Cruisedreamer1 Posted February 3, 2022 #1 Share Posted February 3, 2022 We need to make a hotel reservation for a medium price hotel for March 7th. We will need a hotel shuttle included. Could my fellow Cruisecritic mates offer some suggestions? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MEFIowa Posted February 3, 2022 #2 Share Posted February 3, 2022 57 minutes ago, Cruisedreamer1 said: We need to make a hotel reservation for a medium price hotel for March 7th. We will need a hotel shuttle included. Though what is "medium price" and how close to the Port of Miami/Terminal J do you want to be? When wife & I went on Riviera on 12/13/21 we stayed in...Boynton Beach the night before (HI Express). For us that was "medium priced". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JerryAM Posted February 3, 2022 #3 Share Posted February 3, 2022 We stayed at the Hampton Inn Brickell for one night pre-cruise this past September. There is a shuttle service for $8 per person -- it was about a 10 minute ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted February 3, 2022 #4 Share Posted February 3, 2022 We use the Hampton Inn Brickell nice breakfast included A shuttle is extra you can reserve the night before or just take UBER or a taxi for under $20 We take the people mover (free) over to Bayside for dinner/shopping etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Host Jazzbeau Posted February 3, 2022 #5 Share Posted February 3, 2022 We stopped staying at Hampton Inns when we discovered the Hilton Garden Inn. Only a little more, and the included breakfast is so much better –live chef to make omelets, rather than steam table "are those eggs?" Several good choices for Miami cruises: Airport West, Brickell, and South Beach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJB Posted February 3, 2022 #6 Share Posted February 3, 2022 59 minutes ago, MEFIowa said: Though what is "medium price" and how close to the Port of Miami/Terminal J do you want to be? When wife & I went on Riviera on 12/13/21 we stayed in...Boynton Beach the night before (HI Express). For us that was "medium priced". Boynton a pretty good ride to Miami. I would stay a lot closer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ORV Posted February 3, 2022 #7 Share Posted February 3, 2022 (edited) Have you looked at the Miami Ports of Call section here? You could probably find some good information there. You didn't mention exactly what you are looking for in a shuttle, but for a Miami cruise, due to the distance from airport to cruise port you probably won't find a property that has a free one for both. It's going to probably one or the other, with an airport shuttle being more common. For most cruises leaving from Miami, we only come in the day before, and really aren't that interested in doing much in Miami. We usually stay at a property that has an airport shuttle, then uber to the port the next day. Edited February 3, 2022 by ORV 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenbunny Posted February 3, 2022 #8 Share Posted February 3, 2022 1 hour ago, ORV said: 1 hour ago, ORV said: For most cruises leaving from Miami, we only come in the day before, and really aren't that interested in doing much in Miami. We usually stay at a property that has an airport shuttle, then uber to the port the next day. Edited 1 hour ago by ORV We are staying at Wyndham Garden Miami Springs. 4909 36th. 3 miles from Airport. Free airport shutttle. 9 miles to port. We are taking Uber. No free bfast but McDonald’s across street which works for us. And Old Tom’s Sport Bar 1 block. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted February 3, 2022 #9 Share Posted February 3, 2022 5 hours ago, Cruisedreamer1 said: We need to make a hotel reservation for a medium price hotel for March 7th. We will need a hotel shuttle included. Could my fellow Cruisecritic mates offer some suggestions? Thanks! Stay where many other O cruisers stay: Intercontinental Miami- 5 minutes from the port and taxi is less than $10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CintiPam Posted February 3, 2022 #10 Share Posted February 3, 2022 12 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said: Stay where many other O cruisers stay: Intercontinental Miami- 5 minutes from the port and taxi is less than $10 When did the Intercontinental Miami become a medium price hotel? 😉 2 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted February 3, 2022 #11 Share Posted February 3, 2022 I did not care for the IC too many people trying to get an elevator in the morning pricey for breakfast if you eat in the hotel & let's not forget the "resort fee" maybe better on the upper floors but more $$ YMMV 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted February 3, 2022 #12 Share Posted February 3, 2022 Just now, CintiPam said: When did the Intercontinental Miami become a medium price hotel? 😉 We just stayed there for 2 nights in early January. Queen room with harbor view was under $200 + tax for Senior rate and we got free access to The Ambassador Lounge. It all depends on when you stay. Here in SF the Intercontinental can range from under $200 to more than $400 depending g on holidays, conventions, etc. Same goes for Miami and every worldwide major city Intercontinental. