Another Miami Thread - Hotels, Shopping Ugh All of it!

[toberman]

A newbie to MIA. Have never wanted to go, but find I must - if I want to take this cruise!!

Know nothing of the area or city. Looking to find out what the different areas are for staying in?? Would need a nice, but not overpriced room for one night (arriving mid afternoon). Need some close shopping for last minute stuff too heavy to carry on the plane. Wine and alcohol... maybe.

Places to eat?? Once I know area names I can Google just about anything.. just don't know what to look for.

We know FLL but nothing about MIA. Have heard the downtown is not tourist friendly.. don't know what that means.

[JohninDC]

Flying into MIA or FLL? :confused: Flying into FLL then just stay there and shuttle to POM the next day - SAS (www.ridesas.com), QLS transportation (www.qualitylimoservice.com ), Go Airport Shuttle (http://goairportshuttle.com/) and others can shuttle you to POM for about $15 per person and they offer discounts for groups, families and children - they can also shuttle you back to FLL after your cruise. The ride takes about 40 minutes or so.

 

 

Flying into MIA - then you have lots of options. Your choices are to stay near the airport, to stay in downtown Miami (closest to POM), to stay in other Miami areas (Coconut Grove is fun), or to stay in Miami Beach. Advantages and costs with each.

 

 

Miami Beach is the "Miami" you see in the movies and on TV shows -- it is a separate city from Miami, and the hotels there tend to be smaller and more expensive -- they also offer great dining, nightlife and a world class beach. A taxi to South Beach from MIA will run $32+ and another $15 cab will get you to POM.

 

 

Downtown Miami hotels are closest to POM, but none offer free shuttle from MIA or to POM. A taxi from MIA will cost about $26+tip and another $10-12 cab ride will get you to POM the next day. Check out the Hyatt, Doubletree, Marriott, & Intercontinental.

 

Just want a room, dinner and a few last minute items after a long travel day? Then check out hotels in the Blue Lagoon area near MIA (Hampton Inn, Sofitel, Homewood Suites and others) - free airport shuttles and shopping and dining options within walking distance. Most can arrange for shuttle service to POM for $10 per person, or you can cab it for under $30 per cab. The ride to POM will take about 15 or so minutes.

 

Have a good cruise! :)

[toberman]

Thanks John