Live Posts From Miami, Florida

[Keith1010]

My wife and I arrived to Miami yesterday AM.

 

Everything that could go right did.

 

Flight left our airport on time and we arrived a few minutes ahead of schedule.

 

We were one of the first off the plane. By the time we made our way to the luggage carousel which took about 10 minutes a minute or two later the luggage started coming out and ours was one of the first.

 

We are staying at the Epic Hotel for the very first time after all of these years. They have a new system where you can text them before your arrival and during your stay with questions. I texted them a couple of days before advising of our early flight. I mentioned that I realized that technically we could not get into our room until 3:00 PM but if the people were out earlier and they could prioritize it for cleaning that would be great. They texted me that morning before we got on the flight that it was ready so when we got there we check in around 10:30 AM and were in our room.

 

Since 2007 we have been staying in Miami almost yearly for a pre cruise stay of four to eight days. We missed Miami in December 2015/January 2016 for the first time as the ship we sailed was sailing out of Fort Lauderdale so the last time we were in Miami was for an eight day stay in December of 2014. At that time we were seeing lots of construction all around the downtown area similar to 2007. Well now we see so many new things completed.

 

We walked over to the recently opened Brickell Shopping Centre and also to the new hotel there. We do hope to get over to Sugar at the top of the hotel during our stay. We were surprised at how many stores have opened at the centre which is right near Mary Brickell Village. Often people ask about shopping in downtown Miami so now you have that right there. Yes a lot of high end stores but not all high end. Also various restaurants coming there soon.

 

So far we are pleased with the Epic Hotel. I will provide more comments in a few days.

 

The downtown area looks better then ever.

 

People ask about taxi fares. From the Miami airport to the Epic which is right across from the Marriott Marquis and not far from the Intercontinental the fare was around $29.00. It will vary based on the route the driver takes and traffic.

 

This will be the third time we are celebrating New Years Eve in Miami.

 

Happy Holidays.

 

Keith

[Living4acruise2day]

GREAT info so far Keith, as this is one of the Hotel's we are considering for our cruise. Looking forward to more!

[shelpt]

Trying to get a feel for where things are in relation to where we are staying. Do you happen to know how close you are to the Doubletree Hilton Grand? Is that within walking distance (less then 2 miles) to the shopping area you mentioned?

Thanks

[BlueHerons]

Glad you are having a good time Keith!

 

I'm sure y'all are excited about Pitbull tonight!

 

Happy New Year!

[Keith1010]

GREAT info so far Keith, as this is one of the Hotel's we are considering for our cruise. Looking forward to more!

 

Thank you so much.

 

I will post more about the hotel in the coming days and after we check out.

 

So far we have been very pleased with our stay.

 

Happy New Year.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

Trying to get a feel for where things are in relation to where we are staying. Do you happen to know how close you are to the Doubletree Hilton Grand? Is that within walking distance (less then 2 miles) to the shopping area you mentioned?

Thanks

 

You would be 2.3 miles from the centre.

 

If you like to walk like we do it is very doable.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

Glad you are having a good time Keith!

 

I'm sure y'all are excited about Pitbull tonight!

 

Happy New Year!

 

Than you so much and Happy New Year.

 

Is PitBull performing at Bayside Park?

 

We were out on a long walk this morning and saw a big stage.

 

The irony about PitBull is this past Summer I began teaching indoor cycling classes three times a week at the Fitness Center located a five minute walk from where we live. I've been taking spin for several years. Well every instructor has their own style to music. I play a lot of current music and also the key for me is the beat.

 

Well as part of my class I play one PitBull song each class.

 

Having a great day in Miami.

 

Weather has been perfect.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

My wife and I went on a very long walk this morning.

 

We walked from the hotel via Bayside Park over to American Airlines Arena, over the bridge leading into the Port Of Miami and then all the way over to Terminal A. A large New Years Event is planned at Bayside Park and a large stage has been set up there. Four ships were in port; Celebrity Reflection, two Carnival Ships and the Norwegian Escape. We walked from the Port over to Bayside where we purchased a couple of items for me. From there we walked over to Whole Foods where we picked up salad entrees and took them back to the hotel for lunch.

 

Weather was great.

 

People will post on this board asking what the weather will be like this time of year.

 

Answer is it depends.

