If you’re flying to Port Everglades for your cruise departure, it’s a good idea to arrive at least one day before your ship leaves. This especially holds true if you’re arriving on one of the many low-cost carriers at Fort Lauderdale airport that are notorious for cancellations and delays.
It may require a minor change to your travel plans, but it will ensure you don’t miss your trip andcomes with the extra benefit of adding another night to your vacation itinerary! Whether you’re looking for budget accommodation, luxury suites, or even a unique rental on a boat or an RV, this guide to the best hotels near Port Everglades will help you make the most of this short but sweet pre-cruise stay in the city.
Closest Hotels to Port Everglades
There are plenty of hotels between 10 and 15 minutes from Port Everglades, but they’re scattered across a variety of locations that will shape your visit in different ways. If you want to stay by the beach, these hotels on Barrier Island have a prime location near the Fort Lauderdale Beach Park andthe port:
- Bahia Mar Ft. Lauderdale Beach
- Sea Beach Plaza hotel
- B Ocean Resort
- Best Western Plus Oceanside Inn
- Fort Lauderdale Mariott Harbor Beach
- Deco Hotel
- Lago Mar Beach Resort and Club
- Pier 66 Hotel and Marina
If you prefer restaurants and nightlife to sun and sand, spend the night in the Harbordale neighborhood at Four Points by Sheraton, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Resorts Fort Lauderdale, or Hyatt Place. And, for those who’d rather spend their limited time in Fort Lauderdale kayaking through the mangroves instead of swimming at the beach, hotels like the Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport South, and Hotel Morrison FLL Airport will make adventuring through the West Lake Park a breeze.
Cheap Hotels Near Port Everglades
It is possible to find cheap accommodation near Port Everglades, but only if you know where to look.
Prices at nearby hotels fluctuate throughout the year, going down with demand during the low season (summer) and up in the high season (winter). In the high season it’s possible to snag a hotel room for under $100, but just barely. Your best bets are at the Motel 6 Dania Beach, Motel 6 Fort Lauderdale, Super 8 by Wyndham, and ValGal by the Sea Boutique Hotel.
In the low season, you can expect to spend around $70 to $80 per night for a standard double room at these hotels, along with a few others like Casa Mint, Stay Inn Dania Beach, and the Crown Inn. Widening your search and staying farther from Port Everglades will turn up a few higher-quality options in this price range like La Quinta by Windham Plantation and the Oasis Hotel.
If you’re ok with sharing your space, you can also find budget accommodation near Port Everglades on Airbnb for around $40 to $50 per night – just filter your search by price to find the best deals. Finally, don’t forget to take a look at Hostels.com where a quick Fort Lauderdale search displays dorm rooms for as low as $20 per night.
Luxury Hotels Near Port Everglades
While Fort Lauderdale isn’t quite as ostentatious as its sister city Miami just down the coast, it still holds its own when it comes to luxury accommodation.
The Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale is one of the most lauded hotels in the city and boasts “the only full-service spa in Fort Lauderdale Beach.” The Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, with its expansive ocean views, is also a top choice for luxury stays in the city, as is The Diplomat Beach Resort Hollywood – also by Hilton – which wows guests with an infinity pool, a private beach, and eightrestaurants led by celebrity chefs.
The Atlantic Hotel and Spa offers a more boutique experience with a fifth-floor SkyBar and special touches like the VID (Very Important Dog) program with a BarkBite menu and goodie bag for your furry friend, while the W Fort Lauderdale was named a top 10 hotel in Florida by Conde Nast Traveler in 2018.
Apartment Rentals Near Port Everglades
The best resource to find a furnished apartment near Port Everglades is Airbnb.
There are more than 300 apartments and rooms for rent on the website, but browsing with the map feature will help you discover the closest options to the port. Turn on the ‘Instant Book’ feature to search only houses than offer immediate confirmation (no waiting for the host to accept or deny your request) or filter the many options by preference, like whether it has a pool or is pet-friendly, to ensure you book the perfect stay.
There are also are plenty of boats on Airbnb – this is Florida, after all – so if you prefer to test your sea legs before your cruise you can take your pick from vintage houseboats to full-blown yacht experiences and everything in between. Budget travelers can also browse low-cost tent and RV/camper options on the website, although anything without airconditioning may not be feasible for a summer stay in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Everglades
With so many available hotels near Port Everglades, booking your stay in Fort Lauderdale can feel a bit intimidating. However, these six frequently asked questions about visiting (and cruising from) the city will help you get organized and kick your travel planning into gear!
1. How big is Port Everglades?
Port Everglades is the second most popular port in Florida (after the Port of Miami) and more than four million people pass through it every year. It has nine terminals and hosts ships from 12 different cruise lines.
2. What’s the best way to get to Port Everglades?
The best way to organize transport to Port Everglades is through a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft or with a shuttle service from your hotel. The 10 to 15-minute drive with a ridesharing service often costs less than ten dollars and is extremely convenient to call on your own schedule through the app. Still, many hotels in Fort Lauderdale also offer packages to help get you to your cruise as conveniently as possible with their shuttle services – just ask your hotel for their details when you book your room.
3. How much does parking at Port Everglades cost?
Port Everglades offers multiple lots with secure, covered parking for $15 per day. Click here for more details on parking and the locations of the lots.
4. How should I book my hotel?
Third-party booking sites are a great way to compare prices and amenities at the top hotels near Port Everglades. We recommend using Booking.com, Airbnb.com, and Hostels.com to find the best deals.
5. How early should I book my hotel near Port Everglades?
As soon as you book your cruise! By booking as early as possible you ensure the widest selection of rooms and rates. During the high season (November to April) prices in the hotels will rise so it’s essential to lock in the best deals as early as possible. In the low season (May through October) competition is a bit less fierce, but we still recommend booking your hotel near the port sooner rather than later!
6. When is the best time to take a cruise from Port Everglades?
Because summer is the low season for cruises, prices go down and you can secure better packages and rates for your trip. The tradeoff, though, is the oppressive heat – the average high in Fort Lauderdale in July and August is 90 degrees!
The temperature in the winter is much more comfortable – with average highs of 76 to 78 degrees from December through February – so visitors and prices both increase during this time. Hurricane season in the Atlantic runs from June through November, so try your best to book outside of these dates whenever possible, or, at the very least, remember to add travel insurance to your cruise package!
Discover the Best Hotels Near Port Everglades With This Guide
Cruises are a fantastically easy way to travel. Before you set and forget your Port Everglades cruise, though, remember that you also need to secure a hotel in Fort Lauderdale for the night before it leaves, to ensure you don’t miss your ship’s departure even if you face airline cancellations and delays. These stays aren’t included in most cruise packages, so we’re here to help you find the best hotel near Port Everglades for your pre-cruise visit to the city.
If convenience is all that matters, explore the closest hotels to Port Everglades on Barrier Island, in the Harbourdale neighborhood, or by West Lake Park. For budget accommodation, flexible travelers will find the best deals with hostel dorm rooms, tents, and RV/camper rentals.
Of course, there are plenty of luxury hotels near Port Everglades as well, where household names like Hilton and Ritz-Carlton offer unbeatable oceanfront experiences. Finally, consider renting a furnished apartment – or even a boat – on Airbnb if the typical hotel experience no longer appeals to you.
Whichever option you choose, this guide will help you book the perfect place to enjoy all that Fort Lauderdale has to offer before setting off on your cruise!
-Di Minardi (that’s me!), travel blogger at Slight North