Fort Lauderdale Airport: Your Dream Extended Stay Awaits (Select Suites!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the… ahem… Fort Lauderdale Airport: Your Dream Extended Stay Awaits (Select Suites!) experience. Let's be honest, "extended stay at an airport" doesn't exactly scream "tropical paradise," but hey, travel can be a wild ride, right? So, let's see if this place can actually keep its promise.
First Impressions: The Accessibility Gauntlet (and a Tiny Victory!)
I'm starting with accessibility because, well, it's essential. And honestly, walking through an airport, even a hotel-adjacent one, can be its own special brand of hell. This is where Select Suites potentially shines. They list "Facilities for disabled guests," and that's promising. The elevator (thank GOD for elevators!) listed under Services & Conveniences, is a MUST. Plus, the "Wheelchair accessible" label is crucial. Now, fingers crossed those "Facilities" translate to reality… because let's be real, sometimes the "accessible" label is generous.
Rambling about Arrival and Getting Around (Before the Real Meat)
Okay, so I just breezed through the "Getting Around" stuff. Airport transfer? Good, because draggin' bags around airports is not my idea of a party. Free car park? Bonus! Valet parking? Fancy. But, hey, I like to park my own car, and then get into the car to drive away after a long day of work. So, I will make a note of that. But if you need to be whisked away, boom, problem solved. I also need to mention, that one of the great things about the hotel is that even though it is in an Airport, getting around to other places is not a problem. After all, there is access to Taxi service and Car park [free of charge], what else can you possibly need? Perhaps, a nice stroll on the beach?
Rooms & Comfort: The (Mostly) Sparkling Reality
Alright, let's talk about the actual rooms. The list is long—very long. "Air conditioning" (praise the air con gods!), "Blackout curtains" (necessary for hiding my jet-lagged self), and "Free Wi-Fi" (essential for fueling my social media addiction, and also, you know, work). Okay, so all that sounds solid on paper. But. "Internet access – LAN" and "Internet access – wireless"? That's a fancy way of saying "We have both kinds of internet!" which is more than most places have. They also have "reading light, "mirror," and "safe box"! Oh yeah, also "In-room safe box". I am glad that the hotel has all of these things. The "Wi-Fi [free]" claim is a must in this day and age.
The "Non-smoking rooms" (thank you, sweet baby Jesus) are a huge plus. "Soundproof rooms" – another win! (Especially if you are staying near an airport. The sound of a plane taking off at 3 AM is not exactly conducive to a good night's sleep.)
And the "Bathroom" details are pretty darn impressive. "Additional toilet"? Yes, please! "Bathtub" plus "Separate shower/bathtub," "Bathrobes," and "Slippers" are all nice touches that make you feel like you’re actually at a hotel, and not an airport-adjacent holding cell.
But and a Huge But… I need to see it. I want to know if it’s actually clean, if the bed is comfy, if the Wi-Fi doesn’t conk out every five minutes. Because let’s be real, a fancy list is not enough.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (A Critical Evaluation)
Okay, the food situation. "Restaurants" and "Room service [24-hour]" – excellent! Particularly the 24-hour room service, because sometimes you just need a burger at 3 AM. Breakfast setup is also impressive! "Breakfast [buffet]," "Asian breakfast," "Western breakfast," "Breakfast takeaway service," "A la carte in restaurant," "Buffet in restaurant," and "Coffee/tea in restaurant." That said, the "Snack bar" could be a lifesaver.
But wait, there's more! "Dining, drinking, and snacking" has "Poolside bar," for when I need a margarita with a view. "Happy hour" – score! And, "Desserts in restaurant" after a long day of travel? Yes, please. But again, I want specifics. What kind of restaurants? What’s the quality of the food? Is the coffee actually drinkable?
The Spa & Relaxation Zone (Do They Actually Exist?)
