Ah, Fort Lauderdale! Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and as a bustling hub for cruise enthusiasts. If you're planning a cruise out of this sunshine paradise, finding the right accommodation is key to starting your vacation on the right foot. And lucky for you, we've found the perfect spot that blends comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury. Enter the Hyatt Place near the convention center. Let's explore why this gem is the best hotel near the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale is one of my favorite cities in south Florida, located on the Atlantic Ocean. Sometimes you can see the pretty blue colors of the ocean that remind you of the Bahamas. I have traveled here often, staying in many hotels and resorts nearby. I have also stayed in Fort Lauderdale 3 times for cruises also, so I know this place forward and backwards.
Another thing I want to share with you is that Fort Lauderdale is not far from Miami. My home airport of CLT has cheaper flights to Fort Lauderdale than to Miami, so every cruise I take that leaves out of Miami, I fly into Fort Lauderdale. You might want to check this out, if you are looking at flying into Miami and the flights are more expensive, Fort Lauderdale at times can be less expensive, and hiring a car or taking the train from Airport to Miami is a breeze.
Best Cruise Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Hyatt Place!
Nestled in the heart of the city, Hyatt Place built in 1997 and 6 floors high, is the gateway to a memorable pre-cruise stay. Located at 1851 SE 10th Avenue, this hotel is a hop, skip, and jump away from Fort Lauderdale's vibrant cruise port. You can reach them at (954) 763-7670 for any inquiries. The location itself is a dream for cruise travelers, vacation seekers, and local tourists alike. With the convention center nearby, the area is bustling with life and energy, making it an exciting place to start your cruise adventure.
This is one of the best hotels for cruises and is also considered close to the convention center. If you look at this hotel on your favorite site like Expedia or Orbitz, you might be confused and see the several Hyatt Hotels in the area, including one located in Dania Beach (which is better for flights out of Fort Lauderdale airport). Hyatt Place on 10th Ave is still in my opinion close to the airport, but you will have to catch an Uber, Taxi or Lyft from the airport to the hotel.
Walking Distance to Harbor Shops
For those who love a bit of retail therapy, the Hyatt Place is just a short walk away from the Harbor Shops, which is less than an 8 minute (or less) walk away. This prime location allows guests to indulge in shopping sprees before setting sail or enjoy a leisurely walk while exploring a local strip mall with dining options. Whether you're picking up last-minute cruise essentials or treating yourself to a new outfit, the convenience of having a major shopping center nearby cannot be overstated. Plus, after a day at the mall, you can easily return to your cozy hotel room to relax and unwind.
Some of the shops are TJ Maxx, Publix grocery store, a few specialty stores like Total Wine, then some restaurants. Some are fast food like Five Guys, but others are different, like Joe’s Cafe, Press and Grind Cafe, La Bamaba, Indian Harbor, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, and Siam House Thailand.
The closest restaurants, at under a 2-minute walk from the Hyatt are Outback Steakhouse and Bistro Mezzaluna.
If interested in checking out other parts of Fort Lauderdale here is a short list of drive times, making the Hyatt place one of the best places to stay in Fort Lauderdale.
Las Olas Boulevard- 4-minute drive
Broward County Center for the Performing Arts - 5-minute drive
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens- 13-minute drive
Bahia Mar Marina- 5-minute drive
Galleria Mall- 13-minute drive
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport about a 7-minute drive
Port Everglades Cruise Port- 7-minute drive.
Fort Lauderdale Beach- 12-minute drive
Hollywood Beach- 13-minute drive
You are also close to the train station; this train station can connect you to Miami if needed.
If you have time and are interested, one of my favorite activities is taking the water taxi on the intercoastal waterway. Looking at all the beautiful yachts, and houses, plus the stops are convenient to many shops and restaurants. The water taxi I took, would tell the famous people that lived in some of the houses as we rode past them.
