Planning a cruise from Fort Lauderdale? If so, you’ll need to book a hotel in the city the night before your cruise begins, and we’re sharing our top recommendations.
Port Everglades—Fort Lauderdale’s cruise port—is one of the busiest cruise ports in the United States. Nearly 4 million passengers sail from the port each year, the majority of whom cruise to the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean.
Regardless of where your cruise visits, it’s important to allocate enough time to reach the cruise port before embarkation day. We always recommend arriving in Fort Lauderdale the day before your cruise begins, as this gives extra wiggle room in the case of any unexpected travel delays.
Related: Guide to cruises from Fort Lauderdale
Arriving a day early means booking a hotel near the cruise port. Luckily, Port Everglades is located just a few minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s main attractions, from Dania Beach to Las Olas Boulevard.
Here’s our list of the best hotels near Fort Lauderdale to book before your cruise.
Where to stay in Fort Lauderdale before your cruise
Near the airport/Dania Beach
If your flight arrives anytime after 7PM the day before your cruise, we recommend staying near the airport. Although there are many activities and sights to see in Fort Lauderdale, arriving late means you just need a place to sleep, shower, and change before your cruise begins.
Luckily, there is an extensive selection of hotels to choose from near the airport. We recommend staying in the Dania Beach neighborhood, which is located near the airport and cruise port.
Many hotels in Dania Beach are situated along Dania Pointe, an outdoor shopping plaza with restaurants, bars, retail stores, and a movie theater. Due to its location and the variety of dining and shopping to enjoy near your hotel, Dania Beach is a great choice for a pre-cruise stay near the airport.
Las Olas
Las Olas is the downtown district of Fort Lauderdale. It’s an exciting place to spend the night before your cruise, as it’s lined with restaurants, bars, art galleries, and shopping.
The neighborhood is situated along Las Olas Boulevard, a major thoroughfare street which runs from downtown to the beach. The walkability of this neighborhood makes it an excellent place to spend the night before your cruise, as you can enjoy dining and entertainment options close to your hotel.
Not only that, but Las Olas Boulevard is near Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk, a district with ten parks and a walking path adjacent to the New River. If you stay in Las Olas, the Riverwalk makes a nice option for a morning stroll while waiting to head to the cruise port on embarkation day.
You should stay in Las Olas before your cruise if you arrive early the day before and want to enjoy dinner and drinks in an exciting, culturally-rich neighborhood.
Fort Lauderdale Beach
Why not start your vacation early? Staying at Fort Lauderdale Beach is the perfect way to enjoy the city’s gorgeous beaches and resort atmosphere before your cruise.
Fort Lauderdale Beach is the center of tourism in the city. It’s lined with hotels, resorts, and restaurants and offers a relaxing pre-cruise stay. Many of the city’s most luxurious hotels are in this neighborhood, but you can find budget-friendly options as well.
You should stay in Fort Lauderdale Beach if you arrive in the city with enough time to enjoy the area. Many guests choose to stay at the beach for a multi-day stay before or after their cruise, thus extending their vacation by several days.
Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport
- Average nightly price: $200 to $325
- Address: 166 N Compass Way, Dania Beach, FL 33004
- Location: Near airport and Dania Beach
The Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport is a new hotel within walking distance to the outdoor shopping center of Dania Pointe. Launched in 2021, the hotel boasts modern amenities and decor.
Related: Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport Hotel Review
Hotel amenities include a fitness center, outdoor pool, free wi-fi, convenience store, and an on-site bar and restaurant. The restaurant, Radiant 166, features an international menu with its own list of signature drinks.
Due to its proximity to the airport and variety of restaurants at Dania Pointe, the Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport hotel can be an excellent choice for those arriving the night before their cruise.
Crowne Plaza Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port
- Average nightly price: $215 to $350
- Address: 455 FL-84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Location: Near airport
The Crowne Plaza at Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise hotel is one of the most convenient hotel options near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. It's located less than ten minutes from both the airport and cruise port, making traveling to and from the hotel as easy as it can be.
Hotel amenities at the Crowne Plaza include an outdoor pool, fitness center, business center, and outdoor patio. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant, Kiki’s Restaurant, serving contemporary Latin and American fare.
This hotel is best for those with a flight arriving late in the evening. There are not a ton of options near the hotel for dining and activities and the hotel is not in the most walkable environment.
However, if you’re arriving late and need a convenient place to rest before ordering a Lyft to Port Everglades in the morning, the Crowne Plaza is a solid option.
Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport - South & Cruise Port
- Average nightly price: $200 to $375
- Address: 90 SW 18th Ave, Dania Beach, FL 33004
- Location: Near airport and Dania Beach
Looking for more space? The Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport is an all-suite hotel with modern, spacious rooms. Studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom suites are available to book at the hotel, all of which feature a living room, fully equipped kitchen, and bedroom(s).
While such a large hotel room may seem like overkill for a pre-cruise hotel stay, the Hyatt House offers competitive pricing. It’s not uncommon to find nightly stays priced the same as nearby hotels with much smaller rooms. Plus, the Hyatt House Fort Lauderdale Airport offers free breakfast, which is definitely a plus when waiting to head to the cruise terminal in the morning.
Other hotel amenities include an on-site restaurant, fitness center, outdoor pool, electric vehicle charging, and business services. The hotel is located in the Dania Beach neighborhood within walking distance to shopping and dining at Dania Pointe.
