I Loved This Modern Hotel Near the Disney Cruise Line Port!

Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport is one of the many hotels in Fort Lauderdale that is located a quick drive away from the Disney Cruise Line port. I have stayed in Fort Lauderdale before for a Disney Cruise and the hotels in this area can definitely be split into different experiences.

It can be overwhelming trying to pick a hotel to stay at the night before a Disney Cruise Line experience. There are so many hotels in Fort Lauderdale especially those that cater to those staying before a Disney Cruise and for those that are just coming to enjoy this popular tourist destination.

My recent experience at the Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport as a great one and this Marriott hotel is a great option you should consider for your Disney Cruise Line stay!

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Fort Lauderdale Disney Cruise Port

The Disney Cruise Line's dedicated cruise terminal at Port Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, opened in late 2023.

This newer Disney Cruise Port is located nearby three international airports making this an extremely easy cruise port to travel to.

When picking a hotel in Fort Lauderdale near the Disney Cruise Port, you need to decide what interests your family most. Would you rather have beach access? That may come at a higher cost but worth it for some families. Do you want to be near general shopping malls and airport? There's big box stores near the Fort Lauderdale airport with hotels nearby. Or do you want to be near historic Las Olas Blvd? Then Riverside Hotel is one that I recently enjoyed.

For this trip, we were hosted by Disney so the goal in this scenario was to be close to Fort Lauderdale Airport and within easy access to the Disney Cruise Line port. While we were hosted at this hotel, all my opinions are purely my own.

🏨Looking for a hotel in the historic area of Fort Lauderdale? Click HERE for my review of this stunning option.

Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport Review

Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport is located just ten minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. It is also less than a ten minute drive from the Dania Pointe shopping district. This has become a popular shopping and dining area in the area and is continuously expanding.

If you are looking for shopping and dining experiences that are less boutique and more your usual chain stores (Urban Outfitters, Sephora, etc.) then this is a good choice to spend some time before or after your cruise.

This area is especially handy to be near if you have forgotten to pack any essentials before your cruise so you can get everything you need.

Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport Room Review

The rooms at Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport are extremely spacious. We had three adults and one teenager staying in the room which in most cases would be an extremely tight fit especially with all our luggage.

But despite the large group we were in, the room had plenty of space for all of us including our bags. There was enough room along the walls and multiple desks and dressers to prop up our luggage and get to anything we needed. This hotel would be a great fit for larger families traveling together that may not want to opt for a suite.

The beds were comfortable and clean.

The room had updated USB outlets for your devices along with regular plugs.

There was also an area equipped with mini fridge, coffee maker and a desk to work at. The tv was especially impressive and was large enough for the space. This hotel is equipped with all the modern and updated touches.

The bathroom was also modern and updated with plenty of counter space plus a small light up makeup mirror.

There is no tub but glass shower doors keeps with the clean and modern aesthetic of the hotel

Like I said, this hotel room had SO MUCH space! There's also a large closet with a safe if you need anymore storage.

Overall, the room worked perfectly for our needs especially as a large group traveling together and sharing one hotel room. Everything was clean and updated. I would stay here again before a Disney Cruise Line trip especially with travel being so close to the airport and cruise port.

Beautiful Hotel Grounds & Pool Area Great for Families

This is a convention center style hotel but that doesn't mean the amenities are lackluster. The pool area was spacious and had plenty of chairs.

There's also a pool bar nearby. Everything at this hotel was convenient with easy access service in every public area.

The landscaping of the grounds really stood out to me especially as a hotel that often hosts events. There was nothing stiff about the hotel common areas.

The outside spaces were filled with walkways, benches, and sitting areas.

Multiple Dining Options for All Groups

The hotel also has two on-site restaurants, cafe, and full bar. Throughout the day they will also place out complimentary snacks and cookies for guests to enjoy.

We did dine at the TORO Latin Kitchen restaurant which is the the more upscale dining option in the hotel with a Latin inspired menu. We enjoyed this restaurant although the menu might be a bit limiting for families with young kids or picky eaters.

It is nice to have a classy dining option available especially if you have any members in your group looking to explore their cocktail menu.

Is This Hotel Good for Families Before a Disney Cruise?

This Disney Cruise Line hotel is perfect for families. The rooms are spacious to fit multiple family members, it's close to the airport and shopping centers, and offers multiple on-site dining options. Kids will enjoy the lush pool area and the space provided. Adults will appreciate the variety of cocktails available in the hotel space along with the availability of fine dining.

I would stay here again when traveling just with family to enjoy a Disney Cruise Line experience. It was much more convenient than other Fort Lauderdale hotels I have stayed at before a Disney Cruise and if you are just looking for somewhere to rest your head before the cruise departs, this is a perfect choice.

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