Amenities Galore at Hyatt Place
One of the standout features of Hyatt Place is its impressive range of amenities designed to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Let's take a closer look at what this hotel has to offer:
Fitness Center: Stay active even while on vacation with the hotel's fully equipped fitness center. Whether it's a quick morning run or an evening yoga session, you'll have everything you need to keep your fitness routine on track.
Breakfast Included: Kickstart your day with a delicious free breakfast. From fresh pastries to hearty breakfast burritos, there's something for every palate. It's the perfect way to fuel up before a day full of adventures.
On-site restaurant: When open, the hotel's kitchen offers basic lunch and dinner options like (Cheeseburgers, fries, and chicken wraps) allowing you to enjoy a meal without leaving the comfort of the hotel. Perfect for those evenings when you just want to relax.
Snack and Drink Bar: Located near the check-in desk, this bar offers a variety of snacks and beverages to satisfy your cravings at any time of the day.
Room Service for a fee is available from the On-site Kitchen.
The Outdoor Swimming Pool is a decent size but did not swim in it.
Business Services are available for some last-minute business, just in case it needed before going on your cruise.
Free Wifi
Laundry Services
Ample Seating and Bar Area: Whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet drink, the spacious seating area and bar provide the perfect setting for relaxation and socialization.
If you drive to Fort Lauderdale, you can park your car here for $10 a night, but the best part is you can use this as an extended parking area. Where you can leave your car at the hotel while you are on the cruise. This is a good idea, especially since parking fees at Port Everglades will cost you $20 a day or $25 a day if you have a large vehicle. If you are staying before the cruise and after the cruise at this Hyatt, extended parking options are very convenient.
Proximity to the Cruise Port
The Hyatt Hotel is the perfect place to stay for a cruise because of its proximity to the cruise terminals. The Hyatt offers a cruise port shuttle through a 3rd party company for just $9 per person. This makes it easy to reach your cruise ship without the hassle of arranging separate transportation. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind and a seamless transition from hotel to cruise port. The cruise port is less than 10 minutes away. Just let the front desk know when checking in. In my case they told me that when I was checking out in the morning the shuttle would be here or be on its way back to the hotel, as many people use this shuttle service from the hotel and there would be plenty of room.
You can look into using other cruise shuttles or private drivers to the port if interested. There are plenty to choose from on Viator. Check below.
My Experience at Hyatt Place
Having stayed at Hyatt Place before embarking on a cruise, I can personally vouch for the exceptional service and comfort provided. From the moment I stepped into the chic lobby, I felt welcomed and at ease. The staff were attentive and eager to assist with any queries I had, making my stay stress-free and enjoyable.
On the Expedia website it says you can use a hotel shuttle for a surcharge from the airport to the hotel. We did not choose this option as an Uber was $26.74, plus tip. There were 3 of us in the SUV, so we just split the cost of the ride, and it was much easier to get an Uber at the airport than wait and look for the hotel shuttle. 2 people from my group were on a different flight and also used an Uber to arrive at the hotel.
The night of our arrival the hotel's on-site kitchen was closed due to staffing issues, so we ordered pizza delivery, but were able to sit at one of the tables downstairs in the lobby and eat, as there were 5 of us total. Taking the pizza and mozzarella sticks upstairs would have been an option, but it was much easier for all 5 of us to just sit down in the lobby at one of the tables, since the hotel room does not have a kitchen table. There was not any problem with all of us catching up, chatting and eating pizza at the tables in the lobby. We enjoyed our pizza and mozzarella sticks, so if you are here on a cruise and want delivery check out Manhattan NY Pizza. It only took 30 minutes to get our order after we ordered it. We did not use DoorDash or UberEats, we just used the website to find the phone number and called them. They are located close by.
Outside in front of the hotel is a small patio set, a few chairs and a table if you would like to sit outside. It's nothing special, but a place I went to make phone calls while the rest of my group was finishing the pizza. While there I took the [picture of the palm tree lit up with lights.
