free transportation to the port:

LAQUINTA INN & SUITES
2620 North 26th Avenue
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-922-2295
http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=985

HAMPTON INN PLANTATION
7801 S.W. 6th Street
Plantation, FL, 33324954-382-4500

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=42O0PCTQRR5E2CSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLPTHX

Lago Mar, the Nicest Hotel In Town

2008-01-20T09:49:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of hanging out at the Lago Mar the past couple of days with friends from out of town staying there. They had a suite on the 5th floor overlooking the pool with sweeping views of the ocean to the south. The room handled two adults and two children with ease. With a master bedroom, bath, kitchenette and living room there was plenty of room for all.

Most of our time was spent just lounging around the pool. The staff is unobtrusive but there when you need them. We even brought our own liquor (we're fond of Cabo Wabo) that we picked up at Total Wine, no one blinked an eye when we set it on our table. The poolside menu is abbreviated but everything we ate was delicious.

The pools are absolutely gourgeous, the river like pool with a small island was perfect for families with children and the second pool was set aside for adults who wanted to enjoy a quieter moment.

The beauty of this property lies in the beach just footsteps away. I ventured south on the beach to the jetty that runs parallel to the channel to Port Everglades. At 5pm I was 50 yards from a parade of cruise ships departing port Everglades. A wonderful sight to behold.

If you ever have the opportunity, try the Lago Mar. It will exceed any ones expectations.

10 Dirtiest Hotels in the U.S.

2008-01-15T19:44:00.000-05:00

TripAdvisor has again identified the 10 dirtiest hotels in the U.S., based on traveler ratings for cleanliness.

Hotel Carter, New York, New York
Ramada Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls, New York
Nashville - Days Inn Vanderbilt/Music Row, Nashville, Tennessee
Red Carpet Inn, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Regency Inn & Suites, New York, New York
St. Augustine Beachfront Resort, St. Augustine, Florida
Travel Inn Civic/Medical Center, Miami, Florida
Eden Roc Motel, Wildwood, New Jersey
Days Inn Lancaster, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Pacific Sands Motel, Santa Monica, California

Hilton Ft Lauderdale Grande

2008-01-11T21:59:00.000-05:00

The Blackstone Group owns the Ft Lauderdale Grande, The Hyatt Pier 66 and the Bahia Mar in Ft Lauderdale.

They recently purchased Hilton Hotels for $20 billion in cash. That's right...CASH!

Well who would have guessed that they'd change the name of the former Marriott Marina, Ft Lauderdale Grande to the HILTON FT LAUDERDALE GRANDE YACHT CLUB effective February 1st.

Plans are in the works for a major overhaul of the Bahia Mar, formerly the Radisson and probably soon to be the Hilton Bahia Mar.

I'm sure the price of rooms will be increasing to accompany the name change, heck, it's a Hilton afterall.

Updated Ft Lauderdale Hotel List

2007-12-16T09:37:00.002-05:00

S.E. 17th Street (closest to Port Everglades)

HYATT PIER 66
2301 S.E. 17th Street, Ft Lauderdale, Florida, 33316
954-525-6666

http://www.pier66.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

HILTON FT. LAUDERDALE GRANDE
1881 S.E. 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-627-6725

http://www.fortlauderdalegrande.com

RENAISSANCE
1617 S.E. 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-626-1700

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/FLLBR

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS CONVENTION CENTER
1500 S.E. 17TH Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-728-2577

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ex/1/en/hotel/fllcc

EXTENDED STAY AMERICA
1450 S.E. 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-761-9055

http://www.extendedstayamerica.com/...ter-marina.html

EMBASSY SUITES
1100 Southeast 17th Street
Ft Lauderdale, Florida 33316
954-527-2700

http://www.embassysuites.com/en/es/...ctyhocn=FLLSOES

HYATT PLACE AIRPORT NORTH
1851 S.E. 10TH Avenue Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-763-7670

http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/place/locations/index.jsp?N=450+4294966761

COMFORT INN & SUITES AIRPORT
1800 S. Federal Hwy.Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-767-8700

http://www.choicehotels.com

Fort Lauderdale Beach (oceanfront)

LAGO MAR
1700 South Ocean Lane
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-523-6511

http://www.lagomar.com/

HARBOR BEACH MARRIOTT
3030 Holiday Drive
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-4000

http://www.marriottharborbeach.com/

PELICAN GRAND BEACH RESORT
2000 North Ocean Boulevard
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33305
800-525-OCEAN

http://www.pelicanbeach.com/

Fort Lauderdale Beach (across from the beach)

DOUBLETREE GALLERY ONE
2670 East Sunrise Boulevard
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-565-3800

http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=FVP4BWRNRPSPGCSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLTSDT

ST REGIS RESORT
1 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-465-2300

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/property/overview/index.html?

