Located a 45-minute drive (when there’s no traffic) up the coast from Miami, the Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood airport is smaller and less glitzy than it’s Miami MIA airport cousin. Flights to and from FLL is also generally less expensive than MIA. And, if you are heading out on a cruise, FLL could also be more convenient. In fact, we’ve selected our best Ft. Lauderdale airport hotels mindful that many travelers will be looking for a convenient place to spend a night between their flight and their cruise.
Best Overall Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel
Hyatt Place Ft. Lauderdale Airport North
The Hyatt, the Sheraton and the Hilton have similar quality FLL airport properties. The Hyatt wins the Airport Hotel Guru’s “Best of” selection because it is the only one of the three to offer free in-room internet. The Hyatt has the largest televisions of the group (42-inch flatscreens vs 37-inch flatscreen at the Sheraton and 27-inch screens at the Hilton) and the most convenient airport transportation—simply call the hotel (954-763-7670) from baggage claim and they’ll come pick you up (between 5am and midnight). The Hyatt also offers compliment transportation to the cruise port, starting at 11am, located a mere 1/2 mile away. (The Hilton, in contrast, charges $9 for their van and from the Sheraton you’re stuck taking a taxi for $80!!).
That said, the Hilton has the best pool and the most resort-like feel of the three. (The Hyatt has an outdoor pool but it is a little sad). The Sheraton has the most comfortable beds and, while the in-room wifi will cost you $9.95 it is at least free in the lobby area.
Best Value FLL Airport Hotel
Comfort Inn Airport/Cruise Port South
Comfort Inn Airport South is an excellent value! Not that the rooms are anything special. But they are clean enough, and comfortable enough, to make your stay pleasant. The hotel property has a small but serviceable pool located by the hotel’s tiki bar. Guests get a free buffet breakfast (with hot & cold items), free in-room wifi internet, free parking and local phone calls. A complimentary airport shuttle runs from 5am to 1am. There is a charge for the shuttle to/from the cruise terminals ($20) but they will time your shuttle to match your specific cruise ship schedule. All that’s pretty good for a hotel with a nightly rate in the $60~90 range.
See rates for all FLL airport hotels | Bid for rooms on Priceline
Airport Info
Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Official airport website | Airport parking & transportation
Priority Pass Lounges: In the Delta Terminal: Delta Crown Room Club (next to the Gate Information Center, open 5am to 8pm daily). In Terminal 1: Continental Presidents Club (mid-level next to Gate C1, open 3:30am to 6pm daily). Priority Pass members have access to these lounges regardless of what airline they fly or what class they fly in.
Accepts Clear Fly Through Security: No, not yet. Save 25% when you sign up now
Miami & South Florida Travel Info
Official Tourist Bureau Website | Find Florida travel specialists
Best Miami & South Florida Travel Guidebooks
 |
Best Miami Guidebook for the Kindle: Offbeat Guides has two Kindle offerings, one for the whole of Miami the other that concentrates on the South Beach / Miami Beach area. If your travels are taking you further afield check out the Florida Keys & Everglades Travel Adventures guide, Florida Off the Beaten Path and The Little Black Book of Walt Disney World.
The Kindle is an electronic e-book reading device with a screen that mimics the look of the printed page. The device is as thin as a magazine, lighter than a paperback, holds at least 1,500 books (!). Highly suggested for frequent travelers. |
 |
Best Miami Paper Guidebooks: For a general guide the best choice is the Rough Guide to Miami & Southern Florida. However, there are many specialty guidebooks that might work better for your particular trip. For advice on exploring Miami’s hip and glamorous side we are huge fans of Hedonist’s Guide To Miami. For restaurant reviews buy the Zagat Guide; the Streetwise laminated map will help you find your way there. Frommer’s has a good guidebook to the whole of Florida. The award-winning The Complete Walt Disney World is a superb guidebook to that theme park. |
Travel Ideas From SpotCoolStuff.com
- Cheap Cruise Tips & Tricks
- 4 High Design, High Value, South Beach Miami Hotels
- World Erotic Art Museum – Located in South Beach, Miami
- Useful Websites While Traveling
Don’t Head To Florida Without . . .
. . . a waterproof case for your iPod
A good case will not only protect your iPod from water but also from sand, dust and drops. Check out this review of the best waterproof iPod cases for more information.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I also have a waterproof iPod case. I got this when my iPod went crazy. I haven’t dropped my iPod but because I always bring this when I travel, there are some dust and sand on it. The waterproof iPod case looks good but can it really protect our iPods from drops?
This is probably a better question for the waterproof iPod case post on the travel blog we linked to.