We arrive 3pm in Miami and need to be on our cruise ship the next day at noon. We would like recommendations for a hotel in South Beach for that night. A nice little mom and pop would be fine if available or a clean LaQuinta, Hampton, etc.

Also, a Cuban restaurant recommendation?

Also, should we rent a car from the airport or are there shuttles available both to the hotels and then the next day from the hotel to the Port of Miami?

Thanks

There are definitely shuttles or a taxi. Much cheaper than renting a car.

You're not going to find the major chains on south beach. It sounds like you're trying to economize, which is tricky. Most of the nice places are pretty pricey. Budget places tend to be dives. Give a price range, knowing that each dollar amount higher is going to give you significantly higher quality, and we can make recommendations.

Puerto Sagua and David's cafe are both pretty good good cuban restaurants without leaving south beach.

Some hotels do have shuttle service from the airport but it can be spotty. A cab to South Beach will be about $25, don;t rent a car.

There is a Doubletree on Collins Ave that is well located. I've stayed at the Marseilles a few times, great location, pretty basic rooms. The Winterhaven sometimes has great deals as well.

Cimbrone
Yes, you are right, I am trying to economize and I am finding it is hard. I wanted to stay around $100. for the night. I will try one of the restaurants you recommended.

Wyatt
The Doubletree, Marseillles and Winterhaven would all be exceptable hotels, but their prices are more then I wanted to pay, maybe I can get one on Priceline.

Thank you.

cd, unless someone here is a miracle worker, you will be in a very scary hotel for 100 a night in south beach. Probably one that rents by the hour.

Even the ones that wyatt recommends sound sketchy, based on tripadvisor reviews, and they are well over 100 dollars a night.

Good luck!

Cimbrone, how about if I use Priceline? Can I bid on anything 3 star in South Beach and be safe?

What about Cadet Hotel?

I'm not familiar with priceline.

I checked out the Cadet on tripadvisor, and it gets great reviews. I'm seeing a rate of $132 a night, which is fabulous if it is a good as the reviews suggest. I may be planning a stay there soon myself! Since you're just going for a night, I'd take a chance on this place. I even like the looks of the photos.