Help deciding to stay at MIA or FLL

[mycruise2000]

I am taking cruise from FLL in March but flying into to MIA due to cheaper flight arriving at 8:30pm. Need some help to decide to stay overnight in MIA or drive to FLL. I booked a rental car from Budget.

[JohninDC]

Your choice, but arriving that late I would opt to stay near MIA and then head to FLL/Port Everglades the next day. Check out hotels in the Blue Lagoon area near MIA (Hampton Inn, Sofitel, Homewood Suites and others) - all with shopping and dining options within walking distance and free parking. Good luck! :)

[Politzania]

We're heading the other way - flying into FLL the day before we leave from the Port of Miami and also trying to decide whether to stay the night in FLL and take a shuttle to the port in the morning, or shuttle to a hotel in Miami, stay the night and then head to the port.

 

It seems the first option (stay in FLL) would be cheaper in terms of transportation if the hotel has a free airport shuttle - we usually stay at Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and the like.

 

Would love to hear from those who have done either of these trips.

[JohninDC]

It is a 40+ minute drive between FLL and Miami, so do not count on finding any hotel offering "free" shuttle transport unless it's part of a package and then they are just building the shuttle fees into the room rate. :(

 

Some prefer to saty near FLL, especially if they are arriving late; others decide to stay near POM in downtown Miami -- it is your choice.

 

Your best bet is to search www.sunny.org and your favorite travel web site and find a hotel that meets your desires and budget. There are lots of ways to get from FLL to POM - shared shuttle with SAS, QLS and GO Airport Shuttle seem to be the most poplular, with prices starting at about $15+ per person each way. Some choose to rent a car one way and drop it off with a Miami agency offering free POM shuttles. There's trains, taxis, limos, and the cruiseline transfer bus - your choice again.

 

We like the Embassy Suites 17th St near FLL - big rooms, great breakfast, nice pool, and free happy hour :D - with shopping and dining options nearby. There are many hotel options within various budgets nearby. Good luck!:)

[mycruise2000]

Your choice, but arriving that late I would opt to stay near MIA and then head to FLL/Port Everglades the next day. Check out hotels in the Blue Lagoon area near MIA (Hampton Inn, Sofitel, Homewood Suites and others) - all with shopping and dining options within walking distance and free parking. Good luck! :)

Thanks. I am planning on staying near MIA airport for the night. FLL/MIA hotels are quite price in March. MIA is little cheaper.