If your cruise leaves on Saturday you should fly down on Thursday. The difference in airfare as opposed to to Friday more than compensates for the hotel price.

I've sailed from Fort Lauderdale three times now.  Hotels down there are always on the high side once winter comes.  If you don't care too much about your location, airport hotels are usually somewhat cheaper.

I too am looking for a hotel that is cheap and offers a free shuttle to the port and from the airport. I am going in the month of January and the hotels that were recommened on here are way too expensive during this month. Has anyone stayed at any of the Holiday Inns or Days Inns?

irishbebe03:

I too am looking for a hotel that is cheap and offers a free shuttle to the port and from the airport. I am going in the month of January and the hotels that were recommened on here are way too expensive during this month. Has anyone stayed at any of the Holiday Inns or Days Inns?

If you just review the posts in this thread you will find some alternatives.

My cruise leaves on Sun but were flying down Sat. Its in Feb 2010. I wish i had the money to go on Thursday. I keep looking for hotels but everytime i call they say $169 and up. Dam i just want a bed and bathroom thats all.

Try Extended Stay America, Ft Lauderdale ,2 stars,$84.00 a night in Feb. Good reviews on TripAdvisor. Or go to Priceline , you can request star rating and name your own price. The worse they can do is say no. I got room on strip in Vegas for $32.00. But once you put in a price , if they accept it,you have to take it.

 It is hard to find an inexpensive hotel, unless it is a roach motel, in Dec, Jan or Feb as it is peak season in FL.

We usually use our Marriott points and stay at the Springhill Suites in Dania, Fl.  They have no extra charge shuttle to the ship and hot breakfast included also.  Some of the cheaper places make you get a taxi or shuttle for around $20 or so per person so it actually may be less expensive to pay a little more.  Remember you only get what you pay for.

I dont know when exactly in Feb your cruise is but the Yankee Clipper is closed from June  2009 til sometime in Jan 2010

we are staying at the hilton at the marina fort lauderdale its right across the street from terminal its a little expensive but its winter in florida so got to do what we got to do. they have a nice bar there also . if anyone comes for the 3-2810 cruise on miracle look us up first drink is on me . peace

I normally use Holiday Inn Express for overnights on the road.  I have found them to have consistent good quality and include a yummy breakfast.  The 3 closest to the Port in Fort Lauderdale have varying pricing.....

 Prices in Feb and March 2010 are:

The location on 17th causeway (no pool??) is $168, state rd 84 is $192 and the location in Plantation (6-10 miles west) is $127. 

I am driving down in March and will stay at the Plantation location.  I will park at the deck in the Port ($15/day).  Unfortunately during peak season, most hotels don't offer the 'stay and park' rates typical during off-peak.