rated the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fort Lauderdale as follows:| Cleanliness |  | | Location | | | Staff |  | | Food |  | |
| Entertainment |  |
| said: My wife and I flew via new York to Fort Lauderdale in order to board a cruise liner (Celebrity Constellation) on Monday, 29 Jan '07. We arrived at Fort Lauderdale airport at about 5:00pm the day prior. This hotel was specifically chosen for its proximity to both the Airport and Seaport; the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service from/to airport and seaport and this appealed. Alternate one-night stay hotels in the area, offered by the travel agent had poor reviews and this also swayed us towards this hotel (reviews being more positive).
Upon arrival at the airport we used the courtesy telephone to contact the hotel (no coins needed) and they instructed us to wait outside the main building (under cover and well lit/safe)for the courtesy bus. 20 minutes later we were transported to the hotel.
Reception is clean and well appointed - staff friendly and efficient. Lifts nearby help with luggage (no porters). Room was quite large and like all Hol. Inns, decorated tastefully and equipped with: t.v. (plus rental movie options), coffee drip filter machine, reasonable size fridge, telephone and in-room safe. Bathroom was clean and pleasant; bath with overhead shower. Hair dryer mounted on the wall with access to the mirror. Well ventilated but with no window.
Location is not best placed for an extended stay, but over the main road (State Road 84) there's a Winn Dixie and a number of other shops including some fast food outlets. Ideal for last minute purchases before heading to the seaport.
Out of the hotel front door, turning right and staying on the pavement, 400yds away is a very reasonable German restaurant called "The Heidleburger". The owners are first generation German and the food is authentic German style with typical American size portions. I was very impressed with the choice of 6 draught German beers; price was moderate. The walk back to the hotel was well lit and safe - taking no more than 5-7 minutes.
Complimentary breakfast was most welcome next morning. Fresh coffee, cereals, pastries, bagels and cream cheese, muffins - all the usual favourites although nothing cooked hot and fresh. Some scrambled eggs being the nearest to hot food.
There's a pool at the back of the hotel - a reasonable size for the number of guests likely to want to swim. It was the end of January but clearly a heated pool and the surrounding area was well stocked with comfortable, padded, reclining sun loungers. It was a quiet spot being away from the major road and was a natural sun-trap.
Check-out was fast and efficient and the complimentary transport to the seaport was on-time and managed well. The drive to the port took approx. 15 minutes.
I'd highly recommend this hotel for an overnight stay prior to boarding a ship, or perhaps for a nights stay if passing through the area.
The direct hotel number is: 001 954 828 9905 if dialing from the UK, their fax is 9904 in place of 9905.
Web site: www.hiexpress.com/air-seaport
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Mike Cunliffe from Bolton travelled to Holiday Inn Express and Suites Fort Lauderdale with
The Cruise Specialists
on a couples holiday.