You're standing on 17th Street with a heavy suitcase, the Florida sun is doing its thing, and you realize your "ten-minute walk" is actually a trek across a massive bridge or through a construction maze. Honestly, picking a place to crash near the Broward County Convention Center used to be a bit of a gamble. You either stayed at a dated "cruise port" motel with carpet from 1994 or paid a fortune to be a two-mile Uber ride away.
But everything changed recently.
The $1.2 billion expansion of the Greater Fort Lauderdale-Broward County Convention Center basically turned the whole neighborhood into a different beast. If you haven't been here since 2025, the map in your head is wrong. We finally have a massive flagship hotel literally attached to the building, and the old-school favorites have had to level up or get left behind.
The Big One: Staying Where the Action Is
Let’s talk about the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel. It finally opened its doors in late 2025, and it’s the massive 29-story glass tower you can’t miss. This is the official "headquarters hotel."
If you’re here for a major conference and you hate commuting, this is the only answer. It has 801 rooms and is directly connected to the convention center. You can literally walk from your room to a breakout session without feeling the humidity. The IBIS Rooftop Lounge up there is actually legit—great views of the Intracoastal and the Atlantic.
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But here is the catch: valet parking is roughly $67 per day.
Yeah, you read that right. If you’re renting a car, that daily fee hits like a punch to the gut. If you aren't on a corporate expense account, you might want to look elsewhere, because that price tag is steep even by South Florida standards.
The 17th Street Stalwarts
Most people instinctively look at the 17th Street corridor. It’s the main artery for hotels near Fort Lauderdale convention center, and for good reason. You’ve got grocery stores, Total Wine (essential), and dozens of restaurants within walking distance.
- Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Marina Hotel: This one is a classic. It’s right across the street. It’s got a very "yachty" vibe, which fits since the marina is right there. It’s usually a bit cheaper than the Omni but still feels upscale.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street: This is the workhorse of the area. If you’re traveling with a team or family, the two-room suites are a lifesaver. Plus, the free made-to-order breakfast is actually good—not just sad cereal and lukewarm coffee. It’s about a half-mile walk, which is doable unless it’s raining sideways (which happens).
- Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port & Convention Center: Usually the best bang for your buck. It’s tucked behind the Harbor Shops. It’s clean, predictable, and the "Gallery Menu" is open 24/7 for those late-night post-convention cravings.
The "I Want the Beach" Compromise
A lot of people think staying near the convention center means you can’t see the ocean. Not true.
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If you head just over the 17th Street bridge, you hit the Barrier Island. Pier Sixty-Six has been undergoing a massive transformation and is a total showstopper now. It’s a 5-star property about half a mile away. It’s got three pools and nine different places to eat. If you want to feel like a high roller between meetings, stay here.
Then there’s the Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club. It’s about 0.9 miles away, tucked in a private residential area. It feels like old-school Florida luxury. It’s quiet, hidden, and has its own private beach. It’s a bit of a hike to the center, so you’ll want to grab a quick ride-share, but the trade-off is waking up to the sound of waves instead of sirens on 17th Street.
Hidden Gems and Budget Saves
Look, not everyone has a $500-a-night budget. If you’re paying out of pocket, things get tricky because "cheap" in this area can often mean "sketchy."
The Oasis Hotel is a 2.5-star spot about a mile away in Harbordale. Honestly? It’s surprisingly great. It’s small, quiet, and usually sits around the $150–$180 mark when everything else is $300+. It doesn't have a massive lobby or a fancy bar, but the rooms are cold and the beds are comfortable.
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If you’re okay with a "no-frills" experience, the Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Cruise-Airport is practically on top of the convention center grounds. It’s about a 0.3-mile walk. It’s nothing fancy, but you get free breakfast and you can be at the registration desk in five minutes.
The Logistics Most People Forget
Parking is the silent budget killer here. Aside from the Omni’s eye-watering rates, even the mid-range hotels like the Hilton Marina or the Marriott properties will hit you for $35–$50 a night.
If you're flying into FLL, just take a Lyft. The airport is barely 10 minutes away. You don't need a car if you're staying on 17th Street. You can use the Sun Trolley or the Water Taxi to get around. The Water Taxi is actually a great way to see the mansions and yachts while getting to Las Olas for dinner without dealing with traffic.
Also, watch out for "Cruise Season" (November through April). If a massive ship is in port, hotel prices in this specific pocket of town will double overnight. Always check the Port Everglades cruise schedule before you book your dates. If you're arriving on a Saturday morning when three ships are disembarking, the lobby of your hotel is going to be a madhouse of people waiting for rooms.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Omni first: Even if you don't stay there, check their event calendar. If a massive 5,000-person gala is happening there, every other hotel on this list will be booked solid.
- Skip the rental car: Between the 17th Street walkability and the cheap ride-shares to the beach, a rental car is usually a liability and a massive expense.
- Verify the "Convention Center" name: Make sure you aren't booking the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Coral Springs Hotel & Convention Center by mistake. It's 20 miles away in the suburbs. People make this mistake every single week.
- Book the "Cruise Port" hotels for value: Hotels with "Cruise Port" in the name (like the Hyatt Place or Four Points) often have better shuttle options and slightly lower rates than the ones that lead with "Convention Center."