Miami Cruise port - should we just stay at airport hotel for pre-cruise night?
 

Miami Beach, airport hotel? Arriving at dinner time, leaving on cruise the next day so beach would not be a priority. Any other area that would make more sense?

I really like the Coral Gables area. We've at the Hyatt Coral Gables on several one-night stays (on the way to the Caribbean). Lovely area. Lots of little shops/retaurants. The shops might not be open if you arrive in the evening, but it's still a lovely area to walk around.

Miami Beach doesn't make sense if you have no beach time. But the airport area is depressing. I would look at Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Maybe try Priceline? Both have great places for dinner, fun atmosphere to be in. And both are close to the port. Coconut Grove is marginally closer.

Thanks - am totally ignorant about Miami geography and this at least gives me some idea where to start. Area around airport that I have seen was creepy - not just depressing - so glad to have some alternatives to start with. May try Priceline, even though there are 3 of us and take our chances.

Good god yes, get out of the airport area.

Downtown is weird at night and the shops at Bayside Marketplace will be packed with other cruisers.

I echo the suggesions of Coral Gables or Coconut Grove.