Finding a hotel for a pre or post cruise stay can feel like a daunting task! And you always have the decision- stay at close to the airport and transfer in the morning of the sailing? Or stay closer to port and enjoy a shorter travel time in the morning? Decisions, decisions. I’m a fan of staying in the Downtown/Brickell area close to port. I just love waking up to Miami. Give me a view of the water and ships coming in and I’m ready for vacation!

DOWNTOWN & BRICKELL HOTELS WITH TRANSFERS TO PORT MIAMI

If you’re wanting to stay as close as you can to port the we suggest looking in the Downtown Miami/Brickell area. Downtown Miami will offer some of the closest hotels to port with access to amenities like dining and drug stores for last minutes pick ups. Brickell is part of the mainland where Brickell Key is a triangular shaped manmade island to the east of Downtown/Brickell. Both offer great access to port but carry very different price tags. Brickel is more urban while Brickell Key is going to have more of a neighborhood feel with walkable sidewalks and quiet evenings.

Downtown/Brickell with have every amenity you need in walking distance- we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Miami last year and took an easy walk to CVS to stock up on some items before heading to port. Finding food to pick or be delivered was a breeze. Cost for a taxi to port was around $25-30 and definitely less than the cost of an uber ($60) that often charges surge pricing during busy port days.

Brickell Key, on the other hand, will have more upscale independent retailers with smaller boutique restaurants.

Welcoming you to Brickell Key is the iconic waterfront Mandarin Oriental, Miami. Sitting tall overlooking the bay, the Mandrin Orietal offers sweeping panoramic views of the water and skyline. Stay tuned for a Moms at Sea review of Mandarin Oriental coming up!

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Downtown/Brickell

Favorited among seasoned cruisers is the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Downtown/Brickell is situated right in the middle of the action AND convenient to port. Access to an abundance of restaurants, a free metro mover, and easily walkable to Bayside Marketplace. You can schedule a port transfer at check in for $8.00 for per passenger and no charge for children under 6.

Hilton Garden Inn Miami Brickell South

If you’re looking for a quieter area, the Hilton Garden Inn may be just what you’re looking for! Situated conveniently on the route of Brickell Trolley, Hilton Garden provides complimentary transportation to downtown and numerous city sights including the Miami Seaquarium. They charge $10.00 per person for shuttle service to port.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Miami Downtown/Brickell

Another option close to the Miami Seaquarium if you are traveling with little ones, this is an excellent four star hotel in a very nice section of Brickell. Shuttle to port is usually around $10.00 (you can call to confirm for your date) and takes about 10-15 minutes.

Hampton Inn Miami, Coconut Grove/Coral Gables

This hotel offers a Park, Stay, Cruise package and a Stay & Cruise package! The package offers free and discounted parking and a welcome drink! With the package their transfer is free for two guests but additional guests can be added on for $10 per passenger. You can still access the shuttle even if you don’t book one of their package rates for $10 per person.

Holiday Inn Hotel Port of Miami- Downtown

Another favorite among cruisers, this hotel wonderful views of the bay! While it does offer it’s own bar and grill onsite, Bayside Marketplace is in easy walking distance! The hotel doesn’t offer it’s own shuttle service, but they’re happy to help arrange it though a third party. Costs are typically around $6 per person for a group of four or more. If you want to take a taxi, you can typically get one for under $15. So while they dont offer their own transportation, this hotel is just too good to leave off the list.

One without a shuttle but worth mentioning as it gets great reviews in the Moms at Sea Community, and has a sweet location, is the Hilton Miami Downtown

“My family and I LOVED Hilton Miami Downtown. The roof top pool was our favorite and close second was the floor to ceiling windows that over looked the cruise port and city views in our room. We were directly across the road from Publix and Checkers.”- Kristen, Moms at Sea Community Member

The hotel does not provide complimentary transportation but the reviews in Moms at Sea were so strong we just had to include it- and look at that great pool! who doesn’t love a roof top pool? The best way to arrive from the Miami International airport is by taxi and will cost approximately $20-$25 depending on traffic.

HOTELS CLOSE TO MIAMI AIRPORT WITH TRANSPORTATION

Wyndham Garden Miami International Airport

Super close to the airport with a free shuttle between the airport and the hotel, this is an easy option. They dont have their pwn transportation to port but do work with a third party that charges around $15 per person to and from port.

Hampton Inn & Suites Miami Airport South Blue Lagoon

Definitely one of the most popular airport hotels, Blue Lagoon is the best of both worlds, convenient to airport and cruise port. The hotel offers multiple departure time to port throughout the morning through a third party. The cost is very reasonable at $10 per person. We strongly recommend getting on the shuttle list when you check in.

HOTEL WITH FREE SHUTTLE TO PORT MIAMI

Comfort Suites Miami Airport North

• Free breakfast buffet

• Laundry Room

• Free internet and computer station

• Free parking + long term parking for a fee

• Swimming pool

• FREE one way Cruise Port Shuttle

• Return shuttle from port, $10 per adult, $5 per child

• FREE Airport Shuttle