I know it's Orlando but who knows Miami?!

[jdm]

I'm now deeply into the planning / booking part of our Miami, Keys, Daytona, Orlando trip. I have La Concha booked for the Keys, Oceanwalk for Daytona and I was able to grab Cypress Harbour on a flexchange through II yesterday. I was quite pleased with myself considering it was Spring break time

Anyway, we are flying into Miami late on Fri March 24th and I need to get a hotel for one night. We are up and driving to the Keys on Sat. morning. We have never been to Miami and I have no idea what the easiest thing to do would be. We are renting a car from Alamo which is suppose to be 5 miles west of the city (wherever that is). I have visions of us driving around, gettin lost etc. I kind of looked at a map but there are so many sections of this city!

Can anyone advice me of where we should stay to simplfy things? Although it'll be 10pm Miami time, it'll only be 7 for us Seattlites. I'm thinking it might be easier to drive down closer to the keys? How tough of a city is Miami to navigate and what about traffic on a Fri night or Sat. morning Spring break time? DH grew up in Boston which isn't the easiest city to drive in so he's no shrinking violet...... but we've all been known to be a little cranky after flying all day and want as little stress as possible

Thanks for any advice.

Jenn

 

[travellady]

Well, I live in Redmond so not far from you at all, grew up south of Boston where I learned to drive, and was just in Miami last month so can possibly be of some help.

I found Miami much easier to drive in than either Seattle or Boston. We were there New Year's eve weekend and traffic was tame relatively speaking. So shouldn't be any worries there.

Regarding places to stay, we stayed at the Hyatt Downtown Miami, got a great AAA rate on their online site. I know you asked about heading south that same night but honestly, I would probably do so the next morning and stay in Miami that night to relax before the drive. The downtown area is nice to spend the night, especially if you get a hotel near the Bayside Marketplace (I believe that's its name, if not exact it's pretty close). It's a nice park on the water, with a mall, restaurants, and an excellent view of cruise ships in port. The Hyatt was within walking distance from the Marketplace but several hotels were closer such as the Intercontinental and the Holiday Inn. There's also an elevated tram you can take but we found the walk took about the same time.

The airport is about 5 miles west of downtown so I suspect that's why Alamo is as well.

Not sure when you'll see this reply as the winds are starting up as predicted, rain is a pounding, and neither of us may have electricity tomorrow. But power better be back on in time for the Seahawks Sunday so we can watch them stomp on the Steelers.

 

[jdm]

Howdy Neighbor and thanks so much for your reply!

I see in my post I said Alamo was 5 miles west of the city. I meant airport, which was why I was a little concerned about navigating outside of the airport area. Maybe if I call Alamo directly I'll have a better idea of their exact location.

I checked out some of the hotels you mentioned a year ago when we were planning a cruise so I'll check into their rates if they won't be a big pain to get to.

Go Seahawks! While I'm not a huge football person (unless it's the Patriots!), DH was so depressed after the Pats lost, I bought tickets (ebay) for the Seahawk (his 2nd fav) championship game 2 weeks ago at Quest. I must admit I am now quite caught up in myself. That was an exciting day we had!

That wind was howling all night but so far, no power problems. Just a few branches in the yard. Hope the same for you.

Thanks again for the info.

Jenn

 

[Sylvester McBean]

one question, if you're going to be in the Miami/Keys area, why are you going to Daytona?

 

[jdm]

Well......... it's kind of been the trip that keeps on growing. But since you asked --- We generally go to Orlando once a year. We love it there, whether or not we do the theme parks. We can trade our Worldmark resort for very low points into one of the resorts and we love that sun break in the middle of our dreary grey Wa winters.

I received a mailing from our Worldmark mag showcasing Oceanwalk in Daytona last year. I checked availability and got 4 days in March that could be added on to our Orlando trip. For no other reason really, except that the resort looked beautiful, we've never been to Daytona and I thought it would be fun for the kids, 13 & 15.

So, then DH says, he'd love to see the Florida keys and DD says she'd love to check it off her list of 4 corners of the country etc. So, I come up with this idea that maybe we could fly into Miami, fly out of Orlando. See the keys, everglades and some of Florida roadtriping to the keys and then up to Daytona. Ending with a week in Orlando at Cypress Harbour where we have nothing planned but relaxing!!