 

We have seen it like it is today with highs in the high 70s and even the 80's as forecasted for tomorrow.

 

On the other hand in 2010 we were here the same time of year for four nights. First day high in the 70's and with each succeeding day it got cooler and by the last day a high in the high 40's and windy. Early January of this year we stayed in Fort Lauderdale for three nights starting around January 6. It was cool and windy but the week before we arrived quite nice.

 

When it comes to weather you never know.

 

Keith

[JohninDC]

Great posts - keep it coming! :)

[Keith1010]

Thank you JohninDC.

 

We have enjoyed a wonderful 24 hours in Miami.

 

We dined at Truluck's last evening.

 

We have dined there two other times while in Miami on New Years Eve.

 

The food and the cuisine and the service was better then ever.

 

They had a set menu. This is it.

 

Menu 1

 

Menu 2

 

Four courses.

 

We had the jumbo shrimp and when I say jumbo I mean jumbo.

 

We then had a salad.

 

Entree was an enormous lobster tale.

 

We then shared a dessert; Baked Alaska.

 

A few photos.

 

Smoke is from the dry ice.

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00140.jpg

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00142.jpg

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00144.jpg

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00148.jpg

 

Last night was the PitBull Concert and fireworks.

 

It was ironic that it featured PitBull. I say this because a signature of indoor cycling classes that I instruct includes one song at each class featuring PitBull.

 

Lots of fireworks.

 

Weather was great.

 

Today we took a taxi to South Beach. About $25.00 from Epic. I mention this since people ask about the cost from time to time.

 

Walked the brick walkway and then the wooden boardwalk.

 

Nice day to people watch and enjoy the beauty of the ocean.

 

Walked South Beach over to other portions of Miami Beach and on to the Holocaust Memorial.

 

 

Holocaust Memorial

 

Went over to Lincoln Road.

 

OK now I will tell you about a taxi ride going back to the Epic. A first for us.

 

We flagged down a taxi for the drive back to the Epic Hotel. At one point the driver turned right at a traffic light that was red and we could hear what seemed to be a police siren. The driver seemed unsure if the police officer wanted him or someone else to stop. After another block it was clear the officer wanted him to stop. When the driver approached the taxi he said that this was going to take a few minutes and from what we could tell the taxi driver was driving with an invalid drivers license. Well, every adventure has a first. We got out of the vehicle, paid the driver for the short drive and walked back to Collins Avenue and flagged another taxi. This time we made it back to the hotel with no incident. Maybe it is time for us to use Uber.

 

The Epic Hotel is located within five minutes of the Whole Food Store which was getting ready to open on our last stay. It is very popular and we have been going there for lunch.

 

Went over to Bayside this afternoon. Very crowded but fun to walk around.

 

Haven't gone into the Holiday Inn but looks like they took down the building that was next to it and it shows graffiti on the side of the Holiday Inn. Looks strange.

 

Holiday Inn Port Of Miami.

 

If I can help with any questions please let me know.

 

Keith

[Host CJSKIDS]

Glad you are enjoying Miami!

 

Brickell Citi Centre is great, isn't it?

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip and your cruise. One of these we will hopefully meet up!

[shelpt]

You would be 2.3 miles from the centre.

 

If you like to walk like we do it is very doable.

 

Keith

 

Thank you and have a great vacation!

[fdpevey]

My wife and I went on a very long walk this morning.

 

On the other hand in 2010 we were here the same time of year for four nights. First day high in the 70's and with each succeeding day it got cooler and by the last day a high in the high 40's and windy. Early January of this year we stayed in Fort Lauderdale for three nights starting around January 6. It was cool and windy but the week before we arrived quite nice.

 

When it comes to weather you never know.

 

Keith

 

So apropos you mentioned this - 2010 was the last time we were in Miami pre-cruise for extra days and, because of that, I'm looking for a hotel this time with an indoor heated pool. I want to enjoy my pre-cruise even if there is another cold snap in February.

[Keith1010]

Glad you are enjoying Miami!

 

Brickell Citi Centre is great, isn't it?

 

Enjoy the rest of your trip and your cruise. One of these we will hopefully meet up!

 

Carolyn, yes, hopefully we can meet up on one of our visit.

 

Brickell Citi Centre is fantastic. Much larger then I expected.