Wyndham Garden Ft. Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port
- Average nightly price: $180 to $350
- Address: 129 N Federal Hwy, Dania Beach, FL 33004
- Location: Near airport
The Wyndham Garden Ft. Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port is an excellent pre-cruise hotel stay near Fort Lauderdale’s airport. The hotel is a five minute drive from the airport, yet it’s along the North Federal Highway with plenty of dining and shopping opportunities.
Amenities at the Wyndham Garden include an outdoor pool, fitness center, free parking, a convenience store, and an on-site restaurant and cafe.
The hotel isn’t in the most exciting area, especially when you could stay in Dania Pointe, Fort Lauderdale Beach, or Las Olas, but it’s a comfortable, clean, and relatively affordable place to spend the night before your cruise.
Fairfield Inn and Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port
- Average nightly price: $150 to $330
- Address: 2081 Griffin Rd, Dania Beach, FL 33312
- Location: Near airport
The Fairfield Inn and Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port is one of the most budget-friendly hotels on our list. When booking several months in advance, it’s possible to find nightly rates between $140 and $180.
Amenities at the Fairfield Inn include an outdoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, and convenience store. Free grab and go breakfast is available each morning as well.
The hotel is located just west of the airport and is a ten minute drive to Port Everglades. The Fairfield Inn is best for those arriving in Fort Lauderdale late at night who aren’t interested in the trendy restaurant, bar, and beach atmosphere elsewhere in the city.
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
- Average nightly price: $375 to $600
- Address: 321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
- Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach
Starting your vacation early at the beach? The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort may be your best bet for a pre (or post) cruise stay.
The Westin offers both standard rooms and suites, the most coveted of which have sweeping ocean views.
Amenities at the hotel include the Heavenly Spa, an outdoor infinity pool, fitness center, and a skywalk bringing guests directly from the pool to the beach. The hotel’s resort fee includes additional amenities including bike rentals, non-motorized water sports, seaside yoga, and beach chairs.
Five dining venues are located at the restaurant:
- Lona Cocina & Tequileria
- Waves Bar & Drill
- Tinta (breakfast)
- Starbucks
- Grab & Go Cafe
The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is a great hotel choice for those looking to splurge on their pre-cruise hotel stay. Because the hotel puts a focus on enjoying the beach, outdoor pool space, and on-site restaurants, you may want to book a stay longer than just one night.
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
- Average nightly price: $335 to $650
- Address: 505 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
- Location: Fort Lauderdale Beach
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, like the Westin, is another nice choice for those looking for a more elevated hotel experience on the beach. The property is an all-suite resort, and most suites have a kitchen, living room, and one or two bedrooms. Suites also feature private balconies with ocean views.
Amenities include a spacious outdoor pool, fitness center, spa, beach access, and electric vehicle charging. There are four dining venues at the Hilton, from the Le Marché Gourmet Market for casual fare to the Sun, Surf, and Sand Restaurant for seafood.
The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort is one of the premiere hotel options for a pre-cruise stay in Fort Lauderdale. If your flight doesn’t arrive until 10PM the night before your cruise, it’s probably not the best choice, but if you arrive with enough time to enjoy the hotel’s amenities, you can’t go wrong with a stay at the property.
Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale
- Average nightly price: $230 to $400
- Address: 100 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
- Location: Las Olas
Near the hip neighborhood of Las Olas is the Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale, and this hotel is the perfect choice for those in search of an exciting evening in the city. The hotel has both standard rooms and suites and offers an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurants.
Related: Hyatt Centric Las Olas Fort Lauderdale Hotel Review
We recommend arriving with enough time to enjoy the property’s colorful pool space, which features a pool bar and rooftop yoga sessions in the morning.
The hotel even features a reservations-only speakeasy. Named Room Nine01, the experience transports guests back to the 1920s and offers an array of cocktails and a gourmet food menu.
Staying at the Hyatt Centric Las Olas is best for those hoping to enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s evening and nighttime scene. Bars and restaurants dot Las Olas Boulevard and offer a fantastic way to get your vacation started the night before your cruise begins.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street
- Average nightly price: $220 to $400
- Address: 1100 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Location: Harbordale (near cruise port)
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale is located just about as close as you can get to the cruise port, making it a popular choice among cruisers.
Amenities at the property include an outdoor pool and patio, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and complimentary evening reception. A made-to-order breakfast is also included, which is served daily in the hotel’s courtyard.
All rooms are suites, and both two and three room suites are available.
While the hotel may not be located in the most interesting neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale, it offers a convenient pre-cruise hotel stay. The hotel is located near a shopping plaza, too, which can be helpful for picking up any last-minute items you need for the cruise.
Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Cruise-Airport
- Average nightly price: $215 to $330
- Address: 1500 SE 17th Street Causeway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
- Location: Harbordale (near cruise port)
Located just down the road from the Embassy Suites is the Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Cruise-Airport.
The Holiday Inn Express has 147 rooms, although it doesn’t have any suite options. Amenities at the hotel include complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, and fitness center.
Like other hotels in close proximity to the airport and cruise port, the Holiday Inn won’t offer a luxurious resort experience. Instead, it serves as a place to catch up on rest after a long flight or drive before starting your cruise vacation in the morning.
