Pre-Cruise

We flew into Ft. Lauderdale two days early to make a long weekend out of this trip since the cruise was only two days.

This time we stayed at the Hilton Marina. This is an older hotel, but the rooms have been renovated. Our room was on the 3rd floor in the tower with an oversized balcony facing the port. If you want to have views of the ships unimpeded by the bridge, then you need to be on a higher floor. Room was a good size with a king bed, nightstand, desk & chair, table & two side chairs, and chest of drawers. Bed was comfortable though not overly plush, however the pillows were rather terrible. Bathroom has a large glass walled shower. The annoying new design trend of no towel bars or hooks can be found here. My biggest complaint with our room was the noise from the adjoining room. I think the connecting door was the main culprit so I would definitely ask for a non-connecting room next time. Hotel is ideally located close to the port with all the shopping/dining options along 17th street. Read more