Fort Lauderdale's BEST Extended Stay: Plantation Suites & Unbeatable Deals!
Plantation Suites & Unbeatable Deals: My Fort Lauderdale Extended Stay Odyssey – A Review That's Got Real (and Maybe a Little Weird)
Alright, so after dodging hurricanes and chasing sunsets, I found myself needing an extended stay in Fort Lauderdale. And where did my weary traveler's soul land? Plantation Suites & Unbeatable Deals! (Yes, that's the actual name. Try saying it with a straight face.) Let's dive in. Buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average fluffy review. I'm gonna spill the beans (and maybe some lukewarm coffee) on this place.
First Impressions (and the Battle with the Automatic Doors)
Okay, accessibility. This is important, so let's get it out of the way. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, a solid tick. Elevators are a godsend when you're carting around, well, stuff. The front desk folks were helpful, though I did have a minor wrestling match with the automatic doors that seemed determined to slam shut on me. (Minor inconvenience, but hey, it's my review.) The front desk, thankfully, is 24-hour which is a huge plus for any late arrivals or early birds like myself.
The Room: My Personal Fortress (with Free Wi-Fi, Hallelujah!)
The room itself? Standard extended-stay stuff. Clean, functional, with all the basics. But let's be real, folks, the most crucial thing is FREE WI-FI in all rooms! I mean, praise the bandwidth gods! I practically lived online, researching beaches, plotting my tan lines, and doomscrolling through the news. Internet access was vital to my survival! (More on that later. Specifically, the laundry. More on that, MUCH later.)
The air conditioning was a lifesaver. I mean, Florida heat is no joke. And the blackout curtains? Genius. Essential for sleeping off one too many sunset cocktails. They even had a desk and laptop workspace – perfect for pretending I was actually working while planning my next kayaking adventure.
The "Unbeatable Deals" Part… (and the Coffee Drama)
Okay, here’s where the "unbeatable deals" part comes in. I'm talking about the amenities. The promise of a spa? Spa/sauna? Don't get your hopes up too high. Let's just say, the "spa" felt more like a glorified steam room. The sauna? I think it was more of a sauna idea.
The Food & Drink Follies
This is where things get interesting. There's a restaurant - with an à la carte menu but let's be honest - I spent more time exploring the local eateries. The coffee shop? Adequate, but be warned: the coffee situation was… inconsistent. Some days it was strong enough to raise the dead, other days it tasted like dishwater. I’m not a morning person, and weak coffee is a personal affront. I spent at least one morning muttering curses at the coffee machine. It's a memory that has scarred me.
The On-Site Entertainment (or Lack Thereof)
The swimming pool [outdoor] was a delight. Especially when you're melting in the Florida sun. A solid way to relax. The fitness center? Yeah, it's there. I went once. Let's just say my enthusiasm for treadmills is inversely proportional to my love for margaritas.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Sanitization Sagas
Okay, gotta talk about cleanliness. Daily disinfection in common areas and rooms sanitized between stays are big pluses, especially these days. They also have anti-viral cleaning products and everyone is trained in safety protocol. I appreciate the effort. There's just something about the lingering scent of bleach that doesn't exactly relax me though.
What About… Everything Else? (The Rambling Section)
Let's see… Meeting/banquet facilities? Sounds fancy. Gift/souvenir shop? Didn't see it. Laundry service? Yes, but also… a battle. The machines ate my quarters on the first try. On the second try, I accidentally dyed all my whites a delightful shade of… greyish pink. That incident taught me a valuable lesson in life about the power of dark colours and the importance of reading the fine print. So. I guess that's a plus too.
Then there was the convenience store. Which also, was convenient. You can buy bottled water, snacks, etc. A necessary evil when you're too lazy to go out.
The Verdict: Could Be Better, Could Be Worse
So, would I recommend Plantation Suites & Unbeatable Deals? Look, it's a decent extended stay. The location is good, the rooms are functional, and the free Wi-Fi is a win. The prices are, indeed, deals. If you're looking for a luxurious spa experience or Michelin-star dining, look elsewhere. But if you want a comfortable, clean base for your Florida adventures and don't mind the occasional coffee catastrophe or laundry mishap, then, hey, it'll do.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 Stars. Solid. But bring your own coffee.
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to ride shotgun on the most gloriously flawed trip itinerary ever conceived. We're talking Extended Stay America Suites in Plantation, Florida… and trust me, it's gonna be something.
Extended Stay America: Plantation, Fort Lauderdale - My Not-So-Grand Adventure
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Mattress Debacle (aka, My Back Already Hates Me)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL). Ugh, airport traffic. Why is it always a nightmare? The rental car process was smooth…ish. Let's be real, I forgot where I parked the damn thing three times before finally lumbering out. First impressions of the Extended Stay: well, it's beige. Beige as far as the eye can see. It’s like walking into a beige-colored purgatory.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in. The front desk person was… nice. But I swear, they called my name "Mr. Funglebottom" at least three times. Maybe I'm just jet-lagged.
