Dear all

I am attending a training event in Miami in early November. We are staying at Conrad during the training days only. My colleague and I are arriving 2 days in advance and we would like to do some shopping. We are definetely going to Aventura Mall and are considering Dolphin Mall mostly because it is an Outlet. My questions are:

1) Any other suggestions instead of Dolphin - we are NOT considering going to Sawgress;

2) I know that the malls are not really close to each other. Where would be a good place to stay then? Any hotel suggestions? We are looking at something around $100/night + taxes.

3) How hard it would be to use public transportation? A car rental would be a must?

Many thanks!

It will be pretty hard to get around in Miami, particularly that part of Miami, without a car.

It would not be simple to find safe lodging for that price in season, but it may be a lot better in early November.

Thanks, Ackislander.

If you're focusing on shopping at Aventura mall, look for hotels in Aventura. There's a Courtyard Marriott that you can look into. FYI, Sawgrass is way better than Dolphin. You'll find more options and it is much bigger. And yes, without a car, you're pretty much stuck because of the distances. Even public transportation won't be much of use unless you're staying within a specific area.

Thanks, elly_185.

Dolphin Mall is REALLY west of Aventura Mall (Think Everglades). Dolphin is super far from most tourist attractions and IMHO Aventura Mall is way more spectacular and offers more stores. Albeit Aventura caters to the rich and is NOT an outlet mall like Dolphin and Sawgrass is. I would definitly choose Sawgrass over Dolphin Mall but the driving distance from Aventura is pretty much the same for both malls. A car is a MUST in Miami. DO NOT RELY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION. Im a Miami native and I honestly believe we have the worst public transportation system. If you rent a car, you wont have any issues with parking at either malls as they all have sufficient parking (Aventura is the only one offering Garage parking in case it rains). Have fun on your trip...Miami's beautiful in November.

L_Garabito, thanks for your help. I have been to Sawgrass before and it is so huge that I could see only half of the stores!I would like to rent the car but my colleague is not very keen so I am trying to choose the best for us despite personal preferences.

Right now we are looking at 3 options. Grateful if you could let us know your thoughts:

1) Extended Stay AMerica Miami
298 Sw 15th Rd

In this case we would be using a taxi/public transportation to go to Aventura and Dolphin Mall.

2)Motel Bianco
5255 Biscayne Boulevard

In this case we would be using taxi/public transportation to go to Aventura and Dolphin Mall.

3) Howard Johnson by the aiport

In this case we would rent a car.

We know these are not fancy hotels at all but we are staying for just one night ( we are checking in at Conrad the day after). Clean and safe would be enough.

Many thanks.

Would love to help-here's my thoughts on your suggested hotels;

1. Extended Stay- pretty okay area, its super close to the Conrad so it'll make the transition to that hotel much easier. If you're not getting a car- then opt for the taxi. This hotels right off of I95 which leaves you with an easy route to Aventure and Dolphin. Plus Dolphin mall has a huge area dedicated for Taxis, so it would be easier for you to grab a Taxi on your return to the hotel.

2. Motel Bianco- this hotel is farther north in the Upper East Side. An up and coming part of Miami that the city is trying to turn around. Its mostly calm yet has its shady areas- so use caution. Although this area has lots of great places to eat (Michys being my fave). Its far from the Brickell area, where the Conrad is. And of the three you listed- its the furthest from majoy highways we use to get to Aventura/Dolphin.

3. Howard Johnson airport- i couldnt remember seeing one by the MIA so i googled it and cant seem to find it, Do you have the address for it? Regardless- keep in mind that the airport is further west but more centrally located to the 836 dolphin expressway so you have an easier route to either mall. Plus dolphin mall would be a much closer drive for you. You can get away with a Taxi here too if you dont want to rent a car. Although keep in mind that taxi rates may be more expensive than renting a car.

Hope this helps with your decisions

L_Garabito, you are very helpful. Much appreciated. I was searching Booking.com yesterday and Howard Johnson appeared as a good option however I tried to find it now and I can't find it anymore! How disturbing!Maybe it is no longer available. Anyway, it could be the Comnfort Inn or Hampton Inn by the aiport. I know that all depends on the traffic but in average how much would cost us a taxi from the Extended Stay to Aventura or Dolphin? I am sorry for so many questions.