SHERATON YANKEE TRADER
321 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-467-1111

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=663

HILTON FT LAUDERDALE BEACH RESORT
505 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-414-2222

http://www.hiltonworldresorts.com/resorts/Lauderdale/index.html

THE ATLANTIC RESORT & SPA
601 North Ft Lauderdale Beach Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33304
954-567-8020

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1475

DAYS INN BAHIA CABANA BEACH RESORT & MARINA
3001 Harbor Drive
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-1555

http://www.bahiacabanaresort.com/

COURTYARD MARRIOTT FT LAUDERDALE BEACH
440 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-524-8733

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/fllco-courtyard-fort-lauderdale-beach/

BAHIA MAR
801 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-627-6357

http://www.bahiamarhotel.com/

SHERATON YANKEE CLIPPER
1140 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-524-5551

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=664

BEST WESTERN OCEANSIDE
1180 Seabreeze Blvd
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-525-8115

http://www.bestwestern.com

Hollywood Beach (oceanfront)

MARRIOTT HOLLYWOOD BEACH
2501 North Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
954-924-2202

http://www.hollywoodbeachmarriott.com/

WESTIN DIPLOMAT RESORT & SPA
3555 South Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
954-602-6000

http://www.diplomatresort.com/

SEA DOWNS
2900 North Surf Road
Hollywood, FL 33019
954-923-4968

http://www.seadowns.com/

BOUGAINVILLEA ON THE BEACH
2813 North Surf Road
Hollywood, Florida 33019

http://www.bougainvilleahollywood.com/

Fort Lauderdale Airport

SLEEP INN & SUITES AIRPORT
1500 SE 5TH Avenue
Dania, FL 33304
954-874-1800

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=FL664

SHERATON FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT
1825 Griffin Rd
Dania, FL 33304
954-920-3500

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1115

MARRIOTT COURTYARD AIRPORT/CRUISEPORT
400 Gulf Stream Way
Dania Beach, FL 33304
954-342-8333

http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/FLLHT

SPRINGHILL SUITES BY MARRIOTT
151 Southwest 18th Court
Dania Beach, FL 33304
954-920-9696

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/flldb-springhill-suites-fort-lauderdale-airport/

HILTON FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT
1870 Griffin Road
Dania Beach, FL 33304
954-920-3300

http://hilton.com

HILTON GARDEN INN FT LAUDERDALE/HOLLYWOOD AIRPORT
180 SW 18th AvenueDania Beach, Florida, USA, 33004
954-924-9204

http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=FVP4BWRNRPSPGCSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLFHGI

LAQUINTA INN & SUITES
2620 North 26th Avenue
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-922-2295

http://www.lq.com/lq/properties/propertyProfile.do?ident=LQ985&propId=985

HOLIDAY INN
2905 Sheridan Street
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-925-9100

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/hi/1/en/hotel/fllas?_requestid=682206

HAMPTON INN & SUITES FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT
2500 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-922-0011

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=FVP4BWRNRPSPGCSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLAPHX

COMFORT INN AIRPORT SOUTH
2520 Stirling Road
Hollywood, FL 33020
954-922-1600

http://choicehotels.com

HAMPTON INN FT LAUDERALE AIRPORT NORTH
2301 SW 12th Avenue
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-524-9900

http://www.hamptoninnftlauderdaleairport.com/

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AIRPORT
1150 West State Road 84
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-828-9904

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com

CANDLEWOOD SUITES AIRPORT/CRUISEPORT
1120 West State Road 84
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33315
954-522-8822

http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cw/1/en/hotel/fllfl?_requestid=39199

COMFORT SUITES FT LAUDERDALE AIRPORT WEST
2540 Davie Rd. SW 64th Ave
Davie, FL 33317
954-585-7071

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=FL591

Ft Lauderdale Suburbs

HYATT PLACE PLANTATION
8530 West Broward Boulevard Plantation, Florida, USA 33324

http://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/place/locations/index.jsp?N=450+4294966761

