EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON FORT LAUDERDALE 17TH STREET, Fort Lauderdale

The hotel sits on 17th Street, placing it within a 5-minute walk of a Publix supermarket, several chain and local restaurants, and a pharmacy. Fort Lauderdale Beach is about 3 km east - reachable via a free city beach shuttle that stops near the hotel or by a paid hotel shuttle. Las Olas Boulevard's nightlife and dining are a quick Uber ride away. The location is especially convenient for cruise passengers: the terminal is only 0.5 km on foot, and the hotel offers a paid shuttle to both the airport and the port. For car-free travellers, the surrounding area is very walkable for errands and meals, though a car or rideshare is recommended for beach excursions or exploring Las Olas.

Every suite features a separate bedroom with either one king or two double beds, a fully equipped kitchenette with microwave and refrigerator, a balcony (either Juliette or full), and a living area with a pull-out sofa bed. Many rooms have been renovated with new carpet, drapes, wallpaper, lighting and paint, but bathrooms remain in original condition - older tubs, loud exhaust fans and limited counter space are common. Some suites have a door separating the bedroom from the living area, which helps with privacy. Road-facing rooms on lower floors can pick up street noise, so light sleepers should request a high floor overlooking the pool or courtyard. Air conditioning is individually controlled and generally effective, though some units can be loud. All rooms are non-smoking. A coffee maker, iron, ironing board and free toiletries are provided. The room felt dated to some; new furnishings are limited to certain suites, and carpet cleanliness varies.

The complimentary breakfast runs Monday-Friday 6:00-9:00 AM, weekends 7:00-10:00 AM, and includes an omelette station, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, cereal, fruit, pastries and coffee. Breakfast can be very crowded, especially on cruise days, making it hard to find a table - arriving early or shortly before closing helps. The evening reception (5:30-7:30 PM) offers two free drink tickets per person per night, along with a light snack selection like vegetables, dip and pretzels. TASTE Restaurant & Bar, open daily 11:00 AM-8:00 PM, serves American cuisine (burgers, pizza, fettuccine, coconut shrimp) for lunch and dinner; gluten-free pancakes are not available, and no live entertainment is offered. A few nearby dining options within a 5-minute walk include Duffy's Sports Bar and several casual eateries. For those preferring self-catering, a Publix supermarket is just around the corner.

The pool area is open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and is heated, making it usable even in cooler months. It is surrounded by a sun terrace with plenty of lounge chairs and overlooks the hotel's garden and a koi pond. The hot tub is free to use, though it has been reported as occasionally out of service. The fitness centre is open 24/7 and offers free weights, cardio machines and strength equipment. No spa or wellness centre is available on site. The pool and hot tub are included in the daily parking fee (no separate resort fee applies), and the pool area tends to be busy on cruise days but remains pleasant for families and couples alike.

The front desk operates 24/7 and offers express check-in/out, an ATM, concierge service, and tour desk. Luggage storage is available for early arrivals or late departures. The paid shuttle service runs daily 7:00 AM-11:00 PM to Fort Lauderdale Airport ($8-$12 per person) and Port Everglades ($8 per person); the cruise-port shuttle costs $10-$12 per person. Self-parking is $36 per day, valet $37+ tax. The business centre (free) and meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge) are available. Pets are allowed with charges, and all rooms are pet-friendly - designated lower-floor rooms with tile floors are offered for pet owners. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free in public areas; charges apply in rooms. Several elevators serve the 10-floor property, but only 2-3 are often operational during peak times, causing longer waits. The hotel does not have day-use rooms or a luggage cart service.