Pre-cruise car rental logistics/lodging in Miami

[gryffin123]

Hi all:

 

We are flying into MIA on Thursday for a cruise the departs from POM on Saturday 12/7 at 4pm.

 

We plan to stay in Miami on both Thursday and Friday nights, but we want to do a day trip to Key Largo on Friday that will require renting a car.

 

Having never been to Miami, Key Largo, or on a cruise before, I'm looking for help deciding what hotel to book and where to rent/return the car.

 

We are looking for a clean, safe, Hilton-owned property since we have enough points to stay for free. We'd like to make getting out to and back from Key Largo easy, while at the same time making sure it is convenient to get rid of the car and get to POM.

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks!

[JohninDC]

Check out the Blue Lagoon area near MIA where you will find a Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn and Hilton. There's a local strip mall nearby (across the street from the Hampton Inn) with shopping and dining options.

 

You can rent a car the day you arrive, or use the hotel shuttle to return to MIA to pick up the car the next morning.

 

National, Alamo and Thrifty offer a free shuttle to POM after you return the car. Good luck! :)