We have a flight scheduled to MIA arriving 2230 the night before our cruise on the Getaway. So how far is the dock from MIA vs. say south beach to the dock? I am inclined to stay over night at an airport hotel but if the dock is close to south beach we will consider staying there.
Thank you. .

The airport hotels are, IMHO, dreary. But,we have twice stayed at the Intercontinental Miami. It is very near to the cruise pier and offered a free shuttle to each ship (there can be several) that was embarking passengers.

How far is that from MIA?

Update. I just called them and they say no shuttles at all.

It is 15 min (no traffic) to 30min (with lots of traffic) from S Beach to POM. Since you are getting in so late, landing at 10:30, and even later getting to the hotel, unless you planned to walk on the beach the next morning before going to the port, your plan to stay at an airport hotel works fine. One near the port, so you can grab a taxi works great also.

Most airport hotels have agreements with shuttle companies. I stayed at the Element Hotel near the airport. I agree the area is a little dreary but if you are getting in that late you just need a place to sleep. They offered a shuttle $12 per person to the Miami cruise port. I got to the hotel a lot earlier around 4 PM. I used the hotel shuttle to go back to the airport and took the South Beach flyer bus $2.35 and had dinner. I took the bus back and called for the shuttle.

They are all expensive at $200+ per night, even for the lowly Comfort Inn. You might as well pay a bit extra and stay at the Doubletree or Marriott!

Update. So we decided to stay near the airport nd got the Hyatt for total $179.00 and that included a shuttle from the airport and breakfast each so with those perks that's about $50.00 I would say so not bad.
Thanks for the replies and help.
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Getting in so late, I would recommend staying right at the airport. The Hotel MIA is in the middle of the terminals and outside security. Not great but not bad. Then after a leisurely breakfast the next morning, head down to baggage claim, meet the cruise line rep and take their transportation to the ship.

Avoids tons of hassle.

Continuing... formally it's the Miami International Airport Hotel ( www.miahotel.com ) and rooms start around $189 with breakfast.

Larry, that's a good deal. I have to remember that.

BTW that price we got was for deferred payment for who we arrive. It's about $20.00 less if you choose to,pay up,front.,