Help me plan a short stay

Question

We are taking my grandson to a soccer game in FLL. It’s a quick 3 night stay and would like suggestions.

We plan to fly into FLL and need a hotel there close to the stadium. I prefer one with a pool and family friendly. Close to stadium.

The following day we would like to drive to Miami and do the Hopper bus.

We have a choice to book flights one way to FLL and return from MIA but think that we will be waiting time we don’t have to switch hotels.

Should we just rent a car and head to Miami and back then hit the airport for our return flights?

Never been to FL and would like suggestions.

Answer

For your short stay in Fort Lauderdale with your grandson, here’s a suggested itinerary and some advice to make the trip smooth and enjoyable:

First, for the hotel near the stadium, since you’re attending a soccer game, you’ll want something that’s both convenient and family-friendly. Fort Lauderdale offers several good options with pools and easy access to the stadium:

The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort – Located on the beach, this hotel has family-friendly amenities, including a pool, and is close to attractions, although it’s a short drive from the stadium.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport/Cruise Port – This hotel is more centrally located and offers a convenient shuttle to the stadium, a pool, and family-friendly services.
Hampton Inn Fort Lauderdale/Downtown Las Olas – Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, this hotel is a little further from the stadium but offers easy access to family-friendly dining and a pool.

For the next day, the Hopper Bus in Miami is a great way to explore the city without the hassle of parking. It’s a hop-on, hop-off bus that takes you around the key attractions in Miami, like the Art Deco district, Wynwood Walls, and Little Havana. Renting a car for this part of the trip is a good idea if you're comfortable with driving in the city, but keep in mind that traffic in Miami can be quite busy, especially during peak hours. Alternatively, if you’re staying in Fort Lauderdale, you could take the train or an Uber for a more relaxed journey to Miami.

As for the flight logistics, it’s understandable that you want to avoid switching hotels. Given the short duration of your stay, renting a car and driving from Fort Lauderdale to Miami for the Hopper Bus, and then heading to Miami International Airport for your return flight is a practical solution. This way, you can enjoy both cities without the hassle of hotel changes. Fort Lauderdale and Miami are only about 30-45 minutes apart by car, so you could make the most of your time without the added inconvenience of switching hotels.

Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:

If you’re planning to explore Miami in depth, it might make sense to spend a day there and return the car at the airport. If you’re just taking the Hopper Bus, it’s a quick and easy drive back to the airport.
If you prefer a more relaxed trip, staying in Fort Lauderdale and renting a car for a day trip to Miami is a great way to save time and avoid switching accommodations.
Keep in mind that parking in Miami can be tricky and expensive, so make sure to check for affordable parking options at the bus stops or nearby attractions.

Lastly, I’d recommend checking the weather before your trip to make sure your plans align with any potential rain or heat waves, as Miami and Fort Lauderdale can get quite hot and humid in September.

Overall, renting a car is a solid option for your trip, but make sure to factor in potential traffic and parking time. Enjoy your visit to Florida!