- 2:00 PM: Room inspection. Okay, here's where things get… interesting. Room 312. It smells vaguely of… air freshener desperately trying to cover up… something. I’m not sure what, and frankly, I don’t want to. My first thought? "This is going to be fun". Then, disaster struck. I tested the mattress. And… oh, sweet baby Jesus, it feels like I'm sleeping on a concrete slab with a thin sheet of fluff. My back already screams in protest. I make a mental note to demand a mattress topper first thing in the morning, which is always a good sign.
- 2:30 PM: Grocery run to Publix. This is a must for any Extended Stay adventure. Gotta stock up on the essentials: coffee (my lifeblood), snacks (because, well, me), and…wait for it… a bottle of wine. Because, Florida.
- 3:30 PM: Unpacking and settling in. Or at least attempting to settle in. The TV remote is missing a battery cover, and the Wi-Fi is slower than molasses in January. I contemplate switching to dial-up.
- 4:00 PM: The mattress situation plagues me. I go on a hunt for pillows, hoping for some sort of cushioning. And, honestly, by now I am in the deepest regret.
- 6:00 PM: Pizza delivery. Hey, you know what helps with the existential dread of an uncomfortable mattress? Deep-dish pizza. A small victory, I guess. But does the pizza even remotely make up for the mattress? Nope. But I am too tired to care.
- 7:00 PM: Staring at the TV. And maybe, just maybe, I am going to stare at that screen until I fall asleep.
- 9:00 PM: Sleep? Attempt sleep. In what might as well be a torture device. Send prayers for my spine.
Day 2: Beaches, Booze, and the Urgent Need for a New Pillows
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. My back feels like I've been wrestling with a bear. Request a mattress topper. Beg for new pillows. The front desk guy, bless his heart, seems vaguely amused by my misery.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast in the room. The single-burner hotplate is charming. I attempt to make oatmeal. It’s watery. I give up and pour the rest of the coffee.
- 10:00 AM: Head to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Sun, sand, and the vague promise of forgetting the horrors of the mattress. The drive is surprisingly easy. The beach is crowded, but the water is beautiful. Maybe it's going to be okay.
- 11:00 AM: Wasting some time in the beach. I buy an overpriced drink. The ocean itself becomes my only friend.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. A casual beachside cafe. Overpriced, but, hey, the view is great. I sit there and start to feel like myself again.
- 1:00 PM: Beach time! I attempt to read a book but am distracted by the sheer amount of people.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the hotel. The beach was relaxing, but I am still looking forward to a shower. Also, the thought of the mattress looms like a dark cloud.
- 3:30 PM: I give up on the mattress and the pillows. At least I have wifi now.
- 4:00 PM: Shopping. I buy way too much useless stuff.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. I actually have a great time! And what about the food? Delicious. By the end, I am pretty content.
- 7:00 PM: Back to the hotel. I take a hot shower. I lay down… and then start crying. The mattress is still horrible. I start planning my escape to the couch.
- 9:00 PM: Couch, wine, and Netflix. Comfort, at last.
Day 3: Everglades and Escaping the Mattress
- 9:00 AM: Coffee and a quick breakfast. I spend a few minutes wondering why on earth I am here.
- 10:00 AM: Everglades tour! Yes! This is what I am here for.
- 11:00 AM: The tour is thrilling. I take a bunch of pictures. I even manage to see a crocodile (or was it an alligator?). The tour guide tells jokes, they are bad. But I am enjoying myself.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. I am too hungry to care if the food is good.
- 3:00 PM: The dreaded return to the hotel. The mattress is still my enemy.
- 4:00 PM: Trying to be productive. I am writing. Nothing is coming out. I sit for about an hour before giving up.
- 5:00 PM: I have an interesting idea, I start planning to leave the hotel.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I am craving something. I order a pizza. The joy is minimal.
- 7:00 PM: More TV and wine.
- 8:00 PM: Packing. I check the next part of the trip.
- 9:00 PM: Lay down on the horrible mattress. I barely sleep.
Day 4: Departure + Final Thoughts (or, My Spine's Longing for Freedom)
- 8:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. My back cracks in a chorus of protest as I haul my luggage to the car. I barely sleep again.
- 8:30 AM: Final coffee and a quick look around the room. I leave the mattress untouched. I leave a final wish about my bad experience.
- 9:00 AM: Drive to the airport. Reflecting.
- 10:00 AM: I am ready to leave. I am finally leaving.
Final Thoughts (Spoiler Alert: It Was… an Experience)
Look, the Extended Stay wasn't luxurious. Far from it. The mattress was a clear affront to human comfort, the Wi-Fi was a technological relic, and the beige… well, the beige was relentless. But… it was an experience. It was a messy, sometimes unpleasant, but undeniably real experience. And hey, at least I got to see the Everglades! I'm already planning my next adventure with far better accommodations.
And, for the love of all that is holy, I'm bringing my own pillow.
Red Deer Getaway: Unbelievable Days Inn Deal! (AB, Canada)
Plantation Suites & Unbeatable Deals: Your Fort Lauderdale Extended Stay Survival Guide (with Extra Chaos!)
