We are Marriott reward members, so we opted for the Springhill for an overnight stay in Fort Lauderdale after flying in before going to a cruise out of Port of Miami. We were advised flying into FLL is a better choice cost and logistics wise than Miami for a cruise.

The suites themselves are quite nice, complete with a big screen plasma TV that can be viewed from both the bedroom and sitting room, along with a kitchen sink and counter, microwave and mini-fridge. They even provided bottles of water, a few snacks and some microwave popcorn upon arrival. The bed was very comfortable and bathroom facilities were more than sufficient.

The included breakfast is similar to what you would find at any midrange Fairfield, Hampton, etc. There were a few hot items, such as eggs and bacon, a do-it-yourself waffler along with fruit, baked goods, cereal juices and coffee. The eating and seating area is very comfortable and inviting.

We didn't use the outdoor pool, since we arrived during a rainstorm. But, it appeared clean and well kept. There's also places to eat and shop (such as a K-Mart) nearby if needed.

One word of warning: If you use the property's free shuttle service from the airport, don't get sucked into any offers of transportation by the driver. The hotel uses a contract service for their free shuttle and they charge way too much for transportation to the Miami port. We figured out (and the desk clerk agreed) that your best bet is to take the free hotel shuttle back to the airport when you leave and from there pick up Tri-County Shuttle at any baggage claim location. To the port of Miami, it's $18 a person for a shared ride, plus tip, which is a reasonable cost. You do need to book the free shuttle back to the airport the night before you check out and they leave on the hour.

The Springhill rate was a tad higher than the Fairfields and Hamptons we normally choose, but for what we needed it fit the bill.

I travel for business and stay in hotel's approximately 200-225 nights per year. Most stays rate as average with a few offering exceptional service. Fortunately, stays like this at the Spring Hill Suites in Dania do not happen often. This ranks as one of the worst stays of my career.

I worked an overnight shift and asked for housekeeping after my departure at 3 PM each afternoon. Shortly after I got into bed each morning I was awoke by non-English speaking staff banging on the door. They would not go away without me opening the door and telling them "no". Most days the room did not get serviced during my 32 day stay. Soap and toilet tissue was never replaced and required my going to the front desk to retrieve.

One day my room was listed as vacated despite my check out not being for over two and a half weeks away and my personal belongings still being inside my room. I was checked out and had to re-check in upon my return to the hotel for the night. No apology or explanation only told I must have done something wrong.

I was charged for laundry and market items that I did not receive. I have disputed them with the General Manager and Marriott with still no resolution after contact with desk staff during my stay, contact with the general manager during my stay, email to Marriott Corporate and telephone calls to Marriott Corporate Customer Care(less)

I was promised resolution that the management staff had no intention of ever fulfilling. I am a Marriott Platinum member this year - this was my last stay in a Marriott brand property until Marriott begins to take customer service serious. I am sure Bill Marriott Sr. would hate to see what JR has done to the company.

Stayed here for a week and had a lovely time. The rooms are a good size with 2 double beds, 2 TVs and a small kitchen area with fridge and desk to connect your laptop. There is also a room on the ground floor which has internet access. The only problem with this is that there is only ONE computer so you have to be considerate if other people are waiting to use it. Also it is not the quickest machine ever!!!!

You will receive complimentary breakfast on the ground floor. Not a great breakfast as you eat everything with plastic plates and cutlery. You also have to prepare your own waffles in this waffle making machine and toast your own bread. But you know it is enough to kick start your day and certainly isnt the worst thing ever. I had egg and sausage mcmuffin with apple juice and that was fine.

There is a Burger King literally across the road if you like that sort of thing. There is also a good shopping area across the road for those of you who dont drive. It would be advisable to hire a car to get around. In the week we were there we went to Sawgrass Mills (AWESOME), Ocean Drive Miami, The Everglades and Las Olas.

Would Recommend the Everglades, where you can go on a boatride and take photos with Alligators!!! See my photo I was so scared!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also the Sea Aquarium in Miami was fantastic. They have Dolphin shows and The Big whale and the biggest fish tank I have ever seen in me life!!!! (see my photo of the big fish)

Exchange rate very good at the moment so this is a good time to do loads of shopping!!!! Sawgrass has a brilliant range of shops check their website. Los Olas is good for those of you who like designer gear. Check out shop 603 where you can get a hot pair of True Religion Jeans for $172.

Go on the Boat ride at Las Olas and look at the VERY GEORGEOUS houses.

Enjoy your stay. Check my photos

Peace
D :-)

We booked this place through priceline for a good rate of $72 . Lowest advertised rate was $139. Only a few rooms were available on this Friday evening. We needed a room close to the airport, and I know it's also used for the cruise port.

The service was very friendly and helpful right from check in. They are definitely trying to make an impression with customers and it's working. We were given free bottles of water at check in. The place has a good, efficient pool area that's nicely landscaped (as is the rest of the hotel).

We didn't get to experience breakfast with a very early flight, however the staff made up "breakfast bags" that we took with us in the morning.

The room was good size, clean and I could tell it had been renovated. The new LG flat screen TV's are a solid addition. I just wish they offered some HD channels to go with these TV's. Small refrigerator and microwave were also part of the room. The only negative I can report was the slowness of the internet. At times it wouldn't even download a page. Not a big deal as there wasn't much time for internet use anyway. If I really needed it, I would have talked to the front desk about a solution.

Overall, I recommend the Springhill Suites and would definitely return.