Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel

As the closest four-pearl property to both the cruise port and the convention center, the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel offers an upscale stopover. The 12-story salmon-colored building is adorned at its turnaround entrance with signature Florida palms. An arched doorway -- with valet and bellhops standing by -- leads into the expansive lobby that is typically bustling with business travelers and cruise ship tourists. Polished tile floors, recessed lights, a faux skylight, contemporary furniture, and potted bamboo plants create a tropical, stylish atmosphere in the lobby. Two elevators are across from the double staircase that’s lined in coral patterned carpeting. Outside is a heated pool with fountains, a wheelchair lift, stylish lounge chairs, umbrellas, cabanas, and rattan sofas. There’s also a hot tub with lots of lounge chairs and another wheelchair lift. Fresh towels are presented on the deck. Modern cardio equipment with mini-TVs, free weights, and strength training equipment fills the bright, sunlit gym. The overall atmosphere is a bit corporate but still pleasant and tropical. 

Within a few blocks from the hotel’s South Fort Lauderdale location are the Port Everglades and the Broward County Convention Center. The hotel’s shuttle goes to the port in two minutes. Fishing cruises, surfing equipment, and diving lessons are all available on the waterfront. There’s a Walgreens across the street, and restaurants, banks, a Starbucks, and rental car companies surround the hotel. The Sun Trolley beach link stop is outside the hotel. The Fort Lauderdale Beach Park takes 10 minutes by car. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is a 10-minute drive away. Driving to La Olas Boulevard -- with restaurants, bars, and shops -- takes 10 minutes.

Modern room furnishings -- in gray, silver, black, and red -- create a stylish vibe. Black wooden furniture, gray patterned carpeting, silver lamps, and modern chairs with ottomans are in rooms that also include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, irons/ironing boards, safes, writing desks, and coffeemakers. Windows overlook Fort Lauderdale and/or the port. Shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and bathrobes are presented in modern bathrooms. Suites have stylish living rooms with sofa sectionals. Club Level rooms and suites also have club lounge access, free breakfast, honor bars, and turndown service. Pets are allowed for a fee. Cribs, rollaway beds, and connecting rooms are available. ADA rooms have roll-in showers. Wi-Fi is only free for Marriott Rewards members. 

The hotel offers two restaurants. The Bistro 17 serves American fare in a contemporary room that has a buffet, striped booth seating, and a lounge. The R Lounge offers lunch, dinner, and cocktails, with optional poolside service. There are 13 meeting rooms on-site, fitting between 12 to 600 people, with a pre-function area and a garden patio. Two PC computers and a printer are in the business center. Copy, fax, and package pickup services can be arranged. Marriott Rewards members have access to the Club Lounge, where there’s a TV sitting area, a PC and a printer, bistro tables, and a snack bar with chilled beverages. Wi-Fi is only free for Marriott Rewards members, otherwise there is a pesky fee. Note that the Club Lounge is closed on weekends.