Thursday, July 28, 2011

Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel ... Business or pleasure

Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel
1617 SE 17th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
954-626-1700

See below for restaurants nearby

Sitting across from the entrance to Port Everglades, Marriott’s Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel is the place to stay before or after ocean travel. It’s also a good choice for those who have business in downtown Fort Lauderdale. A resort it’s not.

View of downtown Fort Lauderdale from concierge level
A pool sits close to the 17th Street Causeway, separated from the busy road by hedges but it serves its purpose for cooling off or swimming some laps. Save the resort lounging for the ship’s deck or Caribbean destination. Refurbished in 2008, the hotel’s accommodations are clean, bright, comfortable, and appropriately tropical.  For those reluctant to ditch the digital habit while vacationing, computers are available near the lobby.

Leisure travelers crowd the Renaissance on weekends when cruise ships come and go, filling Bistro 17, the restaurant, to capacity during breakfast hours. This places a strain on seating and service but most don’t seem to mind, especially when they're in a cruise state of mind.  Morning buffet is typical Marriott fare: omelets to order, hot and cold cereal, scrambled eggs, sausage, and sweet rolls.

Staff is experienced and accommodating. Concierge room/floor available. Self or valet parking for about $20. Restaurants and shopping within walking distance.
Restaurants nearby:
Pelican Landing (for lunch with a beautiful view from the dock, Pier 66): http://janesbits.blogspot.com/2010/09/pelican-landing-at-pier-66-mega-yachts.html
Bimini Boatyard http://biminiboatyard.com/
Dough Boys Pizza - http://doughboysfla.com/
Market 17 (expensive) - http://www.market17.net/

Tags: Fort Lauderdale hotels, Hotels near Port Everglades, cruise hotel, Marriott hotels, Renaissance hotel