MIA to Beach = $$ ? or rent a car?
Apr 22, 2009, 9:34 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 516
MIA to Beach = $$ ? or rent a car?
I will be in Miami next Thurs through Sat with my girlfriend.
I have some free rental car credits, so I decided to rent a car.
But looking at hotels, I've noticed that they ALL charge for parking. (approx. $30 a day)
I've never been to Miami, so I assume, we'll spend most of our time in the South Beach area.
Is it worth renting a car (it will be free, I just pay taxes) ?
I will pay taxes/airport fee only, so thats $30.
Plus parking thurs night/fri night/sat - thats 120
so Im looking at about $150.
How much would a taxi cost from MIA to South Beach?
I figure I pay for a taxi from MIA to South Beach (and back again) and taxis on Fri and Saturday.
Might be cheaper.
What do you all think?
Im not sure where to stay yet. (recommendations?)
I have Hilton and Marriott points that I am thinking about using.
Thanks
I have some free rental car credits, so I decided to rent a car.
But looking at hotels, I've noticed that they ALL charge for parking. (approx. $30 a day)
I've never been to Miami, so I assume, we'll spend most of our time in the South Beach area.
Is it worth renting a car (it will be free, I just pay taxes) ?
I will pay taxes/airport fee only, so thats $30.
Plus parking thurs night/fri night/sat - thats 120
so Im looking at about $150.
How much would a taxi cost from MIA to South Beach?
I figure I pay for a taxi from MIA to South Beach (and back again) and taxis on Fri and Saturday.
Might be cheaper.
What do you all think?
Im not sure where to stay yet. (recommendations?)
I have Hilton and Marriott points that I am thinking about using.
Thanks
Apr 22, 2009, 12:25 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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
If you're truly planning to stay within the South Beach/ Art Deco area, I think that using taxis for the transfers is the better way to go.
For a points stay (assuming availability), either the Marriott South Beach or the Hilton Bentley are good beachside options.
For a points stay (assuming availability), either the Marriott South Beach or the Hilton Bentley are good beachside options.
Apr 22, 2009, 2:31 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Jupiter, FL
Programs: DL PM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Silver
Posts: 29,832
If you are planning on just relaxing on the beach, shopping, and clubbing, you will not need a car on South Beach. If you want to see anything else (Coconut Grove, Vizcaya, Venitian Pool, Biltmore, Key Biscayne, Monkey Jungle, Miami Zoo, etc.) you will need a car.
Parking and traffic in South Beach is a pain. I would opt for not getting one, unless absolutley necessary.
As far as recommendations, for points, I would only consider the two hotels already mentioned. The Courtyard and Doubletree are not very nice hotels.
Parking and traffic in South Beach is a pain. I would opt for not getting one, unless absolutley necessary.
As far as recommendations, for points, I would only consider the two hotels already mentioned. The Courtyard and Doubletree are not very nice hotels.
Apr 23, 2009, 9:31 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Caribbean
Programs: QF Plat, OW Emerald, AAdvantage, Bonvoy Titanium, HH Gold
Posts: 82
I'd agree you are probably not likely to leave SoBe so save the money on parking and enjoy the weekend, taxi or 'Super Shuttle' would be more economical. Having said that I usually have a car and you can park free on the streets from 12 - 8AM which usually works when I am in town as I drive around for work during the day then pay a few bucks at night till 12 for a meter...