MIA pre-Cruise Hotel - somewhat unique circumstances

[crusinmomwithtwo]

I know the MIA pre-cruise hotel question has been asked a ton (and I think I've read them all).  Our situation is a little different. I always book for two nights even though we only stay one.  We fly into FLL, land at 6 am on 3/11, cruise is 3/12. I will book a room for the 10th and 11th, so the room is ready for us as soon as we arrive around 7 am.  Which means I am paying for 2 nights and only staying for one. There are three of us, myself, and my two daughters 13 year old and 11 year old.

 

The twist is that I am a bit of a hotel snob due to the fact that I work in hospitality in Las Vegas in a 5 star hotel, so looking for more upscale, or at least newer and clean and safe. Stayed at the Intercontinental last time in a bay view room and it was just okay.

 

I'd like to stay less than about 700 a night.  

Considering the Kimpton Epic, the Cadillac Miami Beach, the Intercontinental again.  Any other thoughts?

[Itchy&Scratchy]

I am looking into EB Hotel. Seems to have very nice reviews. On April 1 the price is $299 for Deluxe Suite on expedia.

[Flymia]

Intercontinental is an older hotel built in the 80s. Unless you really want to be in Miami Beach for the day, I would stick with Downtown Miami and Brickell. Brickell has some nicer hotels. East Miami is not 5-star but new and in a great location. There is also the Four Seasons in Brickell, JW Marriott (4-star built in early 2000s) in Brickell. Mandarin Oriental on Brickell Key is very nice. W Miami is also an option. JW Marquis and Epic are also good options right next to each other. 

[Diver2014]

Kimpton Epic is best by a long shot.  It's right there and is one of the newer hotels on Biscayne Blvd.  I worked in the building across the street and would go over there at lunch time to watch the dolphins in Biscayne Bay.