We always extend our cruise vacation and stay in an upscale hotel pre- and post-cruise. Depending on the time of year and type of cruise, I typically look for a hotel that has nearby good restaurants and shopping or located directly on the beach for a pre- or post-cruise stay. This is a great way to start vacation early and break up those stressful travel days. Let's face it, the first day when embarking on a cruise is very busy. You have to get to the port at your specified boarding time, ensure each piece of luggage is outfitted with cruise luggage tags that you've printed and attached ahead of time, check-in with your official legal documents (i.e., passport, birth certificates, driver's license) and credit cards, find your stateroom, check into your assigned Muster Station, verify your stateroom card keys are working...and then find something to eat! It's a lot. So traveling to the cruise port on the same day is something I try to avoid. 

Cruising to the Caribbean is always a favorite for my family. Many of these cruises leave out of Port Everglades. Luckily, there are many beautiful hotels within a short drive to the cruise port. 

To help plan your next pre- or post-cruise stay, I'm sharing three of my favorite Fort Lauderdale hotels, along with accommodations and dining recommendations for each. They are located in either the Las Olas area or on the beach. Either of these areas are about a 15 to 20 minute drive to the Port Everglades cruise port. Unfortunately, none of the hotels I'm mentioning have complimentary shuttles, but you can easily Uber or Lyft, or arrange car service ahead of time to pick you up. The reason we love Las Olas is that it's within walking distance to some fabulous restaurants and wonderful shopping. Think Tommy Bahama or Lilly Pulitzer or Lululemon for last minute cruise wear. Or stay on the beach and start vacationing the minute you arrive. It's a great feeling to dip your toes in the cool, blue water and soft sand knowing that you'll be boarding a gorgeous ship in just a day or two. 

The Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach is a Hilton branded hotel and a gorgeous, modern property with stunning ocean views. Across the street, there is a terrific walking path along the beach for an early morning jog. They also have their own beach service with towels, chairs, and umbrellas. Although like most places on the beach in Fort Lauderdale, food service is not allowed.

We chose a 1 Bedroom Suite Intracoastal View for our stay. The design is perfect for adults in the separate bedroom and 1 or 2 guests staying on the sofa bed in the main area. As most of the rooms in the Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach, there is a fully-stocked kitchen, with a refrigerator, coffee maker, and microwave. The spacious bathroom includes a shower and a deep soaking tub.

Dine at Vitolo

With an entrance directly off of the lobby within the Conrad Fort Lauderdale, Vitolo is a beautiful and delicious traditional Italian restaurant, and is a highlight for tourists and locals. The  delicate pasta is paired wonderfully with homemade sauces, along with other featured Italian specialties. They also have a fabulous bar where you can enjoy an original cocktail and light bite. If you are celebrating an occasion, let them know. They treated us to a phenomenal dessert board! 

Dine at Takato

Also at the Conrad Fort Lauderdale, we've eaten at Takato several times and it never disappoints. It's an Asian inspired theme, although the menu offers something for everyone. Enjoy a unique cocktail here too. They even have some refreshing non-alcoholic options. 

Close to the Fort Lauderdale International Airport and the cruise port, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa is a true resort property featuring pools, along with pool-side music, planned activities, and private cabanas, and directly on the beach. You are so close to the port, that you can see the ships arriving and department as you are relaxing on the beach or from the balcony of your hotel room. It's a fantastic location and offers numerous things to do night and day!  

Stay in a Wind Drift Suite at ​Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Fine Dining at 3030 Ocean Restaurant and Casual Dining (Breakfast) at Riva

We've stayed at the Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale multiple times and never tire of the amazing location to shopping and fine dining. The Deluxe King Bed room has wonderful floor to ceiling windows, a lounging area, and walk-in closet. It features a city view and is approximately 532 square feet (perfect for housing your cruise luggage.) I've included additional details on a full blog post here. ​

Dine at Harborwood Urban Kitchen

Located off of the lobby in the Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, I'd recommend Harborwood Urban Kitchen should be your go-to for breakfast. The selections are perfect for getting started in the morning. We also enjoy lunch and dinner here, although don't hesitate to stop by for dessert and a drink at their vibrant bar. 

If you are celebrating a special occasion before or after your cruise, one of our favorite Las Olas Fort Lauderdale spots is Lobster Bar Sea Grill. It's truly elegant and the food is phenomenal. It is pricey, but I highly recommend to order the lightly fried Lobster Morsels, followed by decadent butter poached Lobster Risotto with Truffle, and then a finale with a Tropical Pavlova.   

While in Las Olas, take a stroll by the river with a donut from Hollywood Donut Factory. I never say no to a donut, and this is one of my favorites. They have unique and delicious flavors. Arrive early so you can get it hot! 

For now, I have three favorite hotels in Fort Lauderdale for a pre- or post-cruise stay. Although, we have an upcoming cruise planned and that means more pre- and post-cruise stays are in our future!