I'd recommend just biting the bullet and staying in South Beach near PortMiami the night before unless you're landing late.  It's a great kind of "prelude" to the vacation and you are right there and able I've never had an issue jumping ahead of my boarding time before.  The Holiday in is great for families and the Elser was phenomenal for my wife and I as a nice intimate space.  Both are right next to the Marina/Mall area and walking distance to tons of shops, restaurants, and whatnot.

We stayed at the embassy suites which I believe is the closest hotel to the port. The rooms were dated, costing around $400 for the night. The lobby and pool area was beautiful though. Free drinks from 4-6.

Check out the hotel at “Dania Pointe”. It’s down the road from the port and Dania pointe has tons of restaurants, movie theater, bowling alley, comedy club, shops etc all within walking distance. I live in Ft. Lauderdale and it’s a very popular spot for cruisers to stay.

The rooms have been renovated so they’re nice. Also, you can get a room with a view of all the ships docked so you wake up in the morning and see your ship from the balcony. They offer a shuttle service to the port too, I think it’s like $6/pp.

Oh shoot! Didn’t read you’re going out of Miami. You’re looking at about 40 minute drive, Uber will be about $70–$80.  If you want to just do the drive to Miami when you arrive, the Intercontinental Miami or Downtown Hilton are both great too.

This just sparks memories of the old Ramada off Marina Bay Drive in Fort Lauderdale. It was a dump, but the feral cat colony next door seemed okay with it.

Thanks- I will check it out. I've made the mistake of going to some Ramadas without checking reviews and some other places that I thought would have been nice but they turned out to be brutal/dirty/horrible. I just don't want to stay in a shithole and it seems the quality isn't what it used to be and a lot of reviews are seeded or inaccurate!!
🤔🤔

This is where we've stayed the last couple times I've sailed out of Lauderdale as well.  Really no complaints.  I don't know if I'd pick it if I was getting in super late and just wanted to sleep, wake up, and sail, but if you're going to spend a little time the day before it's nice.

Our favorite is the Hilton Marina. It’s 2 minute drive to port and 5 minutes from airport. Has a great pool and bar/restaurant.

We’re staying at the Pelican Grand. We’re flying in 2 days before the cruise and are excited for the lazy river.

We stay in Hollywood Beach. Lots of options of old mom and pop places that have been completely refurbished. Right on the boardwalk and you can get a room for <$150 a night.

Instead of Uber, try SAS transport. I think they charge $15 PP one way to Miami port. Their website has a list of hotels they serve in FLL. Yes, they will pick you up at Port Miami and return you to FLL airport after the cruise.

We've used them for 4 cruises and had good service.

We stay at the Westin in Ft. Lauderdale.  There are great restaurants and shops in walking distance, the pool is great, the food is good, and you are across the street from the beach.  But we usually cruise out the port in Ft. Lauderdale, so we are less than 15 min away.

I always stay at my cousin Rebecca’s house.  I can put in a good word for you, if you want.  They have a dedicated guest room with a real bed and its own bath.  But warning:  they are tea drinkers, so either bring your own coffee and a means of brewing it or expect to go out for coffee.

I've stayed at the Sonesta in FLL.  had a good experience and fantastic views.

Flying into Ft L for a cruise next day out of Miami  and want to stay in FL overnite then uber to ship next day. 
Any good hotel recommendations? I don't need the Waldorf but something nice! Any advice appreciated!

Hotel Recommendation Ft.Lauderdale?