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/