Recommendations For Staying In Miami

[f1rstclass]

Hey everyone,

 

We are arriving in Miami from Virginia for our Carnival Liberty Cruise on July 9, 2011.

 

We are planning on arriving into Miami a day early and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on where to stay while in Miami.

 

We will need transportatin to the hotel from airport so shuttle service (preferably free) would be ideal and we certainly don't want to buy the hotel so cost-effective would be appreciated also.

 

Thanks so much for your suggestions, in advance! Look forward to hearing all your ideas!!

[black forest]

You should better post at the Florida Departures Forum. It is in this but very above.

[f1rstclass]

ooopppssss...sorry about that, but thank you for correcting it for me!! :-)

[JohninDC]

It all depends upon what time of the day you arrive and what you want to see/do. :confused: Flying into FLL? Stay in Fort Lauderdale and shuttle to POM the next day. Flying into MIA - you have more choices to make.

 

If you are arriving late and just want a clean safe room, dinner, and maybe a nearby liquor store for last minute cruise supplies :D, then look for an airport hotel in the Blue Lagoon area. Hampton Inn, Homewood Suites and many others. Most offer free airport shuttle and a cab to POM in the morning will run under $30 including tip.

 

If you arrive earlier in the day and would like sand between your toes, great dining, museums, and nightlife then head for Miami Beach. A cab from MIA will cost you $32+tip and another 12-15 to get to the port in the morning. Miami Beach can be lots of fun, and also very expensive.:eek:

 

If you want to stay downtown near POM and maybe see the ships in the morning from your room, you have many choices - most of the big name chains (Hyatt, Holiday Inn, Doubletree, Marriott, etc.) are there. Many on these boards like Bayside market - I don't. A cab to your hotel from MIA will run $25 or so, and another $10 to get to POM the next day.

 

Good luck!:)

[asylum575]

THis is by far the most common question here and it get's heated sometimes.

Here's the deal, or at least the way I see it.

It all depends on what you want to do? who's traveling? and what time you're getting in?

The airport area should only be considered if you are:

a. Getting in late and

b. don't want to do anything but have a bed and

c. don't plan on going out

The downtown area has a waterfront mall called Bayside marketplace that is very popular with cruisers. Miami locals hate it, very touristy. Popular hotels downtown are

a. Intercontinental- very nice

b. Hyatt Regency- nice, great deals on bidding site

c. Courtyard and Holiday Inn- OK for one night at a good price

d. Marriot/Hilton/Doubletree Biscayne bay- a bit further from Bayside, but great views of the ships in the morning.

The South Beach area is the happening spot. It all depends on what you want to do. Very good people watching, good restaurants. On a budget, The courtyard/marriott has a nice hotel.

Coconut grove has an area similar to Bayside that's called Cocowalk. Less of a choice for hotels in that area, but nicer and less touristy.

 

You will get alot of info here or you can use the search feature and read all night

[trish1c]

If you are the adventurous sort & willing to do your homework you can get great deals on Priceline or Hotwire.

[f1rstclass]

Thanks so much, so far, for all the great advice, tips, etc. Our booking for airlines haven't, of course, been made yet because it is so early, but the one thing that I think that I can speak on behalf of all who are going is staying and waking up and looking out and seeing other ships! That would be a great treat!

 

Thanks so much, would love to continue to hear from others and their advice.

 

:-)

[BlueHerons]

Hey everyone,

 

We are arriving in Miami from Virginia for our Carnival Liberty Cruise on July 9, 2011.

 

We are planning on arriving into Miami a day early and I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations on where to stay while in Miami.

 

We will need transportatin to the hotel from airport so shuttle service (preferably free) would be ideal and we certainly don't want to buy the hotel so cost-effective would be appreciated also.

 

Thanks so much for your suggestions, in advance! Look forward to hearing all your ideas!!

 

Courtyard Marriott Coral Gables and they have a free airport shuttle. They are also within walking distance to some of Miami's finest shopping, dining, and attractions. Coral Gables is also a beautiful neighborhood.

 

Skip downtown and Bayside which is a huge bore.