HAMPTON INN PLANTATION
7801 S.W. 6th StreetPlantation, FL, 33324954-382-4500

http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=42O0PCTQRR5E2CSGBIW2VCQ?ctyhocn=FLLPTHX

RESIDENCE INN PLANTATION
130 North University Drive
Plantation, FL 33324
954-723-0300

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllpt-residence-inn-fort-lauderdale-plantation/

COURTYARD PLANTATION
7780 S.W. 6TH Street
Plantation, FL 33324
954-475-1100

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllpl-courtyard-fort-lauderdale-plantation/

RENAISSANCE PLANTATION
1230 South Pine Island Road
Plantation, FL 33324
954-472-2252

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllrp-renaissance-fort-lauderdale-plantation-hotel/

Miscellaneous

RIVERSIDE HOTEL
620 East Las Olas Boulevard
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33301
954-467-0671

http://www.riversidehotel.com/

HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO
1 Seminole Way
Hollywood, FL 33314
954-327-7625

http://www.seminolehardrock.com/

CROWNE PLAZA AT SAWGRASS MILLS
13400 West Sunrise Blvd
Sunrise, FL 33323
954-851-1020

http://www.sawgrasshotel.com/

Port Everglades will be home to world's largest cruise ships

2007-12-01T09:10:00.000-05:00

By Scott Wyman South Florida Sun-Sentinel
December 1, 2007

Royal Caribbean has agreed to base both of its two new super-size cruise ships at Port Everglades year-round, ending months of competition for the business between the Broward County port and its Miami counterpart.

The Port of Miami has long been Royal Caribbean's base of operations in the region, but the deal creates a major, long-term partnership with Port Everglades by guaranteeing 17 million passengers over the next decade.

Port Director Phil Allen said the deal will make Port Everglades the largest cruise port in the world. It currently ranks behind Miami and Port Canaveral directly east of Orlando.

Each ship will carry up to 6,400 passengers and 2,000 crews members on weekly Caribbean voyages. The ships, called the Genesis class, are being built in Finland, and the first is expected to begin cruises from Port Everglades in mid-2009.

A spokesman for Royal Caribbean said the company viewed Port Everglades as a better choice than Miami because it offered "a little bit more in terms of servicing passengers and the development of the port."

Because Miami and Fort Lauderdale have such consistently pleasant weather, we always bring our newest and best hardware here so it was a matter of working with the particular ports in the area to see what we could offer them and they could offer us," Royal Caribbean spokesman Harrison Liu said.

Royal Caribbean approached Port Everglades in February about the possibility of stationing at least one ship there, but also said it was in similar discussions with other ports. Port Everglades countered with the suggestion that both ships be based there.One of the terminals at Port Everglades will be renovated at a cost of $37.4 million to handle the new business.

Neither local taxpayers nor the port will foot the bill. Royal Caribbean will pay for the work through a $5.70 surcharge on passengers when they leave and arrive. That's in addition to a $9.95 port-user charge each passenger will pay.

Oivind Mathisen, editor of Cruise Industry News, said Royal Caribbean's choice of Port Everglades runs counter to its history with Miami, but likely was spurred by the greater convenience and efficiency of Broward's port. He said the two Genesis ships will be a boon for the softening Caribbean cruise business.

"Miami would have seemed natural for Royal Caribbean to put one or both of the Genesis-class ships there so this is a big move, a big change," he said.At $1.2 billion, the ships will be the world's most expensive to build, and they will dwarf current cruise ships.

The largest cruise ship that now docks at Port Everglades carries 3,100 passengers, while the world's current largest, Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, holds 4,300.

Under the deal, Royal Caribbean could move the two Genesis ships after their first year at Port Everglades. However, the guarantee of 17 million passengers over the next decade would remain.Allen said he anticipates more new ships from Royal Caribbean and its sister Celebrity line to meet that promise.

The company's presence at Port Everglades would grow from 750,000 passengers next year to 2.1 million in 2012 under the terms of the agreement.

To break the agreement, Royal Caribbean would have to pay the port $20 million in damages, pay off the cost of renovating the terminal and give one year's notice.Cruise operations at the port have hovered around 2.5 million passengers a year since 2001, but will skyrocket with the agreement. Allen anticipated 4.9 million passengers at Port Everglades in 2010.

