Welcome to Miami: Best Hotels for your pre cruise stay
- Kate Arena
- Mar 3
- 4 min read
Trying to figure out where to stay before or after your cruise? Let’s make it easy! Whether you want to be in the heart of the action in Downtown Miami or Brickell or keep it simple with a hotel near the airport, I can help you find the perfect spot. Waking up to bay views and the excitement of the port is the best way to kick off (or wrap up) your vacation!
Downtown & Brickell Hotels with Transfer options to and from Port Miami
For those seeking accommodations close to the port, the Downtown Miami and Brickell areas are ideal. These neighborhoods provide easy access to dining, shopping, and entertainment options, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable stay.
A favorite among seasoned cruisers, this hotel is situated in the heart of the action and offers convenient access to the port. Guests can enjoy a variety of nearby restaurants, the free Metromover, and the Bayside Marketplace. The hotel provides shuttle service to the port for a nominal fee, making it a practical choice for travelers.
Located in a quieter section of Brickell, this hotel offers a peaceful retreat while still being close to city attractions. Situated conveniently on the route of the Brickell Trolley, Hilton Garden provides complimentary transportation to downtown and numerous city sights, including the Miami Seaquarium. They charge a fee per person for shuttle service to the port, ensuring a hassle-free transfer on embarkation day.
This four-star hotel is an excellent option, especially for families traveling with children. Close to the Miami Seaquarium, it offers spacious accommodations in a pleasant section of Brickell. Shuttle service to the port is available for a reasonable fee, with the journey typically taking about 10-15 minutes.
This hotel offers both “Park, Stay, Cruise” and “Stay & Cruise” packages, which include free and discounted parking and a welcome drink. With these packages, transfer to the port is complimentary for two guests, with additional passengers accommodated for a nominal fee. Even without a package, shuttle service is available for a reasonable fee per person, making it a flexible option for travelers.
Another favorite among cruisers, this hotel offers wonderful views of the bay and is within easy walking distance to the Bayside Marketplace. While the hotel doesn’t provide its own shuttle service, they are happy to help arrange transportation through a third party, with costs typically around $6 per person for groups of four or more. Taxis are also an affordable option, usually costing under $15. Despite the lack of in-house transportation, the hotel’s prime location and amenities make it a worthy consideration.
Though this hotel does not offer a shuttle service, its excellent reviews and sweet location make it worth mentioning. Guests have praised the rooftop pool and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the cruise port and city views. Directly across the road from Publix and Checkers, it offers convenience and comfort. The best way to arrive from Miami International Airport is by taxi, costing approximately $20-$25 depending on traffic.
Hotels Near Miami Airport with Transportation
For travelers who prefer to stay near the airport, several hotels offer convenient transportation options to the port.
Super close to the airport with a free shuttle between the airport and the hotel, this is an easy option. They don’t have their own transportation to the port but do work with a third party that charges around $15 per person to and from the port.
One of the most popular airport hotels, Blue Lagoon offers the best of both worlds—convenience to the airport and cruise port. The hotel offers multiple departure times to the port throughout the morning through a third party, with the cost being very reasonable at $10 per person. It’s strongly recommended to get on the shuttle list when you check in.
Hotel with Free Shuttle to Port Miami
For those seeking accommodations that offer complimentary shuttle services to the port, the following hotel is a notable option but not one of my preferred.
• Free breakfast buffet
• Laundry room
• Free internet and computer station
• Free parking with long-term parking available for a fee
• Swimming pool
• Free one-way cruise port shuttle
• Return shuttle from port available at $10 per adult and $5 per child
• Free airport shuttle
If you're not working with a travel advisor (which, by the way, you totally should 😉), I recommend calling hotels directly to double-check shuttle availability, schedules, and costs—because these things can change. Booking a package that includes shuttle service can also save you time and hassle!
Picking the right hotel can really set the tone for your cruise—whether you want to soak up the energy of downtown Miami or keep it simple with an airport hotel, there’s something for everyone.
Want expert guidance and a stress-free experience? Let me take care of the details! Book or transfer your cruise to me, and I’ll handle everything so you can just enjoy the fun.
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