On my recent trip to Fort Lauderdale to sail on Disney Dream and Disney Destiny, I was in search of the “perfect” pre- and post-cruise hotel — something convenient, comfortable, and relaxing before embarkation day.
As I was sailing on both ships, I needed 3 hotel stays.
I always arrive at least one day before embarkation, there was a day in between cruises, and the flights I wanted to get back home, were at 8 am in the morning, so I needed a day after the second cruise as well.
So I decided to book three of the popular hotels that many cruise guests choose.
Port Everglades is close to hundreds of hotels and the choice can feel overwhelming. But these guides are designed to help with that overwhelm!
The first hotel I stayed at was the AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach.
The other hotels were Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa, and Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. I will link the reviews when these are finished!
But let’s talk about the AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach to help you decide if this is a good option for you.
Location & Convenience
One of the biggest advantages of AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach is its location.
The hotel sits directly across from the beach and is literally steps away from restaurants and shops.
It has it’s own area of the beach with complimentary beach loungers.
Also, it is only a short drive from Port Everglades, which is where Disney Cruise Line, Princess cruises, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean sail from.
In fact, the cruise terminal is roughly 3 miles away from AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach.
,making it a very manageable Uber or taxi ride on embarkation morning.
Prices vary a lot according to surge pricing (this is a port and so this is going to happen when people want picking up and dropping off in the morning).
You’re close enough to the port to avoid long travel stress, but still get a vacation vibe the night before your cruise.
There are also restaurants, shops, and beachfront walking paths nearby.
If your goal is a calm, low-stress pre-cruise stay with minimal transit time on embarkation day, the location checks an important box.
Room Quality & Space
The rooms at AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach feel modern, clean, and minimalistic rather than overly themed or resort-style.
I personally much prefer rooms with no carpet, and this was a big plus for me at this hotel.
We had a 2 Queen room. Kings are also available.
The design leans toward a sleek European aesthetic, with neutral tones, streamlined furniture, and large windows.
Our room was a spacious 333 square feet and it had a balcony with what I think would be counted as a partial ocean view, as it was on the side of the property rather than ocean front.
It was a good size balcony and the views were fabulous.
We were right next to the pool which at first I thought might be an issue for privacy, but it was completely fine. It was on the fourth floor and when we briefly used the pool it was just a few steps away.
The bathroom was a great design.
Huge shower with great water pressure.
And thank goodness, not a barn door design (more on that in my next reviews of the other hotels we stayed in).
Pool Area: Small but Functional
The pool is on the 4th floor and whilst it has a great view of the ocean, it is small and disappointingly doesn’t have a hot tub.
If you are looking for a resort style pool, then this might not be the hotel for you.
The pool is small, but there are plenty of pool chairs, and a bar. I would say this is more suited for adults than families with kids.
When we stayed (late January) the pool area was closed at sunset.
However, you are literally steps from the beach.
You do have to cross a road, but it is a very short walk from the free beach chairs that are set up for hotel guests.
Dining Options
Dining at the AC Hotel is limited.
The hotel offers a buffet-style breakfast option for an additional fee, along with a bar/lounge area for light bites and drinks.
We arrived at almost 10 pm and the restaurant was closed, so went to the restaurant next door for dinner.
There are lots of great dining options walking distance from the hotel. You are right in the Las Olas area of Fort Lauderdale so there is something for everyone.
The buffet breakfast was very high quality with plenty of choice.
Here are some of the breakfast choices:
If you love coffee you will also appreciate the 24 hour free access to the Nespresso coffee maker in the restaurant area.
Additional Amenities & Services
The lobby area is small, there is a bar, sundry shop, and a small seating area.
There is also a (very) small fitness center.
There were some nice touches, such as Lavender turn down kits by the elevators. Never seen your own self service lavender kits in a hotel before!
Unfortunately the elevators themselves were incredibly slow. There are only 2, and it seemed like one was out of service when we were there.
Pricing
Pricing at AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach typically falls into the mid-to-upper range for pre-cruise hotels in the Fort Lauderdale area, especially during peak cruise seasons and winter sailings.
Prices are in the $300 to $400 per night range.
You are paying a premium for:
- Beachfront proximity
- Modern accommodations
- Close distance to Port Everglades
- Walkable dining and entertainment
I was looking at prices for about 6 months prior to the cruise and, as you would expect, booking early tends to get the best prices.
The hotel has a $30 resort fee. Now don’t get me started on how much I dislike resort fees..
But this one at least converted to a $30 food and beverage credit. As a Gold Marriott member I also got an additional $20. So we used this total $50 to cover most of the breakfast buffet cost.
We didn’t have a car, but parking is Valet Only and $30. About standard for Fort Lauderdale unfortunately.
Who Should Consider AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach?
This hotel is best suited for:
- Cruise Line guests sailing from Port Everglades
- Couples or small families wanting a calm pre-cruise stay
- Travelers who value beach access
- Guests who prefer modern, clean hotels over themed resorts
- Cruisers who want to stay close to the port.
It may be less ideal for:
- Large families needing extra space
- Travelers looking for a large resort pool or kids’ activities
- Budget-focused cruisers seeking the lowest pre-cruise cost
Overall I would highly recommend AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach. The location was great, rooms spacious, clean and modern – perfect for a pre cruise stay.
Alison Meacham is the founder of EverythingMouse Disney Blog. For over 15 years she has shared her love of Disney Parks, Disney Cruises and Universal Orlando. In over 30 years of Disney Travel she has spent countless months in Disney Parks and has sailed on over 60 cruises. A British native and now a United States resident she splits her time between California, Florida and the UK. And spends a serious amount of time sailing the seven seas. She helps over 250,000 people per month follow their Disney travel dreams.