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Pier Sixty-Six Resort Review:

The Best Pre-Cruise Stay in Fort Lauderdale

If you’ve ever cruised in or out of Fort Lauderdale, you know that finding the right hotel for the night before your sailing can make or break your trip. Between unpredictable flight delays, tight embarkation windows, and the stress of travel, arriving early is always the smartest choice. 

And for years, Fort Lauderdale didn’t have many standout pre-cruise hotel options until the newly reimagined Pier Sixty-Six Resort opened its doors again.

Want to try this incredible resort before your next cruise? Reach out and we’ll book the perfect stay.

After staying here the night before our cruise, I can confidently say: this resort is a game-changer.

A Newly Reborn Icon

Pier Sixty-Six originally closed in 2018 for an extensive restoration, an investment reported at over $1 billion. It reopened in January 2025 with a stunning redesign that honors its mid-century modern origins while layering in a sophisticated South Florida style. Think soft greens and blush tones, sleek lines, natural textures, and a layout that feels both luxurious and welcoming.

The renovation included refreshed guest rooms in the original tower, brand-new accommodations, and beautifully connected grounds. Everywhere you turn, the resort feels polished, thoughtful, and completely refreshed.

Why It’s the Perfect Pre-Cruise Hotel

One of the biggest perks of cruising from Fort Lauderdale is the easy airport-to-port connection. Unlike other cruise ports (where I suggest flights home no earlier than noon), here you can often book a mid-morning departure and still have a smooth travel day. The airport is just minutes away.

But the biggest travel stressor? Getting in the day before. And Pier Sixty-Six makes that pre-cruise stay not just practical, but truly enjoyable.

When you book through one of our advisors, you’ll also receive exclusive amenities to enhance your stay: complimentary breakfasts, potential room upgrades, resort credits, and more. We love being able to gift our clients these added perks…and make you feel like a VIP.

Accommodations: From Cozy Rooms to Waterfront Villas

The resort has a wide range of options:

  • Traditional hotel rooms
  • One-bedroom and two-bedroom suites
  • Private residences and villas

We stayed in a one-bedroom villa in the Villa Tower, and it was spectacular:

  • Huge wraparound balcony overlooking the Intracoastal
  • Dining area and mini kitchen
  • Spacious bathroom and bedroom
  • Plenty of storage space (amazing if you’re arriving with cruise luggage)
  • Access to the Villa Tower’s private gym

The villas are ideal for families, longer stays, or anyone wanting extra space and a residential feel.

Dining: Elevated, Scenic, and Incredibly Delicious

Pier Sixty-Six has truly leveled up Fort Lauderdale’s dining scene. Highlights include:

  • Calusso Their signature waterfront restaurant overlooks the marina, and it was exceptional. The service and attention to food allergies were outstanding—one of the best allergy-friendly dining experiences I’ve had.
  • Sotogrande Located just below Calusso, this casual option offers relaxed dining (we didn’t try it this trip).
  • Pier Top A rooftop bar and nightlife spot with panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale. Think house music, excellent cocktails, attentive bartenders, and a chic, energetic vibe.
  • Nectar (at the adults-only pool) Perfect for daytime bites, leaning Asian-inspired. We enjoyed fresh, flavorful, and beautifully prepared lunch here. They also have an Omakase journey Wednesdays through Sundays 5-11 PM.

Wherever you choose to dine, you’ll find quality food, thoughtful service, and gorgeous settings.

Pools, Kids’ Activities & Resort Amenities

Pier Sixty-Six manages to be both family-friendly and adult-friendly—something many resorts struggle to balance.

Resort Pool

  • Zero-entry design for young kids
  • Waterslide
  • Spacious, lively, and great for families

Adults-Only Pool

  • Quiet, refined, and ideal for couples or groups
  • Home to Nectar restaurant

Kids’ Options

  • On-site kids’ club (operated by a third party, so there is a fee)
  • In-room babysitting available
  • Occasional kids’ movie nights so parents can enjoy dinner onsite

There’s also a full spa, a marina, beautifully landscaped grounds, and direct access to Fort Lauderdale’s famous water taxi, making it easy to explore via the waterways.

Location, Convenience & Local Buzz

One of the resort’s most special perks? Its location.

Pier Sixty-Six is only minutes from the cruise port, so you can truly enjoy your morning at the resort. Take some pool time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, maybe a stroll along the marina…and still arrive at the terminal without rush. Check-out is at 11 a.m., but late check-outs can often be requested.

It’s also a favorite among locals. From celebratory dinners at Calusso to game-day stays, it’s become a hotspot again:

  • The Florida Panthers held their Stanley Cup celebration here
  • The Stanley Cup even made its way into the adults-only pool

When the locals love a resort this much, you know it’s good.amous water taxi, making it easy to explore via the waterways.

Should You Stay One Night or Two?

If you’re cruising, you must come in at least one day early. But if you can swing it, I highly recommend arriving two nights early to really enjoy:

  • The pools
  • Spa
  • Waterfront dining
  • Water taxi access
  • Resort activities
  • Your exclusive amenities

It’s the perfect way to unwind before the busier pace of a cruise.

Pier Sixty-Six is one of Fort Lauderdale’s greatest comeback stories, and easily one of the best pre-cruise hotels near Port Everglades. The design is beautiful, the service is exceptional, the dining is outstanding, and the location is unbeatable.

If you’re cruising from Fort Lauderdale, or simply want a luxurious South Florida stay, Pier Sixty-Six should be at the top of your list.

Ready to plan your visit or combine it with your next cruise? Reach out today and we’ll make sure you get the extra amenities and upgrades that make your stay even better.

Relax, we’ll take care of everything,

Amy Westerman
President
The Curated Travel Collection

P.S. For more of our travel stories, tips and trends visit our blog.