MIAMI HOTELS?
 

Can anyone recommend a decent, clean hotel in Miami for one night before the cruise. Looking for an Amerisuites or Embassy Suites type close to the pier. Would be a bonus if they offered airport/cruise pier shuttle. We are traveling with several families and like this style of hotel. <BR>Thanks,Shark

Clarion Inn & Suites is close to the pier. We stayed there last April -- very spacious rooms around $100. <BR><BR>I don't think they had trasportation to the pier -- we took a short taxi ride.

Why must you be close to the pier? Best place to stay for a pre-cruise in Miami is the South Beach area. You can take a cab from the South Beach area to the port, which will only be about 15-20 mins away, and at a fixed, zone fare for up to 4 people/cab. You can't walkto the ship peir, so wether you are 5 of 15 mins by cab, IT REALLY DOESN'T MAKE MUCH DIFFERENCE. <BR>The reason South Beach is recommended is because of the historic art deco architecture, which exists no where elsein the world. Additionally, there are many restaurants, shops, and things to do; and the best thing, it's all within walking distance. <BR>Besides, there is nothing to near any of the hotels that is near the pier, except for the Bayside marketplace. <BR>You can use www.quikbook.comfor good rates, or<BR>http://www.180096hotel.com/<BR>complare rates between the two sites. <BR>Additionally, you can get greatbargains using priceline.com.<BR>If you 1st go to www.biddingfortravel.com, you will get great hintshow to bid properly for a hotel using priceline.<BR>In southbeach, there are not any of the types of hotels you mentioned; good alternatives would be the hilton grand vaction club (timeshare units for nightly rental) and some all suite places, such as the Bentley Suites,or Barbizon Beach suites. Ifyou have any other queations,please ask.<BR>

I wouldn't cross-off the ayside Marketplace for a wonderful few hours experience. There is a huge food court for reasonable eating and also many sit down restaurants including Hard Rock. Hundreds of stores ... some upscale. Great entertainment, bay cruises, security, souveniers. No entrance fee.<BR><BR>You can stay at the Best Western Marina Park just across the street. Comfortable but not elegant.<BR><BR>Paul

I vote like Paul: Marina Park. Stayed there already and no complaints at all. And it´s in front of Bayside, which I love.