Here’s where I get really intrigued, and also, seriously skeptical. A "Spa"? In an airport hotel? Okay, maybe not a full-blown spa, but even a little self-care oasis could be gold. They list: "Body scrub," "Body wrap," "Massage," "Pool with view," "Sauna," "Spa/sauna," "Steamroom," and "Swimming pool [outdoor]," "Gym/fitness". The "Fitness center" must be good, as I don't feel like travelling to other places, only to come back to the rooms on the same day. I am going to need to see this to believe it. Because let's be real, an airport hotel spa is either a hidden gem, or an absolute train wreck.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Era Reality Check
Okay, let's get serious for a second. The "Cleanliness and safety" section is crucial in these times. "Hand sanitizer," "Staff trained in safety protocol," "Physical distancing of at least 1 meter," "Daily disinfection in common areas," "Rooms sanitized between stays," "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Sanitized kitchen and tableware items" – this is all encouraging. But it's crucial that it’s not just a checkbox. I need to see evidence.
Services and Conveniences: The Helpful Extras
"Concierge"? Cool. "Daily housekeeping"? Essential. "Dry cleaning"? Fantastic. "Laundry service"? Perfect for those extended stays. But I want to know if they actually work. How efficient and responsive is the staff? This is the little stuff that can make or break your experience.
For the Kids: Family Friendliness (If You Need It)
"Babysitting service" and "Kids meal" – good to know, especially if you’re traveling with kids. "Family/child friendly" is important.
My Honest-to-God Opinion (and a Call to Action)
Okay, here's the deal. On paper, Fort Lauderdale Airport: Your Dream Extended Stay Awaits (Select Suites!) sounds… surprisingly decent. If the actual experience lives up to the (extensive, let’s be honest) list, then this could be a seriously good option for layovers, long delays, or even just a quick getaway near the airport.
So, here's the deal:
STOP SCROLLING!
Your layover game just got upgraded. Skip those cramped airport benches and book your extended stay at Fort Lauderdale Airport: Your Dream Extended Stay Awaits (Select Suites!), and claim your spot of comfort and luxury. You deserve to relax before your flight or after a long day of work/travel (or, let’s be real, both).
Click here to book your escape today!
(Because seriously, who wants another night of awful airport food and uncomfortable chairs? NOT YOU!)
Stuttgart's BEST Premier Inn? 🔥 Feuerbach Hotel Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your sanitized, bullet-pointed, Instagram-filtered travel itinerary. This is the real deal. My stay at the Extended Stay America Select Suites in Fort Lauderdale? Let's just say it was an… experience. And here’s how it unfolded, with all the glorious messiness, the minor breakdowns, and the existential sighs that come with being a human on vacation.
Fort Lauderdale Frolics: A Disasterpiece (But Like, In A Good Way?)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Luggage Debacle
Time: 2:00 PM - Arrival at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
Transportation: Uber from airport to Extended Stay America – the closest thing to "select" about this place was my choice to stay there. Let me tell you, the entrance was… a vibe. A vaguely depressing, beige-on-beige, "I've seen better days" kind of vibe.
Activity: Check-in. And pray to the travel gods.
Ancillary tasks: The luggage fiasco was a highlight. I checked my bag for this trip, and of course it got lost. Stranded me with just a carry-on that held, I would estimate, 4% of my planned vacation wardrobe. (Which, let’s be honest, probably included some regrettable shorts.) I spent the better part of an hour staring vacantly at the baggage carousel, muttering darkly under my breath. The front desk at the Extended Stay was… not particularly helpful. "It'll arrive sir, eventually." Gee, thanks.
Emotional Response: Mild panic. Then, a weird, resigned acceptance. I'm on vacation, dammit! I’ll just have to embrace the "homeless chic" vibe, apparently.
Day 2: Beach, Bliss, (And a Sunburn That Shall Not Be Named)
- Time: 9:00 AM - Breakfast (Microwave oatmeal. A true culinary feat, achieved in my kitchenette, which, to be fair, was surprisingly clean.)
- Activity: Beach time! Oh, glorious, salty beach time! Uber to Fort Lauderdale Beach (finally something beautiful). Spent the morning basking in the sun. I picked a spot away from any potential drama, (aka, toddlers, overly-enthusiastic volleyball players, and people who brought like, 20 cooler bags) and generally tried to be a chill beach bum.
- Lunch: A mediocre, overpriced burger at a beachside shack.
