MIA Miami Airport layover - what to do to?
Aug 16, 2012, 12:27 pm
#16
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Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: FLL -> Where The Boyars Are
Programs: AA EXP 1.7 M, Hilton Gold, Hertz 5*, AARP Sophomore, 14-time Croix de Candlestick
Posts: 18,669
There is a hotel (landside) above the Concourse E ticketing areas - it is called, cleverly enough, the Miami International Airport hotel:
http://www.miahotel.com/
I haven't stayed there in over 16 years, so can't give a meaningful report, but you could always check Trip Advisor for basic information. The main attraction is not having to exit the terminal building to reach the hotel,
http://www.miahotel.com/
I haven't stayed there in over 16 years, so can't give a meaningful report, but you could always check Trip Advisor for basic information. The main attraction is not having to exit the terminal building to reach the hotel,
Aug 16, 2012, 1:21 pm
#17
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Programs: Hilton Gold; UA 3P; Cattle-Class on everything else.
Posts: 340
Thanks guys. Hotels require an overnight stay. There's no facility to just use the room for a few hours (like I've seen in Singapore). So far, it looks like buying lounge-access is my best bet.
I'll wait and see if there's any more ideas...
I'll wait and see if there's any more ideas...
Aug 16, 2012, 3:36 pm
#18
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: AAdvantage; HHonors; US Air Dividend Miles
Posts: 58
Just because the hotel requires an overnight stay doesn't mean you have to stay overnight. If you can get a decent rate (whatever decent is to you) then get the room (early check-in if possible) and rest and then go ... they can't tell you when to check-out ... just when to check-out by ...
That being said ... a hotel is a commodity and as such, *ASK* at the front desk if they have a day rate ... i can't imagine you're the first person to need/request such, especially at a gateway airport.
That being said ... a hotel is a commodity and as such, *ASK* at the front desk if they have a day rate ... i can't imagine you're the first person to need/request such, especially at a gateway airport.
Aug 17, 2012, 10:04 pm
#19
Join Date: Mar 2010
Programs: AAdvantage; HHonors; US Air Dividend Miles
Posts: 58
update on MIA hotel
The couple on the plane with me just confirmed that the airport hotel at MIA *will* do a day rate. It's $95 and is no reservations or phone calls. Gotta go and ask for it. But ... That might be worth it, your mileage may vary.
Aug 18, 2012, 12:18 pm
#20
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: San Jose, CA
Programs: Hilton Gold; UA 3P; Cattle-Class on everything else.
Posts: 340
Perfect. that's exactly what I was interested in. I'll call 'em up. Thanks!
Aug 21, 2012, 12:00 am
#21
Join Date: May 2012
Location: DCA, lived MCI, SEA/PDX,BUF (born/raised)
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Posts: 8,736
Just because the hotel requires an overnight stay doesn't mean you have to stay overnight. If you can get a decent rate (whatever decent is to you) then get the room (early check-in if possible) and rest and then go ... they can't tell you when to check-out ... just when to check-out by ...
That being said ... a hotel is a commodity and as such, *ASK* at the front desk if they have a day rate ... i can't imagine you're the first person to need/request such, especially at a gateway airport.
That being said ... a hotel is a commodity and as such, *ASK* at the front desk if they have a day rate ... i can't imagine you're the first person to need/request such, especially at a gateway airport.
What you can do s book a room at an airport hotel explain to them your situation and ask about a late check out around 3pm. Then the kids could take a nap and play in the pool the hotel has. They may have a special rate for you.
Jan 28, 2013, 8:24 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Buenos Aires, ARG; Dallas, TX
Programs: AAdvantage PLT, COPA ConnectMiles Gold, LATAM Pass Gold
Posts: 51
Early AM Long Layover in MIA
I´m arriving MIA from EZE on AA 900 on March 9, 2013 at 4:15 AM. I have booked a Cruise with Carnival leaving Port of Miami, but I can check-in no earlier than 12 PM.
Any ideas on what I can do with this layover? I´m guessing MIA shops will be mostly closed. Maybe its worth buying an Admirals Day Pass, but it seems that spending $100 (me and my wife) on a Day Pass might not be worth it.
Any thoughts?
Any ideas on what I can do with this layover? I´m guessing MIA shops will be mostly closed. Maybe its worth buying an Admirals Day Pass, but it seems that spending $100 (me and my wife) on a Day Pass might not be worth it.
