Port Hotels: Miami
Taking a cruise from the 305? These are the areas I recommend staying the night before your sailing, including some hotel options.
Remember, you always want to get to the port city at least a day before the cruise sets sail. Flying in in the morning is risky as your flight could be canceled or delayed, and the ship will not wait for you!
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The Best Hotels Just for YOU. While the hotels listed here are good options for most cruisers, contact me and I’ll find the best hotels specifically for you.
Deals & Discounts. Hotels often run promotions, some of which are specific to travel advisors. Hit me up to find some savings.
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Brickell
For the shortest and easiest commute to the port, Brickell is where it’s at, just 15 minutes away. There’s lots of shops and restaurants, even some nightlife, and it’s close to Miami Beach too.
These two hotels, both opened in 2021, are “twin” properties and effectively the same building. They’re sandwiched between Brickell City Center with shops and restaurants, and a CVS for snacks and toiletries.
citizenM Miami Brickell
Great for solo travelers wanting cozy but modern digs, citizenM offers a tech-forward experience with a large communal living space and 24/7 self-service kitchen. It’s just as close to the Brickell City Center shopping mall as the other options listed here. On the same block or just across the street are food options including Moxies, Shake Shack, and Starbucks.
SLS LUX Brickell
For the full 5-star experience, the SLS LUX gets my pick. Beyond the stylist and luxurious rooms and suites, the rooftop pool and outdoor lounge has amazing views of the Brickell skyline. Wake up to a delicious in-room breakfast, and treat yourself to the award-winning Kaori restaurant for modern Asian cuisine.
South Beach
The most famous part of Miami Beach and also the closest part to the the port, with its lively atmosphere, Art Deco architecture, and vibrant nightlife.
There can be quite a bit of traffic going from South Beach to the cruise port on weekends. Even though the port looks very close on the map, budget a good 30 minutes.
Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach
Opened in 2020 with luxury yacht inspired design, the Palomar is just steps away from Lincoln Road outdoor shops and restaurants, as well as a Walgreens for convenience.
Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami
For those who wanna be super close to the beach without paying beachfront price: just a 5 minute walk and you’ll have sand under your sand and ocean in front of your eyes. Also just a block away is Lincoln Road and Walgreens.
Hôtel Gaythering
Yes, of course I wouldn’t omit this one! After the closure of Axel Miami Beach earlier in 2025, this is now the only all-gay hotel in South Beach. The marketing is very sex-positive, but you don’t need to be to stay here - most visitors describe it as a very friendly place. Just steps away from Lincoln Road like the other options above.
From “It’ll Do” to “It’s Perfect”
Don’t just pick a random hotel, pick the perfect one for you
