I got roped into going on a cruise the 2nd week in January. I hate cruising. But I'll be with DH, brother and his family and most importantly my niece who is on leave from the middle east (nuf said).

I need a hotel recommendation. Here are the requirements. I'd like it to be in the $150 range. Possibly located close enough to the port where carnival cruises depart so I don't have to spend a fortune in cabs and I will need an airport shuttle. Date would be Jan 4th which I realize is high season and I'm making totally unreasonable demands.

If anybody can make any recommendations I'd appreciate it.

The closest hotels to the cruise terminals will all be in Miami Beach and at that rate, at that time of year, I must admit, it'll be a tough challenge to find something decent. The Miami area is is FULL season at that time so hotel rates go up almost double from what they are in the summer.

Sadly, there are no hotels near the cruise docks and you DON'T want to stay in downtown Miami unless you can get in to the Marriott on Brickell (not cheap). Many of the airport hotels do offer shuttle service for a fee to the cruise terminals so check out some of those. I stayed at the Embassy Suites at the airport recently and I know they had that option. The hotel was just renovated and is a nice place but you'll be in the $200 range

Doug

Thanks so much. I had looked at the Embassy but wondered if there was anything else. Once again the old saying about sticking with your gut instinct proves right. Thanks so much.

The nice thing about the Embassy is that they do a great cook to order breakfast in the morning and they do have a cocktail hour every night with chips & popcorn but lots of wine and other assorted cocktails... all as part of the room.

The rooms were JUST finished in September and the restaurant in the hotel is 'okay'. You can also walk around the corner for dinner if you like Bennigans. The food is good and the service is spotty.

For many years in my travels, I used to base for a week at a time at the Red Roof but this past year, we had to do a trade show and opted for the Embassy. If it works for you... go for it.

Downtown if towards the banking area south of bayside and the port of miami you will be ok
try conrad hotels at brickel ave
Doubletree at bayshore drive
holiday Inn bayside across from the bay and port of miami with a French restaurant
miami biscayne hotel,biscayne blvd
are all fairly good hotels and good locations; just get an update on the rates.

I have not done this but several people I know have found great prices for Miami hotels on priceline.com. I would, however, strongly urge you to go to the site biddingfortravel.com and read information on Miami hotels and what latest bids for hotels have been and the ranking of hotels.

I have stayed at the Hotel Intercontinental Miami, 100 Chopin Plaza and the Marriott hotel located near the Intercontinental before cruises. Both are located near the water looking across to Dodge Island where the ship terminal is located. Both are within easy walking distance of the Bayside Market Place which has some good restaurants and shops to explore.

Also worth checking out is the Holiday Inn Marina Park which is right across the street from the Bayside Market Place. Hope this helps a little.


Neil