Diane, and others on this post,
Good morning. Staying close to Port Everglades is a good call because traffic in that area can get quite congested and a lot of hotels do not offer shuttle service. If you got a better deal at the Pier 66, take it. That is a wonderful hotel. I know it was recently renovated and will serve its purpose for your stay pre-cruise. But the location of the hotel couldn't be better. It is right next to the 17th St Causeway bridge. You could walk to Port Everglades (please don't) if you so chose...lol!!
If anyone on this post was toying with the idea of getting a tower room, do so!! You would be able to see your ship from the room. It is that close literally. Please know this is an older hotel and been around for many years in the Ft. Lauderdale area. Its kind of iconic in its own way....I had both my proms there back in the 80's, but in times I've been there over the past few years, the service has always been top-notch and the hotels seems in good condition. They do not offer shuttle service, but have cabs lines up the front drive all day. There is some decent night life there, or a quick drive Northeast up A1A and you are on "The Strip" locals version of the beach, where you can pick your poison of places to go. I don't think a cab ride to "The Strip" or the Port will cost you more than 7-8 dollars.
I hope this helps...but please let me know what else I can do. For my money the rates I saw on here for Tower rooms is good...I'd grab that in a second. Especially if you are there during "season" rates normally double.
Billy