I'm goin to Miami
 

My husband and I are staying at the Marriot at Biscayne Bay for one night next year before we depart on a cruise.
My father (who is scared of everyting) keeps saying that Miami is very dangerous and is getting all of us worked up about it.
What is the real deal?

I think you just identified the real problem when you described your father. Miami indeed has some pretty scary areas, but those are not where you will be going. Ignore the old man and enjoy your trip.

Stephy, unfortunately Miami has one of the highest violent crime rates in the country. However, and this is a big however, most violent crimes occur between criminals. In other words, thugs shooting each other.

I'm going out on a limb here but assuming y'all aren't going to tour crack houses, you'll be safe.

GoT: :D I'm having a bad day so I needed that laugh...

Glad to help Michelle!

Stephy, to make dad feel better, here are the crime statistics for the neighborhood the JW Marriott is in on Brickell Avenue:

http://www.homes.com/Content/Neighbo...I&State=FL

If you notice, they are half the national average in that neighborhood.

The Biscayne Bay Marriott is not the 'JW Marriott'. It is on the north side of Flagler St.

It is a very nice hotel - a shopping area - is in between the Marriott and a Doubletree Hotel. Don't even need to leave the property.

But take a taxi back & forth to Bayside Marketplace- nice to walk around and have a meal.

As long as you don't walk around ( no where to walk to anyway) you'll be fine. I stayed there for 6 nites - 4 by myself while DH was in hospital and was a-ok.

I know I should not listen to my dad. But I also just had a friend tell me he stayed in Miami and he and his father started to walk to grab a bite to eat and two police officers ordered them back into the hotel. Apparently the hotel staff said it was "safer" to take a cab.
The Marriot we are staying at is the Biscayne Bay on the north part of the shore. I know we will be fine, I just want to put my dad's mind at ease. And trying not to turn out like him. :) Thanks for all your help!