The tower that juts straight up toward the clouds is the first thing you notice when you approach what was long known as the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six in Fort Lauderdale–now just Pier 66 Hotel. Hundreds of guest rooms tall and set on 22 tropical acres, the hotel is part of area’s waterfront view.
But once you actually turn into the driveway, your focus is quickly diverted. The bright yellow sign is easily readable day or night – “Iguana Crossing.” The Florida critters have a knack for lying in the sun where cars like to drive. As a result, cars stop, cameras come out and the crossing area could be one of the most photographed areas of the hotel.
Iguana Crossing
The smile on your face will stick with you as you make your way inside to check in. All 384 guest rooms and suites at Pier 66 have a balcony or patio with water or garden views. When you finally take your eyes off the sights, you’ll appreciate the mini-refrigerator, coffee maker, and flat-screen television waiting inside your room.
Room with a View
Surrounded by water on three sides the hotel’s backyard does double-duty as a 127-slip, full-service marina. Along with the expected in-room dining, the Pier Sixty-Six Hotel also provides special catering to yachts. Visiting without a yacht? No problem, you can jump on a water taxi and boat your way to the beach, local restaurants, and Fort Lauderdale attractions like Los Olas Boulevard.
Which Pool to Choose?
As easy as it is to go and explore, there are many reasons not to leave the hotel grounds, especially for traveling families. The Pier Sixty-Six has not one, not two, but three swimming pools, complete with waterfalls.
Hotel Backyard Entertainment
If the kids actually ever get out of the water, entertainment is waiting in the form of a ping pong table, oversized chessboard, soccer nets, corn hole boards, and even an old school tree swing. Family-friendly cabanas are available to rent and Poolside Ambassadors are standing by to make sure guests have everything they need.
The hotel has five restaurants and bars on-site serving up everything from steaks and seafood to sandwiches and salads. Two Har-Tru lighted tennis courts and a fitness center give you the opportunity to burn off extra vacation calories.
The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is just a ten-minute drive away and the Port Everglades cruise terminal is so close you can see the ships when they come into port, making the hotel’s location an ideal place to call home regardless of what brings you to Fort Lauderdale.
Room rates at Pier 66 Hotel and Marina range from $109 to $399 depending on the season. Book direct or go through Booking.com.
