I thought I had done my due diligence in checking these folks out before leaving our car for 6 days with these guys at the end of March 2011. I was wrong, extremely disappointed, and recommend staying far away from this business. You have to leave your car keys with them, which is not listed anywhere on their website. It's a very small lot, so they probably move the cars off site. They taped paperwork to the inside of our windshield which melts on in the Florida sun. They took 35 minutes to come get us at the FLL airport after calling them to pick us up when we returned on a Saturday afternoon. Our car was absolutely filthy on the outside when we got it back. And the final straw was even though the front passenger window was fully up when we got in, it was obvious someone had left it partially down at some point and rain got in.

We visited Fort Lauderdale in late November 2010, en route to a cruise. We stayed in a hotel overlooking the main waterway. The boat traffic was great fun. The water taxis are great value - you get to see everywhere; get a running commentary; and can hop on hop off. Choose a hotel beside a taxi stop especially for night riding. Our taxi broke down and we 'drifted' a bit and were delayed about 1 hour. It got very cold as we were dressed for daytime only. We were offered no compensation.

We took a half day tour on the way back from the cruise to put in time. We got the same spiel as the taxis. I would have liked to hear about the manatees which must be around as there are slow signs on the waterways. How much everything cost was the main information.

Well worth a visit was the museum. The clock outside is fun and challenging to any maths head. We loved the hands on exhibits.

Shopping on the Main street was interesting if mainly viewing only. Have a coffee at lunchtime and watch the 'ladies who lunch'!
The city is scenic and attractive even if the housing downturn has reduced house prices. We walked out to the beach and a lovely walk. We think the beach-front could be noisy, active by night.
Overall we thought it a superior destination to Miami beach / Miami as a pre-cruise destination.

Love lauderdale. Went there to get on a cruise and stayed a few days in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale on each end of the cruise. I had read hotel reviews and was scared because everybody said how old and run down things were. Well, maybe where they stayed but where I stayed was great. It was Lauderdale by the Sea area. Hotel was an older place but has been kept in great shape and probably restored over the years (Pelican Grand). The whole Lauderdale by the Sea area, however, looked well maintained and clean. Very impressed. Pelican Grand's lazy river is really cool. Very nice staff. But parking is very costly.
Traffic was not as bad in Ft. Lauderdale as in Miami- Miami traffic is crazy. For rental cars, I suggest Alamo (which we rented at the end of our trip). They were fair and reasonable and have a lower cost insurance. Had Dollar rent a car for 1 day at the beginning of the trip and the insurance cost as much as the car! They also pushed the Florida Sunpass, which wasn't necessary. There are many free lanes on the highways- you just have to be careful not to get in the sun-pass lane. Don't go Dollar rent-a-car. Sawgrass Recreational Park gives a great deal for $19.50. Airboat ride and rescue shelter area for wild creatures. However, as far as airboat rides go, Midway in Christmas, Florida is the best I've ever been on (that's more near the Daytona Beach area). Overall, Florida still has a ton of activities and great beach.

I absolutely love Fort Lauderdale. We visit there as much as possible. It is relaxing, laid back and beautiful. We love staying at guest houses and Fort Lauderdale has the best guest houses around. There are tons of places to eat, great bars (Although we are not party people) but love going out for an occasional drink or two. Great restaurants (I recommend Casablanca). One of my favorites.

Jose Corpes
Designer