I know we are going to be all over the place, but I figure as long as we know we are not going to be able to see everything (only 2 days in the keys) and really no time in Miami except flying in and spending the night, it could be kind of fun. Any advice?? I see you live on the left side of Florida. We are thinking of driving up that side, and then crossing over to Daytona. We are leaving Key West on Mon am and don't have to be in Daytona until Tues night. We still have one night on our way up that I haven't booked. Was going to play it by ear.

Thanks!
Jenn

 

[f7prez]

When we last stayed in Miami we got a great rate at the Double Tree Hotel in the Coconut Grove section of the city overlooking Biscayne Bay. This hotel was nice enough for one night.

The nice thing about this area is that you are on the waterfront, away from downtown and close to nice shopping areas... walking distance close.

Plus you are just off US Route 1 near the end of Interstate 95 for an easy exit out of the city and on your way to the Keys.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

it sounds like you're taking a full tour of downstate florida. we're in the Tampa area, which is about 6 1/2 to 7 hours from Key West. then it's a little over 2 hours from here to Daytona. if you are going to visit the gulf side as you leave the keys, take route 997 through the everglades up to I-75 (alligator alley). you'll avoid the miami traffic on your way out. key west is fun, but the real beauty in the keys is in places like islamorada, marathon, looe key, key largo. I'd plan some time to pull the car over on the way up/down to the conch republic. a good mid-way stop for the night on the way to daytona would be the sarasota area. maybe check out the pelican man's bird sanctuary....http://www.pelicanman.org/

something like that. it sounds like a very laid-back trip.

 

[JerJan]

http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&un=m&cl=EN&ct=NA&rsres=1&1y=US&1ffi=&1l=&1g=&1pl=&1v=&1n=&1pn=&1a=&1c=miami+springs&1s=fl&1z=&2y=US&2ffi=&2l=&2g=&2pl=&2v=&2n=&2pn=&2a=&2c=key+largo+&2s=fl&2z=

http://www.mapquest.com/directions/main.adp?go=1&do=nw&rmm=1&mo=ma&2si=gaz&un=m&1rc=A5XAX&cl=EN&ct=NA&1si=gaz&2rc=A5XAX&did=1139260677&rsres=1&1y=US&1ffi=&1l=N9QGzLuznTY%253d&1g=RPvGT9OZC%252bE%253d&1pl=&1v=CITY&1n=Miami-Dade&1pn=&1a=&1c=Miami+Springs&1s=FL&1z=&2y=US&2ffi=&2l=&2g=&2pl=&2v=CITY&2n=&2pn=&2a=&2c=islamorada&2s=FL&2z=&panelbtn=2


Here's a link from the airport to Key Largo or Islamorada. Might I suggest that you get your car and head to the upper keys to spend the night instead of heading back into Miami for one night only to add more time on to your trip down to Key West. I am particulary fond of Islamorada, it's beautiful and peaceful and a much better way to start your vacation off (IMHO) instead of in Miami!

Here's a link to Islamorada:
http://www.islamorada-florida.info/

 

[mmluvr]

Hi!

Miami traffic is really awful. I would suggest you stay away from the Downtown area for two reasons: #1)parts of it are not great, if you are unfamiliar with the area it can be a little scary. and #2) getting around on a Friday night is a major headache.

Consider staying closer to the airport-the rates tend to be cheaper and you have a shorter drive since you are getting in so late.

Also, traffic on US-1 can easily get tied up. If there is one accident the whole road is shut down. One time we sat in our car for an hour due to an accident. Yikes!!!!!

I live in Ft lauderdale about 30 minutes away from Miami. when we drive to the keys we get up early in the morning and head out-the traffic is much lighter the earlier you leave.

Have a great trip-Islamorada is a neat place, our favorite restaurant is called The island Grill (can't remember the milemarker number.) Also, there is a place called Theater of the Sea in Islamorada. We've been there once and it was an experience.

 

[jdm]

Thanks everyone, for the great tips, links etc. It's been so helpful. I think my kids will love the bird sanctuary. It looks like it would be a great stop.

I'm trying to pour over maps and am getting confused about Miami. Alamo is 6 miles WEST of the airport. What area would this be? Would it be smart to drive from there (don't want to hassle with getting the car in the morning, just want to shuttle from the airport to Alamo and get the car) back to the airport area to a hotel? Isn't the airport area "in the city" or is it outside?

Talked to DH but he really dislikes the planning stuff and is always noncommital in his answers so he's not much help.

