Miami pre-cruise hotel
 

Not a lot of recent info here when I did a search.

Location is not all that important, but will not have a car so restaurant on-site or within walking distance would be great. No need to be near beach - will have enough beach on the cruise. Shuttle - either inexpensive or free - to cruiseport. Another family will be staying in same hotel and they will have a car - so free or inexpensive parking for that car for 5 days would be an additional plus. Thinking mid-level hotel - resort not necessary but not a Motel 6.

Suggestions?

Hi Gail: Our group is staying at the Hyatt Summerfield Suites Miami Airport for the night before our March 22nd cruise. I've read great reviews; free airport shuttle to hotel, free breakfast, complimentary parking, restaurants and shopping within walking distance. They also offer shuttle service to the port for a fee through an outside company. We got decent rates although we're going during prime season. Hope this helps!

Thanks - will check it out - sounds about perfect for us.

We just stayed at the Miami Airport Hilton the night before our cruise at an excellent rate. However, I would not stay there again as we developed a food-related bacterial infection from something we ate there. I got very ill about 4AM the first night on the cruise. It was 5 days before we felt reasonably good and I have to say that the medical center staff on the ship was wonderful. There is a company for hotel to pier transfers at about $12 per person that any hotel can book for you. Cab fare is about $30 plus tip.

The Holiday Inn Port of Miami is right across the street from Bayside Market. Lots of shops and restaurants. Cab runs under $10 to the port. Although make sure you get the rate before you get in - our cabby told us $18 and we thought he was joking, but guess not when we got there and he wanted that amount. We told him no way. Thank god for message boards. :)

HI's website even says walkable to port, but I wouldn't want to try it, especially with luggage. Seemed like a bit of a hike.

http://www.hiportofmiami.com/index.php

http://www.baysidemarketplace.com/html/