Any thoughts?
Jan 29, 2013, 8:06 am
#23
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
I´m arriving MIA from EZE on AA 900 on March 9, 2013 at 4:15 AM. I have booked a Cruise with Carnival leaving Port of Miami, but I can check-in no earlier than 12 PM.
Any ideas on what I can do with this layover? I´m guessing MIA shops will be mostly closed. Maybe its worth buying an Admirals Day Pass, but it seems that spending $100 (me and my wife) on a Day Pass might not be worth it.
Any thoughts?
Any ideas on what I can do with this layover? I´m guessing MIA shops will be mostly closed. Maybe its worth buying an Admirals Day Pass, but it seems that spending $100 (me and my wife) on a Day Pass might not be worth it.
Any thoughts?
Jan 29, 2013, 11:06 am
#24
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Buenos Aires, ARG; Dallas, TX
Programs: AAdvantage PLT, COPA ConnectMiles Gold, LATAM Pass Gold
Posts: 51
Thanks newyorkgeorge!
I´ve thought of the airport hotel option as a good alternative... On the other hand, I don´t think that many shops and cafes would be open at 5-6 AM on South Beach or anywere else in Miami Beach...
I´ve thought of the airport hotel option as a good alternative... On the other hand, I don´t think that many shops and cafes would be open at 5-6 AM on South Beach or anywere else in Miami Beach...
Jan 31, 2013, 7:53 am
#25
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Programs: AA / AV
Posts: 647
Several branches of CVS and Walgreens are open 24h; look at their websites to find one that is convenient to you.
Most Walmarts are also open 24h - again, look at the website.
No fine shopping, to my knowledge, opens 24h, but the above are well suited if you need to load on toiletries or (I'm Brazilian
) still gets mesmerized by the overkill abundance of American retailers.
La Carreta (restaurant) branch at SW 8th St is also open 24h
In Miami Beach, several spots (mostly food and drink) are also open 24h. The ones that came to mind are
- News Cafe (Ocean Drive w/ 8th, I believe)
- Jerry's Deli (Collins Ave)
Most Walmarts are also open 24h - again, look at the website.
No fine shopping, to my knowledge, opens 24h, but the above are well suited if you need to load on toiletries or (I'm Brazilian
) still gets mesmerized by the overkill abundance of American retailers.La Carreta (restaurant) branch at SW 8th St is also open 24h
In Miami Beach, several spots (mostly food and drink) are also open 24h. The ones that came to mind are
- News Cafe (Ocean Drive w/ 8th, I believe)
- Jerry's Deli (Collins Ave)
Feb 23, 2013, 5:43 am
#26
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: Mileage Plus, Aadvantage, Skymiles, Marriott, Priority Club, SPG, Amtrak, Hertz
Posts: 834
Art Deco District on 6 hour layover
I have a 6 hour layover in MIA in early June (LGA-MIA-MGA). I'm arriving in MIA in the morning, and leaving in the afternoon. I'd like to leave the airport and have a look at the Art Deco district. Two questions:
1) How would I get from the airport to the Art Deco district using public transport? I don't think renting a car would make sense.
2) Is it realistic to to leave the airport if I only have 6 hours?
1) How would I get from the airport to the Art Deco district using public transport? I don't think renting a car would make sense.
2) Is it realistic to to leave the airport if I only have 6 hours?
Jan 14, 2014, 3:38 pm
#28
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
Yes, it should take 20 minutes from MIA to SoBe. 1 hour for breakfast. During the week give about 45 minutes back. However, as you can see not much time. Is it really worth the cost.
Jan 14, 2014, 7:10 pm
#30
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
Cruise Traffic
I'm not sure how passengers departing from cruises affects local traffic and MIA. But, Saturday and Sunday mornings in Fort Lauderdale can be brutal. I'm a local and I won't drive anywhere near the port on weekends. Likewise, you couldn't pay me to depart FLL on a weekend afternoon.
I doubt that vehicle traffic will be an issue. It's possible that getting back through security at MIA might be a pain. Someone that regularly uses MIA might be able to confirm/deny my assumption.
I doubt that vehicle traffic will be an issue. It's possible that getting back through security at MIA might be a pain. Someone that regularly uses MIA might be able to confirm/deny my assumption.