Miami advice?

[42trvl]

We will be sailing out of Miami next summer and having never been there, thought it would be nice to spend a few days in the area pre-cruise. For those of you that know the city, any ideas of which area we should stay in? We will have two kids (11 & 13) with us, so I don't think our focus will be South Beach for this trip. We prefer a more upscale hotel, and not sure about how important the beach is.

 

I've heard of Coral Gables, Key Biscayne and downtown Miami. Where are these in relation to the port (we are sailing on RCI Navigator)? Is Bayside Marketplace another area?

 

Thanks!:)

[TrentS]

Bayside Marketplace is an outdoor mall in downtown Miami, just outside the entrance to the Port of Miami. Key Biscayne is an upscale island about 20 minutes south of the port. Coral Gables is a very nice suburb 20 minutes west of the port.

 

I'll list the more upscale hotels in each area.

 

Downtown Miami... closest to the Port of Miami and Bayside Marketplace... http://www.baysidemarketplace.com/

 

JW Marriott... http://marriott.com/property/propertypage/miajw

 

Intercontinental... http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/ic/1/en/hd/miaha?irs=null

 

Conrad International... http://conradhotels.hilton.com/en/ch/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=MIACICI

 

Four Seasons... http://www.fourseasons.com/miami/index.html

 

Mandarin Oriental... http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hotel/526000001.asp

 

Coral Gables...

 

Hyatt Regency... http://coralgables.hyatt.com/property/index.jhtml

 

Biltmore Hotel... http://www.biltmorehotel.com/

 

Omni Colonnade... http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/default.asp?h_id=8

 

Key Biscayne (best only if you have a car)...

 

Ritz-Carlton... http://www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/key_biscayne/

 

Sonesta... http://www.sonesta.com/keybiscayne/

 

Coconut Grove is another area you may wish to consider, it's about 15 minutes from the port...

 

Mayfair Hotel & Spa... http://www.mayfairhousehotel.com/

 

Ritz-Carlton... http://www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/coconut_grove/default.html

 

South Beach is much more than just a "party". It's also a very nice area to stay in with many many shops and restaurants...

 

Loews... http://www.loewshotels.com/hotels/miamibeach/default.asp

 

Hotel Victor... http://hotelvictorsouthbeach.com/

 

Ritz-Carlton South Beach... http://www.ritzcarlton.com/resorts/south_beach/default.html

[42trvl]

A good list to work with.

[caprcorn28]

Thanks for all your good tips before! Got another question - My hubby found a place in Key Biscayne that looks like a good possibility to stay at for the two days prior to leaving out of Miami on our cruise. What are your thoughts on Silver Sands Beach Resort in Key Biscayne??

 

Glad to see that you/family came thru the storm fine!! Hopefully this will be it for the season.....Hopefully things can get fixed up soon!

[TrentS]

Thanks, we're fine and things are getting better every day.

 

Sorry, I haven't been in Silver Sands. It's an old "mom & pop" motel, not my style. I really don't know anything about it, but those old places are only as good as their owners.

 

It seems to get pretty decent reviews on Trip Advisor though... http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g34342-d251990-Reviews-Silver_Sands_Beach_Resort-Key_Biscayne_Florida.html

[caprcorn28]

Thanks for the link to tripadvisor! It seems like a nice "vintage" place! It's so vintage you can't even book it online :rolleyes: But it may be an ok place to hang out at with the kids til the ship leaves!!

 

It's nice to have a local to check in with!

 

Good luck down there! I'll keep reading all the tips! Take care.

[caprcorn28]

It looks like we are down to just a couple of "economical" options for our pre-cruise stay in Miami. (two years ago we were spoiled and able to stay right on Ocean Drive in the heart of "South Beach"...this will be such a step down :rolleyes: hahaha)

 

Looks like the La Quinta still has availability...both at the Airport North and the Airport West. Is there one that is preferable to the other?! Looks like they are pretty similar in amenities. Neighborhood? Distance to port?

 

Thanks in advance!!

[TrentS]

I've never been in either one, and they're really not that far apart, but "airport west" is in a little better neighborhood.

[caprcorn28]

Thanks - you're the best! I think that I better book it - time seems to be running out for anything slightly rea$onable! Miami sure books up quickly - or maybe it is never not booked up?!?

Thanks again! Hope things are getting back to normal for you there!!

[TrentS]

Well if you're looking for something in March, that's the problem - March is Spring break, the weather is at it's best down here, and the prices are at their highest.

 

Thanks, yes, things are much more normal this week. :)