Port Everglades Parking

2007-11-25T21:20:00.000-05:00

$15 per day (rates subject to change by the Port Authority)

Midport Parking Garage: 6-floors, 2000 spaces.
Northport Parking Garage: 4 floors, 2500 spaces
Security-patrolled and illuminated.
Full payment due upon exiting the parking garage.
Accepted forms of payment: U.S. Dollars; Visa; Master Card; American Express.
No advance reservations required.
Oversized vehicles up to 40 feet in length will pay $19 per day.
Handicap Parking available with proof of valid permit.

Ft Lauderdale Web Cams

2007-11-18T17:41:00.001-05:00

About time I started adding some live web cams to this blog so here goes:

Hilton Ft Lauderdale Beach:

http://sunny.org/webcam2/camapp.cfm

Beach Place:
http://www.sunny.org/webcam/camapp.cfm

Elbo Room
Roof:
http://www.elboroom.com/FL/Webcams/webcams-streaming.asp?s=1&c=1
Patio:
http://www.elboroom.com/FL/Webcams/webcams-streaming.asp?s=1&c=1
Band:
http://www.elboroom.com/FL/Webcams/webcams-streaming.asp?s=1&c=1

15th Street Fisheries:

http://www.inlauderdale.com/webcams.html

East Las Olas Boulevard:

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/sfl-webcam3,0,3709944.htmlstory

South Fork of New River:

http://www.river-reach.net/web%20cam.htm

Expedia...did you know?

2007-11-15T17:28:00.000-05:00

The Expedia, Inc. portfolio of brands includes: Expedia.com®, hotels.com®, Hotwire®, Expedia® Corporate Travel, TripAdvisor®, Expedia Local Expert™, Classic Vacations® and eLong™.

Oh, if you didn't realize it, Cruis Critic is under the TripAdvisor umbrella now.

PORT EVERGLADES PARKING

2007-10-26T14:21:00.000-04:00

Convenient parking for private automobiles is available at both the Northport and Midport Parking Garages. All garages are well-illuminated, security-patrolled and provide handicapped
parking with unimpeded access to crosswalks and elevators. All parking facilities charge $2 for 0-1 hour, $5 for 1-5 hours, and $1 per hour thereafter up to a maximum daily fee of $15.

Cruise passengers leaving from Cruise Terminals 1, 2, or 4 typically use the 2,500-space Northport Parking Garage, which sits between the Broward County Convention Center
and all Northport Cruise Terminals.

If you are sailing from Cruise Terminals 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, or 29, the 2,000-space Midport Parking Garage is located within walking distance of most Midport Cruise Terminals.
Complimentary shuttle bus service is provided between the garage and Cruise Terminals 18 and 29.

PORT EVERGLADES SECURITY CHECKPOINTS

2007-10-26T14:19:00.000-04:00

All cruise passengers departing from Port Everglades will enter the Port through a security checkpoint. Be prepared to present a government-issued photo ID for all persons
in the vehicle, as well as travel documents for the departing passengers. If you have an electronic ticket, simply provide a printed copy of your confirmation.

TAXIS

2007-10-26T14:17:00.000-04:00

In general, a taxi ride to/from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will cost approximately $10 to $15. Don’t forget that passengers who purchase the air/sea
package from the cruise line often will be provided transportation to/from the ship by the cruise line itself.

From Port Everglades into downtown, expect to pay approximately $20 to $25. Of course, fares will vary depending on the exact route chosen and traffic conditions.

CAR RENTALS

2007-10-26T14:14:00.000-04:00

Most car rental firms are licensed to do business at Port Everglades and, when ships are in port, may provide courtesy shuttle service to/from the cruise terminals to their nearby
off-site locations.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport recently opened a Rental Car Center which houses a number of car rental companies servicing both the airport and the seaport. A single shuttle pickup at Port Everglades is offered for the following rental car companies at the Center: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Continental, Dollar, Enterprise, EZ Rent-A-Car, Hertz,
National, Payless, Royal and Thrifty.

Off airport Budget has a nearby office in the Quay Shopping Center next to the Renaissance Hotel. Thrifty has a location just outside the secured port zone on Miami Road. Both offer shuttle service as well.

Ft Lauderdale Water Taxi Stops

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Click the link below for a map of the Water Taxi stops...

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=111808212097114498924.0000011303ce7c1b7f0a1&z=13&om=1

Ft Lauderdale Hotel & Points of Interest Map

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Link to area map, click below, you can zoom in and out and change to satellite view:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=111808212097114498924.00000112e44774bfe948e&z=11&om=1