I wondered why I could not get a hotel in miami for feb 2nd. I NOW know you have a bit of a football game that weekend. I have rung some motels but I cannot make a reservation. They all say "We are not a hotel. You just turn up and check in" Is this how it works and if so will I get a bed for the night or will everything be full? Any advice please.

No. You will not get a hotel room within 200 miles of Miami that weekend for under $600 per night.

For cheap rooms, you'll have to stay in Orlando.

What is your budget.

Virgins? I thought this place is more for retirees...

Yes we are retired, but virgins in Florida. $600 for one night in a hotel sounds a lot of money when I only paid $850 for a 7 day cruise. I omitted to say that we are British which may explain my ignorance of the Motel system. Why, when they say they will have a room will they not take a reservation? Am I being very naive?

Or retired virgins.

Seriously, murray, you're facing the American equivalent to trying to get a room in the city hosting the World Cup final. It's a bad weekend to be visiting Miami.

I have never heard of the "just turn up and check in" approach. Don't try it that week.

Try the Miami Chamber of Commerce.

Seriously, I have two different friends- one in Miami and one about 40 minutes away that are both renting their homes out for that week and weekend. Superbowl is a big deal. Everything that's liveable gets booked for more than an hours drive in any direction from the game. Do not just wing it.

You didn't say what dates that you needed a room for. I'm sure that it might be a bit easier if only for the 2nd, but near impossible for the 2nd and 3rd. And I am sure nothing will be even close to reasonable. Have you tried one of the sites like Orbitz, Expedia or Travelocity? You might also try Fort Lauderdale. There are a few places showing up there, but it seems to be mostly cheap hotels at high prices. Good luck!

It sonds like the people you're talking to aren't motels - but local residents renting our rooms - on a first come/first serve basis.

I would just pick another city (they won;t let you sleep on the beach - which sound like where you'll end up - it;s considereed vgrancy.

They could be rooms that rent hourly or day rates. If you are just calling randomly, this could certainly be the case. If you aren't sure what I mean, these could be motels that are used for prostitute services.

Superbowl weekend means that everything within anywhere CLOSE to Miami will be booked months in advance.

I would suggest looking at www.hotels.com and pick a city in Florida that has rooms available.

Good luck.

Actually yesterday I looked just to check it out, because if the Bears get in (LOL!)I wanted to see the availability for someone else who I know is going but doesn't want to stay at my friend's condo in Miami now as it's gotten to blow up mattress time there too.

Well if you hit Hotwire.com they do have 1 and 2 stars available at beaches 1 to 2 hours distance from Miami at prices over $300 per day for the 2 star. So I guess, you will be driving or driven if you do this.

Not a good weekend for "leaving on a cruise" lodging or any other occasion overlap.