Any Ft. Lauderdale regulars?

Hey fellow VMB gang!

Heading to Ft Lauderdale in February to see the first stop on the 2016 Iron Maiden tour!

Anyway, there will be at least four of us, guys and girls, and we aren't sure where to stay. The concert is at the BB&T center (where the Panthers play) and we had been looking at the Boneventure resort due to its proximity.

However I've been thinking it would be more fun to stay the the coast/beach based on the assumption there will be more to do.

Any have any input? Cost isn't a huge factor, and we like to hit the sauce, so a lot of options within walking distance would be nice.

All opinions welcome (except those disparaging Iron Maiden of course... )

Thanks!

 

If I were close, I'd be there in a heart beat. Looks like they are playing at MB in February too. Iron Maiden and Vegas? Might be too much for this old man...

 

We considered Vegas but I have a few friends in Tampa that wanted to make the drive down there to go as well, so we're saving Vegas for the fall.

 

I've stayed at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort a couple of times. The junior suites are a decent size with a nice seating area and it won't break the bank. It's across the street from the beach. Right next to the W which has a decent scene and a bunch of restaurants, shops, and bars all within walking distance. Google Maps says its about 30 minutes from your events venue though.

Another option would be the Hard Rock casino.

 

I live in the Fort Lauderdale area and I would definitely recommend staying down on the beach or near downtown Fort Lauderdale, rather than out west. Keep in mind that February is prime tourist season so hotel prices will likely be high. JoJo's suggestion is a good one.

The BB&T Center is way out west, so it would be a long drive to the concert, but I would still stay down by the beach or downtown and just plan to leave early for the concert.

 

I have stayed at the Hilton Ft Lauderdale Beach Resort as well and it was great. Also stayed at the Ritz-Carlton which was fantastic, but pricey.

Going for 5 days before a cruise in December and looked at all those options and many others, ended up settling on this:

http://www.vrbo.com/375544?utm_campaign=VRBO_TRV_RES_HASC_reservationaccept_PPS&utm_content=propthumb_image_o_lprop&utm_term=20150728&utm_source=SYS&utm_medium=email

Owner, Adam, very responsive. They have a few units in the building. If you want to PM me after Dec 20th I can let you know if it turned out decent, but based on past reviews, it looks pretty solid.

 

All good suggestions.

Unfortunately, 50% of the travel party are frightened by the prospect of VRBO and AirBnB. Sad really

 

We were in FLL around Labor Day and booked a room at the Marriott Beachplace Towers. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fllbp-marriotts-beachplace-towers/ It's Oceanfront, our room was a suite with a full kitchen, washer dryer and balcony. It was very nice and a great location. The parking situation was a little hard to figure out at first but not a big deal. It's not cheap but the rooms are very spacious and well appointed.

Edited to add: A big plus of Marriott Beachplace is it's walking distance to all the bars, including several right there in the "mall" that the hotel is attached to.

We've also stayed at the Westin there via Priceline and got a great deal. Stayed at Bahia Mar one time and it was so-so. Decent enough with a great rooftop pool and bar.

Everywhere by the beach is apt to be fairly pricey at the time of year you are going, but it sure is a nice area to stay. I'll actually be in Hollywood Beach for a night next week, after a short visit with my parents in Fort Myers this weekend.