 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. Check out my three favorite Fort Lauderdale hotels and dining for a Pre- or Post-Cruise stay1. Conrad Fort Lauderdale BeachThe 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.
2. Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & SpaClose 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
3. Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort LauderdaleWe'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.
Dine at Lobster Bar Sea Grill 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.
Grab a treat at Hollywood Donut Factory 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! With many hotel and dining options in Fort Lauderdale, it can be hard to decide where to go. My best advice it to find a hotel and plan to stay in that area. Plan to walk or a quick Uber or Lyft ride to restaurants or shopping. Or walk to the beach. This is a part of your vacation and it should be as relaxing as possible.
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My Virtual Vacations Blog
About the AuthorThanks for cruising by!
I'm the creator behind this blog, where I share our family’s love for travel, especially cruising. By day, I work full-time in an office—and all the time, I'm a proud mom to two amazing young men. We took our first cruise when they were energetic little boys, and I’ve included plenty of tips for traveling with kids in tow. With our packed work and school schedules, we cherish every holiday break and make the most of our time off. We gravitate toward cruises and luxury hotel stays, always on the lookout for family-friendly experiences that offer comfort, elegance, and a touch of indulgence—think spacious suites, gorgeous décor, excellent service, and memorable dining. When we're not traveling, you’ll find me enjoying local restaurants or getting creative in my own kitchen with cooking and baking. Start dreaming—and planning—your next luxurious getaway, whether by sea or on land, with My Virtual Vacations. I'm always happy to answer questions or offer personalized recommendations to help you make the most of your travels. Be sure to check back often for new blog posts, travel tips, and inspiration—there are always more family adventures on the horizon!
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Upcoming Adventures...I’m beyond excited to share that we’ll be sailing on the Celebrity Beyond again this summer! We'll be staying in The Retreat, enjoying a stunning suite and all the elevated perks that come with it. I can't wait to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the experience—so if you’ve ever considered booking a suite, stay tuned for plenty of insights and tips!
We’re also heading to one of our favorite places--Boca Raton, Florida—for a relaxing land vacation. It’s truly our happy place, and I’ll be sharing highlights from our stay there as well. If you have any questions about our upcoming or past travels, don’t hesitate to reach out. I love helping others plan their dream getaways! If you have suggestions of places My Virtual Vacations would love, reach out to us on our Submission Form. We are always looking for new spots to showcase!
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