I'm really thinking we are all going to be ready for a break. It's going to be a long day, so as much as I'd like to get a jump on the drive to the Keys, I don't think anyones going to have the energy. I'm thinking- just get the shuttle, then the car, and stay in the Alamo area- or the least hassle part of the city area..... I don't know if I'm making any sense. It's trip planning delirium setting in! I hate not being more familiar with the area and being map challenged!

Also, Sylvester McBean (if you're still out there). Do you think traveling up the Gulf side will be nicer and more interesting, than up the Atlantic side?


Thanks again,
Jenn

 

[jdm]

I just reread your post and thanks for the Coconut Grove tip. I'll check out hotels in that area! I think what keeps cofusing me is that I keep thinking the waterfront is the downtown area as it in Seattle (kinda).

Jenn

 

[JerJan]

The airport is actually in Miami Springs, not the city of Miami.

 

[Sylvester McBean]

Also, Sylvester McBean (if you're still out there). Do you think traveling up the Gulf side will be nicer and more interesting, than up the Atlantic side?
Thanks again,
Jenn

I've never made the run from miami up to daytona. I've been to daytona and cocoa, but on the eastern side we go to vero, miami, or south beach, and the keys. if you do go up the gulf side, you have to cross the everglades through alligator alley. that can be an interesting drive with cool stopping points. both I-75 and I-95 hug the coastlines relatively even, you'll have to get off and drive towards the water. there's plenty to see or do on both sides. I think the west coast is more old school florida, laid-back and relaxing. while the east coast is more high-energy, just made 5 million in the market kind of atmosphere. man, I want to be standing in the Keys with a fishing rod in my hands right now...

 

[Sneaky3]

I live in Miami and work in the area of Downtown Miami. I recommend you stay away from Downtown because as one poster said some parts are scary and if you get lost you might wind up there. That said if it is only for the night and you want to stay around action try Coconut Grove or stay near the Florida Turnpike which leads to the keys. There are some hotels in the Kendall area. If you need any more questions feel free to PM.

 

[cesarcabrera]

There are 2 very nice hotels that are extremely close to the airport in Miami.

There is a Hilton, and a Cub Hotel by Double Tree... I rather the Cub Hotel to the Hilton, specially cause the service was very good, and there are food placess nearby to grab a bite if needed.

 

[2littlemonkeys]

One of those cool "little" things to do in the Keys is a stop at Robbie's to feed the tarpon. Robbie's Marina is a short way south of Islamorada on the right (bay) side of the road. There are a bunch of huge (5 - 6 ft) tarpon that hang around the end of their dock - you can buy some food (fish) for a couple of bucks and feed them. It's just one of those little things that's tends to be pretty memorable.

 

[MAH4546]

I live in Miami and work in the area of Downtown Miami. I recommend you stay away from Downtown because as one poster said some parts are scary and if you get lost you might wind up there. That said if it is only for the night and you want to stay around action try Coconut Grove or stay near the Florida Turnpike which leads to the keys. There are some hotels in the Kendall area. If you need any more questions feel free to PM.

There is a huge difference between "scary" and "safe". Parts of downtown Miami at night are "scary", but the area is by far one of the safest in the city. Ironically, while Coconut Grove definitley appears "safe", it is one of the most crime ridden areas of the city.

Staying in the downtown Bayfront District - where a lot of tourists stay before catching a cruise - is a great place to stay. Lot's of things to do at night in terms of family entertainment, and it is absolutely safe to walk around, explore, etc.

 

[diggal]

JDM: there's a new hotel portal site that lets you virtually walk and explore the hotels in the Miami area and the surrounding attractions.

Check it out. SuperTour (dot) com

its pretty cool...

 

[CPM]

I live in Sunny Isles part time. (North Miami), I would also suggest staying near the airport, not downtown.
There is a really nice Embassy suites by the airport. there is also a Hampton Inn maybe 5 miles west of the airport in the Doral area, this may be near the rental car place.

 

[momrek06]

If you are thinking of staying in KEY WEST at all, we stayed there last year before our drive to WDW.

We stayed in "The Southern Most Hotel On The Beach"!!! Lovely hotel.

Heading to Key West we stayed in Key Largo in that HUGE Marriott. It is beautiful. Cabanas on the beach and around the pool. You can have massages right on the beach in the cabanas.

Also, if you are really planning on Key West...this season of REAL WORLD MTV is on right now and they are in Key West.