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My adult daughter and I are spending the first week of March at Miami Beach and sometime during the week want to drive down to Key West for a night. Should we rent a car right at the airport and keep for the week or take a cab to the hotel and rent only for the days we are travelling? Airport rates are often higher. Also, should we have our hotels booked in advance or just book the first night and then decide from there? In Miami or South Beach looking for nice pool, beachfront, easy to walk to restaurants, not much for shopping unless it's in quirkier small shops. Key West looking for a nice sunset view. Under $250/night if possible. Thoughts??
Miami-Keys trip - car rental and hotel questions
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You'll have to pay to park a car in Miami Beach, and you won't need it unless you plan on doing alot of travel around the city. I'd rent the car only for the days needed and rent it off-airport, where rates are usually cheaper.
You should definitely reserve your hotels in both Miami and Key West in advance. This is a busy time with the Spring Break season starting. Rooms may be hard to come by.
Check EZ Car Rental for good rates in Florida - we've always been very happy with their cars and procedures.
Yes, definitely rent the car only for the days you need it. The local rental offices will give you a ride back and forth from your hotel to their office.
Hi Nickity. It's a long drive from MB to Key West. An hour to get down to Florida City, could be longer on 95 than the turnpike, and then three to four hours to Key West. The highway in the Keys is better than it used to be but it can be torn up for repairs frequently causing delays. You might consider staying in the Middle Keys, arriving around noon with plenty of time for sun and a good dinner, then heading to KW in the morning. You could drive all the way back to MB that night, although I'd opt for staying in KW or again in the middle keys. That highway can be pretty spooky at night. I'd make hotel reservations unless you're willing to take second choice but $250 should get you something acceptable if not glam. Try to get something close to Duval Street. And inquire about parking. Hotels will usually tell you if parking is available, any cost, or if you're on your own to find a parking spot - that can be a problem. Have fun on your trip!