- Activity (Afternoon): Beach. More beach. Maybe a little too much beach. Did I mention the "sunburn that shall not be named?" Yeah. Let's just say the hotel room's questionable air conditioning was a very welcome friend that night.
- Emotional Response: Pure, unadulterated JOY… gradually replaced by a throbbing sunburn and the creeping realization that I'd forgotten to pack aloe vera. (See also: the aforementioned luggage woes.)
Day 3: Culture Shock… And a Questionable Dinner
- Time: 10:00 AM - Attempted exploration of the area. (Okay, Google Maps said there were "local attractions" a couple of miles away…)
- Activity: The "local attractions" turned out to be a slightly sketchy strip mall and a really sad-looking mini-golf course. I seriously questioned my life choices at this point. I drove around trying to find something, anything that could be considered "cultural".
- Lunch: I settled for a generic chain restaurant.
- Activity: I walked past a group of, how should I say this, unusually flamboyant tourists. I tried to take my mind off things.
- Dinner: A… questionable experience. I found a restaurant on Yelp with, let's say, "mixed reviews." It was a dive bar with fluorescent lighting and a jukebox that seemed permanently stuck on the 80s. The food? Let's just say I've had better microwave dinners. But hey, at least it was an experience, right? (And the beer was cold.)
- Emotional Response: A healthy dose of skepticism. A craving for better food. A quiet appreciation for the fact that I'm probably never going back to that restaurant again.
Day 4: Shopping (And a Small Victory)
- Time: 11:00 AM - The day of Shopping. A trip to the local shopping center to find some "essential" items (AKA, anything that wasn't in my lost luggage).
- Activity: Actually, the shopping was pretty great! They had this cute little boutique, and I found some really cool stuff.
- The High and the Low: Later that evening, I got a text! My luggage had arrived. The relief was tangible. I spent a good hour just staring at the contents, feeling a wave of gratitude for my very slightly less "homeless chic" existence, and for the universe making it right.
- Emotional Response: Unbridled joy (at getting my stuff back). Frustration (at the lost time), then a deep desire to keep that joy.
Day 5: Departure (And a Fond Farewell)
Time: 10:00 AM - Check-out.
Transportation: Uber to FLL.
Activity: Departure.
Final Thoughts: The Extended Stay? Let's not sugarcoat it: it was… functional. But hey, it gave me a (mostly) dry place to put my head and a base camp from which to launch my adventures. Fort Lauderdale itself? Beautiful beaches, questionable restaurants, and a whole lot of character. Would I go back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm definitely packing the aloe vera. And maybe upgrading my hotel… just sayin'.
Emotional Response: Relief, a touch of sadness (it's always a little sad to leave), and a newfound appreciation for the simple things, like having all your luggage. I leave with bruises and tans. Now for the next adventure.
Fort Lauderdale Airport: Your Dream Extended Stay Awaits (Seriously, Select Suites!) - FAQ...ish
Okay, So, Why am I *Seeing* This "Dream Extended Stay" Thing? Are We Talking About Sleeping in the Terminal? Because, No.
Alright, alright, settle down, flighty traveler! "Dream Extended Stay" is, uh, a *highly* optimistic way of saying "Hey, we've got hotels *near* the airport, and they might actually, you know, be decent." Let's face it, nobody *wants* to spend 12 hours at an airport, but sometimes, life (or the airlines) throws you a curveball. This is about those times. Like that one time I was stranded in ATL during a blizzard… Don't even get me started on the emotional baggage of that experience. Trust me, paying for a hotel room – *especially* a suite – is better than sleeping on the cold, hard, germ-infested floor. And for crying out loud, let it be a nice one.
What Kind of Hotels Are We Talking About, Exactly? Are We Talking "Motel 6" or "Let's Get This Vacation Started With a Champagne Shower"?
Okay, so "champagne shower" is probably a bit much. That's a *goal*, people. The area around FLL is… well, it's got a range. You've got your dependable chain hotels – the Hampton Inns, the Marriotts, the Hiltons. They're predictable. You know what you’re getting (usually). They've got pools (essential!), free breakfast (also essential!), and sometimes, even a decent happy hour (doubly essential!). And hey, sometimes, I *need* predictable. Sometimes I don't want surprises. Sometimes I just. Want. A. Bed.