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted February 3, 2022 #13 Share Posted February 3, 2022 (edited) 8 minutes ago, LHT28 said: I did not care for the IC too many people trying to get an elevator in the morning pricey for breakfast if you eat in the hotel & let's not forget the "resort fee" maybe better on the upper floors but more $$ YMMV We had no “resort fee” last month. And we got the Ambassador lounge (included continental breakfast, hors d’ouevres and booze in the late afternoon) just for asking nicely for a free upgrade. FWIW, It’s amazing what you can get from hotel clerks with the right attitude and kind words. I will admit that the many unmasked guests did not make me happy. So we just rode the service elevators with the masked employees and they were happy that we always wore our masks. Edited February 3, 2022 by Flatbush Flyer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted February 3, 2022 #14 Share Posted February 3, 2022 12 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said: We had no “resort fee” last month. And we got the Ambassador lounge (included continental breakfast, hors d’ouevres and booze in the late afternoon) just for asking nicely for a free upgrade. FWIW, It’s amazing what you can get from hotel clerks with the right attitude and kind words. I have never well rarely been rude to hotel staff so why am I not getting the free upgrades 😉 Maybe because of the current covid situation they are willing to do more to get your business & then if you have the right connections /handshake you can get more perks JMO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flatbush Flyer Posted February 4, 2022 #15 Share Posted February 4, 2022 1 minute ago, LHT28 said: I have never well rarely been rude to hotel staff so why am I not getting the free upgrades 😉 Maybe because of the current covid situation they are willing to do more to get your business & then if you have the right connections /handshake you can get more perks JMO You’re in the ball park... (even without connections). Just need to hone your art? Since our restarting travel began, I’ve made it a point to tell every hospitality worker we encounter how glad we are that they are back to work and how much we hope that they can stay safe when encountering folks who tend to be non-compliant with Covid restrictions. If we’ve stayed at a property previously (and/or are a member of their FF program), we add that it’s so nice to be back after such a long hiatus. And, if we’ve got any funny anecdote regarding their hotel (or even their hotel chain), I’ll always try to work it in to the check-in time. Admittedly, this raconteur approach drives my spouse a bit nuts. But, I always remind her that the first phrase a small child learned growing up in Brooklyn was “never pay retail.” So, over the years of practicing this mantra, getting what you need becomes less daunting and good travel things often comes to fruition. From airline reservations folks to hotel clerks to car service drivers to restaurant wait staff to whoever... it doesn’t take a lot to clearly show appreciation for their efforts and folks who do that (genuinely) will often get the best treatment (often including perks not requested). Bottom line: praise is thin in hospitality - now more than ever. So, a little goes a long way. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJB Posted February 4, 2022 #16 Share Posted February 4, 2022 12 hours ago, Flatbush Flyer said: You’re in the ball park... (even without connections). Just need to hone your art? Since our restarting travel began, I’ve made it a point to tell every hospitality worker we encounter how glad we are that they are back to work and how much we hope that they can stay safe when encountering folks who tend to be non-compliant with Covid restrictions. If we’ve stayed at a property previously (and/or are a member of their FF program), we add that it’s so nice to be back after such a long hiatus. And, if we’ve got any funny anecdote regarding their hotel (or even their hotel chain), I’ll always try to work it in to the check-in time. Admittedly, this raconteur approach drives my spouse a bit nuts. But, I always remind her that the first phrase a small child learned growing up in Brooklyn was “never pay retail.” So, over the years of practicing this mantra, getting what you need becomes less daunting and good travel things often comes to fruition. From airline reservations folks to hotel clerks to car service drivers to restaurant wait staff to whoever... it doesn’t take a lot to clearly show appreciation for their efforts and folks who do that (genuinely) will often get the best treatment (often including perks not requested). Bottom line: praise is thin in hospitality - now more than ever. So, a little goes a long way. + 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted February 4, 2022 #17 Share Posted February 4, 2022 8 hours ago, RJB said: + 1 The Fairfield and Courtyard hotels at MIA both offer free airport pickup and b fast in the morning. Then it is a quick 20 min cab $35 to the ship !!! I have stayed down towh and airport.. My take is downtown is a mess and, well less than safe outside the hotel... If you stay at the airport you save a $35 cab to the hotel and then another $$$ to the ship.. not to mention time.. Your coming for the ship... not the town which is awash with construction and "interesting urban campers"........ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted February 4, 2022 #18 Share Posted February 4, 2022 8 hours ago, RJB said: + 1 however nice..... a membership in that brand and status in that membership go's even further 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ORV Posted February 4, 2022 #19 Share Posted February 4, 2022 2 hours ago, Hawaiidan said: The Fairfield and Courtyard hotels at MIA both offer free airport pickup and b fast in the morning. Then it is a quick 20 min cab $35 to the ship !!! I have stayed down towh and airport.. My take is downtown is a mess and, well less than safe outside the hotel... If you stay at the airport you save a $35 cab to the hotel and then another $$$ to the ship.. not to mention time.. Your coming for the ship... not the town which is awash with construction and "interesting urban campers"........ Pretty much agree Dan, my usual MO in Miami. Only thing I'd add is that Courtyard does not have a free breakfast, but Bonvoy members do get a food credit. I'd have to look it up but I think it's around $10 for up to 2. Unfortunately I've read on the Marriott member FB page that the properties with a free breakfast are downgrading the choices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted February 5, 2022 #20 Share Posted February 5, 2022 (edited) 3 hours ago, ORV said: Pretty much agree Dan, my usual MO in Miami. Only thing I'd add is that Courtyard does not have a free breakfast, but Bonvoy members do get a food credit. I'd have to look it up but I think it's around $10 for up to 2. Unfortunately I've read on the Marriott member FB page that the properties with a free breakfast are downgrading the choices. I do recall that Courtyard had a restaurant with more than a bistro menu.... pretty darngood buffet !!!! and a great bar Great cuban san and rates about 160 wit sr discount ( over 60 It was far better choice than Fairfield which was...crowded + you can walk over to the full service Marriott 150 feet and which shares the same pool !!!) I am life/plat and never get shorted meal vouchers Edited February 5, 2022 by Hawaiidan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExArkie Posted February 5, 2022 #21 Share Posted February 5, 2022 18 hours ago, ORV said: Pretty much agree Dan, my usual MO in Miami. Only thing I'd add is that Courtyard does not have a free breakfast, but Bonvoy members do get a food credit. I'd have to look it up but I think it's around $10 for up to 2. Unfortunately I've read on the Marriott member FB page that the properties with a free breakfast are downgrading the choices. There is variation among Courtyards, but the baseline is supposed to be that Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador levels get US$10 food and/or beverage credit. That is also supposed to be per person, with a maximum of two persons. If you are Gold, Silver, or a general member of the Bonvoy program (do NOT get me started on that name!), there is no credit. As noted, though, there is variation among hotels. I have seen one Courtyard comp breakfast for Gold and higher members, but that was a while ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hawaiidan Posted February 5, 2022 #22 Share Posted February 5, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, ExArkie said: There is variation among Courtyards, but the baseline is supposed to be that Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador levels get US$10 food and/or beverage credit. That is also supposed to be per person, with a maximum of two persons. If you are Gold, Silver, or a general member of the Bonvoy program (do NOT get me started on that name!), there is no credit. As noted, though, there is variation among hotels. I have seen one Courtyard comp breakfast for Gold and higher members, but that was a while ago. The MIA courtyard is an exceptional one. Maybe because it is attached to the Full Service Marriott. Its one of of a few Page Az being another, that has still has a full bar and restaurant . Since each property is a franchise , their management can up grade service and benefit in many instances This is one. I am in a rut however, having traveled world wide for 40 yr I settled on the Marriott as the gold standard for me. Now that they bought Westin and Sheraton and Ritz that family has even more to offer... I, now, with rare exceptions stay at any other brand hotel. Building a loyalty has been very rewarding... It can be for anyone who focuses on building one. Just like O. Payback can be very pleasing. Gotta start somewhere some time. Edited February 5, 2022 by Hawaiidan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ORV Posted February 5, 2022 #23 Share Posted February 5, 2022 5 minutes ago, Hawaiidan said: The MIA courtyard is an exceptional one. Maybe because it is attached to the Full Service Marriott. Its one of of a few Page Az being another, that has still has a full bar and restaurant . Since each property is a franchise , their management can up grade service and benefit in many instances This is one. I am in a rut however, having traveled world wide for 40 yr I settled on the Marriott as the gold standard for me. Now that they bought Westin and Sheraton and Ritz that family has even more to offer... I, now, with rare exceptions stay at any other brand hotel. Building a loyalty has been very rewarding... It can be for anyone who focuses on building one. Just like O. Payback can be very pleasing. Gotta start somewhere some time. I've stayed at one of the properties in the complex you're talking about. I don't suppose Plats can go to the Marriott lounge if staying at one of the others? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Harters Posted February 5, 2022 #24 Share Posted February 5, 2022 On a related issue - does O have a preferred hotel at Miami that it uses for travellers, who have flown transatlantic on their arranged flights, for the night before embarcation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare LHT28 Posted February 5, 2022 #25 Share Posted February 5, 2022 7 minutes ago, Harters said: On a related issue - does O have a preferred hotel at Miami that it uses for travellers, who have flown transatlantic on their arranged flights, for the night before embarcation? If you are using their hotel package they use Four Seasons Miami @ $499 pp You are probably better off to book your own hotel/transfers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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