Caribbean Cruises 2025 Part 2-Where to stay pre-cruise FLL

I know I promised to share my reviews of the Celebrity Apex and the Sun Princess, but before diving into the details of those cruises in subsequent blogs (part 3 and 4), I am going to dedicate an entire post to discussing places to stay in Fort Lauderdale (airport code FLL) before your cruise—especially the new one that’s quickly become my personal favourite.

Fun Facts: Port Everglades is the name of the cruise ship port in Fort Lauderdale. This port has eight cruise ship terminals and ranks among the top five busiest cruise ports in the world, welcoming four million passengers in 2024.

Most cruisers flying into Fort Lauderdale typically arrive at least one day before their cruise, especially during the winter months if they’re coming from northern regions. Since cruise ships don’t wait for late arrivals, it's highly recommended to arrive at least a day in advance to avoid any unnecessary stress (and potentially missing your cruise).

If you're like me and prefer to arrive two (or even three) days before your cruise (let’s start the vacation early!), you'll want to explore the best options for where to stay in or around Fort Lauderdale. Do you want to be close to the beach? The cruise port? Or are there other factors to consider, like cost, transportation to the port, or access to great shops, restaurants, and bars? Over the years, I’ve mostly stayed near Port Everglades at places like the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Embassy Suites by Hilton and Pier Sixty-Six.

Other hotels by Port Everglades include the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale and Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale.  While all of these are solid choices, I’ve found that there’s not much to do within walking distance of these hotels and they are very expensive especially during peak cruise season.  More wallet-friendly hotels recommended through various cruise forums I follow include the Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport and hotels near Dania Beach such as the Wyndham Garden Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise. This time, however, I chose to try the Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard, having heard great things about it as the ideal pre-cruise destination. Curious to see for myself, I decided to give it a go.

The Riverside Hotel, originally known as the Champ Carr Hotel, opened its doors in 1936, and was renamed the Riverside Hotel in 1947. In 2002, the hotel underwent an extensive renovation, adding a 12-storey tower, retail space, and parking facilities. Today, it stands as a true landmark, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern luxury, embodying the spirit and history of Fort Lauderdale.

Although the Riverside Hotel is a few kilometres from Fort Lauderdale Beach, it boasts a prime location along the New River, offering a scenic riverside walk lined with stunning yachts, water taxis, and even a charming paddle-wheel steamer for a leisurely river cruise. Just a short stroll away, Las Olas Boulevard comes alive with vibrant bars, exceptional restaurants, art galleries, and eclectic boutiques—making it an ideal spot to explore and unwind. Unlike the more tourist-heavy beach area, this part of Fort Lauderdale has a more authentic vibe, with locals going about their daily routines, whether for work or leisure. It’s also a very pet-friendly neighborhood—I've never seen so many dogs in strollers or happily barking inside Starbucks, eagerly waiting for their "pup cups."

All in all, I highly recommend the Riverside Hotel as a fantastic pre-cruise stay. Just make sure to request a room in the newer tower for the best experience!