But listen... If your wallet can handle it, and you’re looking for an upgrade with a bit more flair, you can find some swankier places too. Think suites, more space, maybe even a *kitchenette* (oh, the freedom!). Maybe a view? Maybe not. Airport views are… well, they're views. It depends on the hotel and your love for airplanes. I have a friend who finds them fascinating, I just find them annoying.
How Far From the Airport Are These Hotels? Because Lugging Suitcases in Florida Heat is My Idea of Dante's Circle of Hell.
Fortunately, you won't need to break a sweat *too* much. Many hotels offer free airport shuttles, which is a godsend, especially after a long flight and the never-ending shuffle of baggage claim. Double-check the reviews, though. Some shuttles are punctual and efficient; others… well, let's just say they operate on "island time". Prepare to wait. Pack a snack. And maybe a small prayer. Speaking from experience! That one time with the "island time" shuttle? Let's just say it involved a lot of hangry passengers, a screaming baby, and a driver who seemed permanently lost in a state of blissful nirvana. Never again.
What Should I Look for in "Select Suites" Specifically? Because "Suite" Can Mean Anything These Days.
Ah, the holy grail of extended stays: THE SUITE! Okay, first thing: Space. You need space. Seriously. Especially if you're traveling with kids (bless your heart). Look for a separate living area and a bedroom. Then, the little things. Microwave? Mini-fridge? HELLO, left-over pizza possibilities! And a decent coffee maker is a MUST. I absolutely cannot function without coffee. Seriously. It's a medical condition.
Also, if you're planning on working, check for a desk that's actually usable (I hate those tiny glued-to-the-wall things!), and decent Wi-Fi. Because let's face it, the internet is our lifeline. And a comfortable bed. The bed is CRITICAL. Those cheap airline pillows are absolutely nothing. Nothing at all.
Beyond the Room Itself, Are There Any Perks I Should Consider? Because "Free Breakfast" is Only the Beginning of Hospitality.
Perks! YES! Free breakfast is a good start. But look for more. A pool is non-negotiable in Florida. A gym, so you can avoid feeling like a slug who has done nothing but consume airline snacks and endure the tortures of flight delays (me. all the time). A decent bar/restaurant on-site is also HUGE. Because sometimes, you just don't want to venture back *out* after a long day. And a happy hour? GOLDEN.
I once stayed at a hotel with a fantastic happy hour that had a buy-one-get-one-free cocktail deal. I'm not proud of how many mojitos I consumed that evening, but I *will* say I'd go back in a heartbeat. The bar was a lifesaver. You've been warned.
Okay, Okay, So I'm Convinced. How Do I Actually *Book* One of These Dreamy Suites? Spill the Deets on the Booking Process!
Booking? Ah, the sweet, sweet art of clicking buttons. First, use a comparison site. Google, Kayak, TripAdvisor, etc. See what's available, read the reviews (seriously, READ THE REVIEWS!). Look for photos. Check for hidden fees. And don't be afraid to call the hotel directly. Sometimes, you can get a better deal, or find out about specific suite availability. And sometimes, you'll just get put on hold for an eternity while elevator music mocks your existence. It's always a gamble.
My biggest tip? Book in advance, especially during peak season. (And NEVER underestimate travel demand. It is always. Always. Higher than you think.) But if you're in a pinch, last-minute deals can sometimes pop up. Just be prepared to compromise. And remember, even a mediocre hotel room is better than sleeping on the floor! Usually.
What If I'm Really, REALLY Budget-Conscious? Are There *Any* Options That Don't Require Me to Sell a Kidney?
Okay, okay, I hear you. Budget is a thing. Don't despair! You can always scope out hostels, budget hotels, maybe even a room in an Airbnb further away from the airport if you're willing to use ride sharing. Free breakfast is your friend. Look for hotels with complimentary shuttle services. And, for the love of all that is holy, pack snacks!!! Buying snacks at the airport is a soul-crushing experience, both for your wallet and your morale.
And remember, even a cheap hotel can be a haven from the chaos of travel. Breathe. You’ll survive. You might even enjoy it. Maybe. (Maybe pack earplugs.)
