Everyone has been great! I'm just glad that I changed my date - as far as doing anything when we get to Miami- we really don't have a lot of time if we get there early afternoon- just check out the area and have some dinner and then leave the next morning for the cruise. It will be relaxing just to know we don't have to fly and cruise the same day. I was thinking of trying Price Line for a hotel - I've never done that before.

Still thinking a hotel for the night before our cruise in January- should I try Priceline? Areas of Coral Gables/Coconut Grove, or some other hotel- on the beach, maybe?

Geting down to making reservations - would like to know --which area to stay at before the cruise. Staying one night...would miami beach be better or downtown miami from the port? thanks

Neither really. I think downtown Miami is horrible and especially bad at night and that Bayside is just a big tourist trap.

Coconut Grove or Coral Gables would be much better picks.

Have you looked at the Doubletrees in the areas?

We will be flying into Miami - and departing next day from the port. Would eith Coconut Grove or Coral Gables be a good location to taxi from airport to hotel and taxi to port? I am not familiar with distance and locations in Fla. thank you.

Both are well situated from the airport and then on to the port. I think that Coral Gables has more options for dinner and walking around in the evening the night before your cruise. The restaurants are more upscale generally than in the Grove, although the Grove has some interesting places as well. I've had good luck with Priceline in Coral Gables for a 4 star.

So, would you recommend Coral Gables over Miami downtown or Miami beach? And I will try Priceline for the first time to get a room. But you say the distance is o.k. to take a taxi from airport to hotel and then to port? thank you....