 

Happy New Year.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

So apropos you mentioned this - 2010 was the last time we were in Miami pre-cruise for extra days and, because of that, I'm looking for a hotel this time with an indoor heated pool. I want to enjoy my pre-cruise even if there is another cold snap in February.

 

Good idea because you just never know what the weather will be like in Miami.

 

Often even on warm days when we get out of the hotel early we would need a light jacket but that has not been the case this time around.

 

Happy New Year.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

OUR LAST FULL DAY IN MIAMI

 

Had a great day in Miami today.

 

Weather was fabulous. Thank you.

 

Took a couple of long walks.

 

I want to include some photos of places we mention on the board.

 

Brickell on a day with no traffic.

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00191_orig.jpg

 

JW Marriott

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00193-1_orig.jpg

 

Conrad Hilton

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00195_orig.jpg

 

Church near Four Seasons Hotel

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00199_orig.jpg

 

Interior of Perricone's which I recommend for Italian Cuisine near Mary Brickell Village.

 

There are several rooms. Here are two.

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00210_orig.jpg

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00211_orig.jpg

 

Cakes and Cookies to go and salad entrees we had today for lunch.

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00206_1_orig.jpg

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00212_orig.jpg

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00213-1_orig.jpg

 

Whole Foods

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00214_orig.jpg

 

Bridge that takes you to the Island where Mandarin Oriental is located plus a look at the Mandarin.

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00020.jpg

 

http://www.followourtrips.com/uploads/6/3/3/9/63397801/dsc00021.jpg

 

Tomorrow we take a seven day cruise Miami to Miami.

 

Keith

[Keith1010]

We board our cruise ship in a few hours.

 

I wanted to give a short review on the Epic Hotel.

 

Overall, we were very pleased and plan to return. The rooms are fairly modern. While we prefer traditonal rooms the world is changing.

 

We did have a one bedroom suite. The layout of our room was quite nice. There was a separate living area with a large desk with plenty (and we mean plenty) of outlets and large couch and large televison. The bedroom is a nice size as is the bath area.

 

Service was terrific. A feature recently introduced is the ability to text before and and during your stay. If you have an issue or an item needing attendition they immediately respond via text. We used the text to request additonal coffee, to ask for early turndown and make up the room service and even to report that the desk swivel chair had a defect with one of the roller falling off. In each case, their response was timely and efficient.

 

Our room included a dedicated club room with a concierge and it served five small daily meal . While not as elaborate as say a Ritz Carlton it most definely met our needs and the rates were a lot lower compared to the Ritz Carlton at South Beach. I believe that all other rooms have a club room for use where there is wine offered for one hour along with some snacks.

 

We enjoyed the hotel location including its proximity to Whole Foods, Mary Brickell Village, Port Of Miami and even the taxi over to and from South Beach.

 

It was not an issue for us but if you are on a lower floor of the hotel and on the side of the bridge you might hear traffic at night so we would try to ask for a room on the other side or a higher floor. We suspect some of the lower priced room could have this noise issue.

 

We also wanted to mention how much we have enjoyed our stay in Miami. Like a fine wine it gets better overtime.

 

As you know by now we love to walk. Several years ago we commented that this is not a walker friendly city. We feel that has changed. There are many walkers and joggers on the streets of Miami. Drivers of motor vehicles are more respectful of those of us on foot and often yield to us.

 

Just a couple of areas where improvment would be nice.

 

Many on bicycles go at high speeds on the sidewalk such as on Brickell. This should not be the case, and they should ride on the street. On Brickell there are actually bicycle lanes.

 

Those people walking dogs should all carry bags for you know what. You really have to watch where you walk. OK, enough said. LOL.

 

We had wonderful weather as well and look forward to our next return to Miami.

 

Keith

[BlueHerons]

Glad you had a great trip!

 

Watched Pitbull on tv Saturday night and wondered if you all were there!

 

Love downtown Miami! The juxtaposition of the high rises and the tropical/blue water is always thrilling for us. Next year you'll be able to take the high speed train between Orlando and Miami which will open up new airports for visitors.

 

Have a great cruise!

[Living4acruise2day]

Thank you Keith for all of the great info and great pictures. Are you going to be continuing a review of your cruise? I'm not even sure what ship you are about to board.