I have stayed at Hyatt before and knew about their spacious rooms and this room did not disappoint. The room was spacious, well-appointed, and featured all the modern amenities one could wish for. I particularly enjoyed the shower, it was a high-pressure shower, which I truly love. Our room held all 5 in our group. 2 double beds and a comfortable pull-out sofa which I slept on. There was a desk, chair, microwave, mini fridge, coffee maker and an extra sink in the kitchen area. The TV had many extra plug-ins on the side for all those kids who pack gaming systems to play while on vacation. The air conditioner worked great, plenty of towels and extra blankets and pillows for the fold out sofa.
My only slight issue with this room was, if you are using the pull-out sofa, you cannot see the TV, as it was on the entertainment stand near the double beds. Honestly, I did not mind to much, since I was on the pull-out sofa, but I could see where some people might not be happy about that.
One of my favorite conveniences is the snack bar and the breakfast spread each morning, which offers a delightful selection of options to suit all tastes. French toast sticks, bacon, eggs, bagels, and fruit were just some of the items my family got for breakfast. Breakfast was busy with many people in the lobby eating at all the tables and bar. So, we decided to make our plates and just take them back to our room, as we were not in any rush to check out that morning. Our boarding time for the cruise was noon, so we checked out of our hotel at 11:15 (you can check out as late as 12 PM at this Hyatt), and the shuttle was right there ready to pick up the next group of people.
Some people might not like the thought of paying $9 for the shuttle, but we did not mind. But in all actuality, it would have been cheaper to get an Uber and split it 5 ways. I did look up the cost after we were on the shuttle and an Uber for 5 of us in a large SUV was going to cost 16.85 total, plus tip. So, look into this tip, especially if several of you are sharing the ride to the Port Everglades Cruise Terminal 25.
The total cost after taxes and fees was $189.67. When splitting this room between 5 people, it was a great affordable room to stay in before our cruise. On Expedia this Hyatt is listed as a 3.5-star hotel, but I feel the rating should be higher than this.
My stay at Hyatt Place ensured that I started my cruise vacation feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The combination of a fantastic location, excellent amenities, and friendly service makes this hotel a top choice for any cruise traveler visiting Fort Lauderdale.
Why Choose a Hyatt Place for Your Pre-Cruise Stay?
Choosing the right hotel before your cruise sets the tone for your entire vacation. With its convenient location, outstanding amenities, and stellar service, Hyatt Place near the convention center stands out as the best cruise hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or a first timer, this hotel offers everything you need to ensure your trip starts off smoothly.
You should book early if you are planning on using this hotel as your pre cruise hotel, as they do fill up quickly. If so, check out some of these other best options for the area.
Hyatt Place- Diana Beach (I have stayed here also, because of free shuttle service from airport).
Holiday Inn Express Fort Lauderdale
Embassy Suites Fort Lauderdale
Courtyard Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
In summary, if you're planning a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, the Hyatt Place is your go-to option for a pre-cruise stay. With its prime location, excellent amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, it promises a memorable and hassle-free experience. Whether you're exploring the nearby Galleria Mall, enjoying the hotel's top-notch facilities, or simply relaxing before your cruise, this hotel has it all.
Ready to book your stay at the best hotel near the cruise port in Fort Lauderdale? Reach out to Hyatt Place, or me since I am a travel agent and secure your spot for an unforgettable pre-cruise experience. Safe travels and happy cruising!
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Nice to know about the cost of shuttle vs Uber. I agree it totally makes sense; thanks for sharing!
This is so helpful! Will definitely be using this for my next cruise out of FLL!
This looks really spacious if the room fits 5 people and a great deal! THank you for sharing!
We've flown into Ft. Lauderdale numerous times, but have typically stayed outside of this area (usually in Pompano Beach or Boca Raton). The Hyatt Place looks super convenient though if you're taking a cruise, with their shuttle to the cruise terminal.
I agree spending a few days in the city you are sailing from can set the tone of your entire vacation. Fort Lauderdale looks like it has plenty of things to see and do.