Expert: Linda - 8/27/2008

Question
We are going on a Carnival Cruise in Nov 2008.  We will stay in a hotel the night before we leave from Miami Port.  What hotels are near by and in good area's in Miami.  Three adults and two children-two rooms in same place is what we are looking for.  We will park our cars at the Port and want to know if it is in walking distance to the ship.

Answer
Hi Linda,

There are lots of good areas in Miami, it depends on what you want to do and where your interests lie, so I'll give you some  broad ideas.

South Beach is great for people watching, great boutique (though very expensive) hotels, great nightlife, beach and clubs.

Downtown Miami, isn't really downtown since just across the Bay is the port.  LOTS of hotels, all the big chains are represented from Doubletree, Hilton, Marriott etc.  From these hotels and short distances away are lots of great places to eat, lots of marinas and water, AND you can see your ship coming in around 4 in the morning if you ask for a port view room.  Coconut Grove is also close and family friendly, museaums, boutiques, quaint area, super restaurants and night life and "watering holes".  Caveat...NOT a place to wander at night off of the main drag...of course, it's no different than any other city, know where you're going.  

When you park at the port, you want to drop off your bags and kids, for most, doesn't make sense to schlep the stuff from parking garage to embarkation.  Trust me, they keep it moving!  Just make sure your luggage is all tagged; tip the porter and let hubby go park the car, then just stand around and look bored till he gets back from parking the car :)

When we go to Miami, we use PRICELINE.COM.  You can get the best rates from them, BUT YOU CANNOT CHANGE RESERVATION OR CANCEL FOR ANY REASON.  If you use them, type in priceline.com, choose Florida, then Miami, then downtown Miami.  Enter ONLY 4 * for your first choice and what you want to pay.  You'll then be asked for your CC number.  If your price is accepted, your cc is charged and your room is booked and THEN you find out where you're staying.  With a 4 * you can't go wrong.  We've used priceline about 30 times and never had a complaint.

For others favorites, go to CRUISECRITIC.COM.  Join the community, it's free, then go to message boards, click on Carnival, then you can post a question, or read the previous posts.  These are all cruiseaholics for the most part and all are more than willing to share info.  It's a great site...and free.  You can also google hotels in Miami beach and see the prices for South Beach, ditto for Miami Beach.  We've stayed at the doubletree, Hilton, Marriott a few times and I honestly forget the others.  One thing DO ask about no matter where you stay.  HOW MUCH FOR PARKING .

If you have any more questions,just ask away, great time of the year, less crowds, you'll have a great time.