Okay, spill the tea. Is Plantation Suites *really* the best extended stay in Fort Lauderdale, or is that just marketing fluff? Because I've been burned before...
Alright, look, I'm not gonna lie and tell you I've personally kissed the feet of every single staff member (though I *did* leave a particularly generous tip for the housekeeper last week!). But, honestly? After a few *disastrous* extended stay experiences – think ancient air conditioning that sounded like a dying banshee and questionable stains on the… well, you get the idea – Plantation Suites is a solid YES. It’s not perfect, okay? Nothing is. But for the price, the location (seriously, being close to everything is a lifesaver!), and the general vibe? It's a winner. Think "comfortably above average," with a sprinkle of "hey, I might actually survive this extended stay without losing my mind." I mean, I've actually slept through the night here. That's saying something.
What's the deal with these "unbeatable deals"? Are they actually deals, or just… words?
Okay, this is where I get a little twitchy. Because, yes, the deals are generally pretty good. But the *unbeatable* part? Let's just say I'm negotiating the "unbeatable" part with my own brain, which is always a work in progress. I mean, I found a rate online that practically made me squeal. But then I spent, like, a whole hour wrestling with the booking form. And let's just say I used the wrong promo code once. Yeah, I’m not a genius. But, *generally speaking*, yes, you can find some killer deals. Check their website, call directly (they're surprisingly helpful on the phone, even when I'm clearly frazzled), and be patient. Seriously, patient. This is Fort Lauderdale, not a race. If you are not patient, you might want to check if the beach is open and just give up on the booking process. Maybe the deals are only unbeatable if you're a saint.
How spacious are the rooms? Extended stays require space… for my stuff. Lots of stuff.
Okay, I'm in the struggle bus with you on the space thing. My own apartment is probably smaller than some of the rooms at Plantation Suites. The suites have separate living areas, which is *huge*. And honestly, I can usually wrangle everyone and everything into those rooms. You have a full kitchen, which is a huge win for actually making yourself food instead of spending a fortune on takeout. The kitchens are not designer kitchens, but you can cook like you are a chef. They're functional. Think… functional, with maybe a slightly tired-looking toaster. But hey, you’ll be able to spread out. I would say you will be very comfortable. Bring your own cleaning supplies, because sometimes things get a little… dusty. Dust is the enemy in extended stays. And so is my level of chaos.
What's the area around the hotel like? I need to be able to, you know, *live* a little outside the hotel.
Okay, so the location is a HUGE selling point for me. It's not right on the beach, but it's close enough that you can absolutely hit the beach whenever you want. Easy drives to the beach. There's tons of shopping nearby. Loads of restaurants. If you're the adventurous type, you can explore all the sights. I think I like the quietness, because I am a introvert. It means I can work, do my things, and I don't have to socialize if I don't want to. Everything you need is within a relatively short drive. It’s not the *most* exciting neighborhood in the world, but it's safe, convenient, and definitely not boring. I've always felt safe there, even wandering around at night, but that is just me.
Are there any amenities? Like, a pool? Because, Florida.
Ah, the pool. Okay, so there *is* a pool. And it's… good. It's not the most luxurious pool I've ever seen, but it's clean, and it's open pretty much all the time. I've spent many a lazy afternoon poolside, and it's a great way to de-stress. Seriously. It's not the sort of pool you'd write home about, but it's definitely a perk. Oh, and they have laundry facilities. Which is a lifesaver when you're living out of a suitcase for weeks on end. Don't expect a state-of-the-art gym. But if you need a place to unwind then this is the place.
What about the staff? Are they friendly? Because cranky hotel staff can ruin an extended stay, fast.
The staff is generally really, genuinely nice. Like, genuinely nice. I've had some interactions that were so… *normal* and pleasant, that I was almost suspicious. They’re the kind of people who will greet you with a smile. They'll help you with your luggage. And they don't seem to mind the fact that I'm probably more disheveled than most guests. I once had a minor crisis involving a jammed door (don't ask) at 2 AM, and the night manager was surprisingly cheerful about it. That's a win in my book. It’s a small detail. But it makes a huge difference when you're living out of a suitcase and the world feels a little upside down.
Okay, real talk. Any downsides? What's the catch?
Alright, let's be honest: no place is perfect. The biggest "catch" for me is that things aren't always brand new. The furniture is… functional, let's say. The decor is a bit dated. Don't expect a sleek, modern hotel. But you also don't have to pay a fortune for all the trendy stuff. Sometimes the elevators are slow during peak hours. And I *swear* I heard a small child scream "I DON'T WANNA BE HERE!" the other day. You'll sometimes get some highway noise. But on the whole? The downsides are pretty manageable. Really, for the value and the location, it's a steal.
Give me one SUPER specific, maybe embarrassing, anecdote about Plantation Suites. Something that really sums it up.
Alright, brace yourself. This is a good one. So, I was incredibly jet-lagged, and I'd accidentally left my phone charger at a restaurant. Desperate, I stumble down to the front desk, eyes bloodshot, wearing mismatched pajamas and a hair situation best described as "feral". The person on duty (bless their soul) takes one look at me and just… *smilesFind That Hotel
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