Thanks again,

Helena

If you take a taxi from mall to mall it will be more expensive than renting a car.

Also, if it's been a few years since you've been to Sawgrass, you may want to try it again.

They added a whole new section with a lot of upscale stores/outlets; The Colonades. Also, some more restaurants.

From Aventura to either Dolphin or sawgrass is a long way. Do yourself a favor and rent a car.

I agree, rent at car! taxi from aventura to dolphin will prob cost you around $60 plus tolls surcharge and tip. you can rent a car for about $30 a day and go where ever you please! Also, reconsider coing to Sawgrass. It really is very different now, very beautiful. Everyone I know that comes from other states, countries ends up there because of so many options.

I too agree that renting a car is essential for going to Dolphin and Aventura. However, since youre not to keen on renting then for Dolphin Mall, ive seen some local hotels offer free shuttle service so you should try calling the hotels you're looking into and asking if they offer free shuttles to Dolphin Mall. But, if they do offer free shuttle to Dolphin im almost certain that they DONT offer free shuttle service to Aventura Mall as it is super far from Dolphin Mall.

The Hampton Inn Airport is in a good location- in the Blue Lagoon area which is full of corporate offices so the area is pretty safe and lots of food options nearby too. The Comfort Inn Airport is on the north side of the airport in Miami Springs which is allright too....but if i had to choose i'd go with the Hampton Inn as its closer to the 836/Dolphin Expressway on/off ramp (red road/57th ave exit).

Is there any particular reason why you dont want to rent a car? im not sure how much taxis are but i would imagine its gonna cost alot since Aventura Mall is pretty far from the airport area. Dolphin Mall is about 15 minutes west of the airport so its not too bad. I know everyone seems to think Miami drivers are horrible- but honestly, its pretty easy to get around in Miami (except the traffic-which you'll encounter with a taxi too so it really wouldnt matter). I just think you're gonna save alot of money by renting a car/plus you'll have more liberty to shop more at the mall since you'll be able to store bags in the car and go back for more shopping...and parking is not an issue in Miami as compared to most major cities in the US...

Guys,

Thanks a lot for all the replies.I too agree that a car would be much better however I still need to convince my colleague that it is the best option. I have quoted with Alamo, Avis, Dollar, Hertz, Enterprise and the best rate I could find with taxes and fees included was Avis - $120 for 2 days for a compact car. Elly_185 mentioned that we could get a one day rental for $30 - can you please tell me where I can find this rate?

Many thanks

Helena

You have to rent a car. Public transpotation is horrible. Taxi are expensive so cost wise better to rent a car.
I understand your hesitation to Sawgrass but for discounted outlets it's better than Dolphin in my opinion.
Cross Bianco off your list. I am weary of that area.
Not sure if the Howard Johnson's is there any more.
Extended Stay & Hampton are ok.
May i suggst you don't leave Miami with having some Cuban food. Versailles restaurent on SW 8 St. between 34 & 37 ave. is a local hang out for typical cuban food. It is not a high class restaurant but casual and has great cuban food and moderate price. You can get cuban food at other restaurant but this is the typical cuban food place. And no i am being paid for ad just trying to pass on some info.
Enjoy Miami as we have great weather here. If you are from a very cold climate it may be warm enough for you to go to the beach or pool.

Thanks Tere1, I will write down your tips. BTW I am from Brazil

Luckly our colleagues here will be able to give me good car rental tips )))

I stayed at The Thunderbird in Sunny Isles. Close to Aventura. Took the bus there. They have a shuttle as well. It's like $100/night. A bit noisy because of the bar on the beach, but it was a good deal. Close to Bal Harbor too.

Try searching car rentals at Kayak.com...it searches all the major car rental companies and organizes them from lowest price to highest. Although, $120 for the weekend is pretty good

try www.autoeurope.com.. they have good rates worldwide

I ve tried kayak.com and got a good rate at Advantage rent a car. Thanks for the tip!

Glad to help