Okay I booked our plane tickets today for our March 3rd (last minute) cruise out of Miami. I DO NOT know my way around but would like to shop, go to the beach etc. before we leave. Our flight gets in at 9:40 Friday morning. We will need transfers but I would like to walk and see the ships come in if possible. On a budge though because we decided to swing for the full vow renewal package on the ship for our anniversary.
So I assume your ship leaves on Saturday? If so, why would you purchase transfers? Take a taxi from the airport to your hotel. It will be cheaper for two in a cab than individual transfers and you won't be able to get them from the airport since you are coming in a day early.
I would recommend the Holiday Inn at the Port of Miami. Its "across the street" from Bayside and the Port. There is shopping, resturants and you can walk along the water front. They are used to cruisers there so getting to the port the next day is no problem. Have a good cruise!
CCL Fantasy 1990 CCL Celebration 1995 CCL Victory 2005 CCL Conquest 2005 CCL Spirit June 2006 NCL Dream October 2006 RCCL Mariner OTS June 2007 CCL Freedom June 2008
Is that the Intercontinenal?? (or something different?) For that hotel I could not find a room under $300. When I am looking for rooms online is the Port in South Beach part of Miami?? I know its probably a DUMB question but we have only cruised out of Port Canaveral before Thanks
Hi. Well I am bored, hanging out in my PJs, thought I'd help you look for hotels. Yikes Things look expensive or already sold out. IMHO, the port is much closer to the downtown area of Miami, than South Beach, as the taxi flies. The holiday inn at port of miami is sold out. I looked on travelocity and hotels.com, alot of hotels are "no availability", or $300+. The Hyatt (where we stay sometimes) at downtown is sold out. Since the clock is ticking, you might not get to be to picky on the area where you stay. There were some available at Miami airport. Another option is Hotwire. I checked them, they have a 4 star hotel available in Coral Gables for $179 a night. For the money you save, you could spend in taxis and shopping. They also had great deals for hotels at the airport. I would book a 4star and above only, you are guaranteed a Hilton/Hyatt/Marriott, or something like that. If it has a "B", that is a boutique hotel, rated 4 star. The money is nonrefundable. I have never been unhappy, I have done it for several cities. It lets you pick the area you want to stay in. Anyways, just thought I would throw this idea out there. You can try Priceline too, where you bid. That's how I got the Marriott in New Orleans French Quarter for $50 a night. Good luck. Lil' Lori
Thanks Lil Lori, It was really sweet of you to check things out too. I tried priceline but even up to $150 could not get anything. I think tomorrow I will just try to get a hotel through Royal Carribean and see what price they have if that is $300 too then we'll just have to go further out I guess! I guess that's one downside to booking last minute Huh?? Thanks Again Cyndi
No, the Hotel I was referring to is actually called The Holiday Inn, Port of Miami. It is downtown. Southbeach is on the other side of downtown and yes, they will be much more costly there. Although as close as you are to your sailing date, the hotel may be booked. We booked ours way in advance. Try the holiday inn website, I have gotten rooms on there that were not available when I called the hotel itself! They hold back rooms for online bookings.
CCL Fantasy 1990 CCL Celebration 1995 CCL Victory 2005 CCL Conquest 2005 CCL Spirit June 2006 NCL Dream October 2006 RCCL Mariner OTS June 2007 CCL Freedom June 2008
Hi GUys Thanks for helping I'm STILL In the hunt for a room. I try priceline everyday but nothing yet. Most everything I am finding is in the $300 range. Have any of you stayed in the airport area. There are some 4 & 5star stuff in the $200 range. How far is that from the port. We are getting in at 9:30 on Friday so I'd like time to go to the beach or hang out by the pool.
For all you guys looking for MIAMI hotels near the port DOn't Wait until the last minute. I've done research, read reviews and finally decided on River Park Hotel and SUites. It is 2 miles from the Port and you can take the Metromover from the Airport or Taxi ($23) It is walking distance from the shops downtown and has a river view. I'll let you know in a month how it was. THere were mixed reviews but my options were limited at this late date
Besides......I'm looking forward to being on Deck 10 of our ship the NEXT day overlooking the ocean and then.........I'll meet my husband in the chapel to renew our vows!
Glad it worked out for you. Well, if the hotel isn't up to your liking, I am sure your balcony will be. Congratulations on renewing your wedding vows. Lil' Lori
Things look expensive or already sold out. IMHO, the port is much closer to the downtown area of Miami, than South Beach, as the taxi flies. The holiday inn at port of miami is sold out. I looked on travelocity and hotels.com, alot of hotels are "no availability", or $300+. The Hyatt (where we stay sometimes) at downtown is sold out. Since the clock is ticking, you might not get to be to picky on the area where you stay. There were some available at Miami airport. Another option is Hotwire. I checked them, they have a 4 star hotel available in Coral Gables for $179 a night. For the money you save, you could spend in taxis and shopping. They also had great deals for hotels at the airport. I would book a 4star and above only, you are guaranteed a Hilton/Hyatt/Marriott, or something like that. If it has a "B", that is a boutique hotel, rated 4 star. The money is nonrefundable. I have never been unhappy, I have done it for several cities. It lets you pick the area you want to stay in. Anyways, just thought I would throw this idea out there. You can try Priceline too, where you bid. That's how I got the Marriott in New Orleans French Quarter for $50 a night. 
Good luck. Lil' Lori
