Marriott Biscayne Bay

[NWT]

We don't know Miami at all. We want to spend 2 nights prior to our cruise leaving from Port of Miami. Anyone have experience staying at the Marriott Biscayne Bay. Is it a fairly safe area, is there much to do, and any other pros and cons? We are renting a car, and I heard parking is $30/day there.

Any other suggestions for hotels? We would like some half decent places to eat and to be able to check out the area a little bit.

thanks

 

[cedricandsophie]

We stayed at the Marriott prior to a cruise a couple of years ago. Personally, I wouldn't recommend the area. Not a lot to do around there. Much prefer the south beach area, lots to do, great people watching, dozens of restaurants and bars and you certainly don't need a car unless you want to go to the Everglades or somewhere else outside of town. I'd recommend a taxi to the hotel and then a taxi to the port. We have also stayed at the Holiday Inn at the Miami Port. It is right across from the Marketplace. Again lots to do. We have walked around south beach and the area around the Marketplace and have always felt very safe. It's a vibrant, interesting city with great nightlife and food.

 

[NWT]

We stayed at the Marriott prior to a cruise a couple of years ago. Personally, I wouldn't recommend the area. Not a lot to do around there. Much prefer the south beach area, lots to do, great people watching, dozens of restaurants and bars and you certainly don't need a car unless you want to go to the Everglades or somewhere else outside of town. I'd recommend a taxi to the hotel and then a taxi to the port. We have also stayed at the Holiday Inn at the Miami Port. It is right across from the Marketplace. Again lots to do. We have walked around south beach and the area around the Marketplace and have always felt very safe. It's a vibrant, interesting city with great nightlife and food.

Thanks for the advice! I found many conflicting reviews on various websites. Expedia requires a person to actually stay at the hotel, and the reviews are pretty concerning. Tripadvisor has good reviews for the Marriott, however, a person can write a review without actually staying there, so not as reliable.

What hotel would you suggest in the south beach area?

 

[diznefamily]

I just finished staying at the Marriott Biscayne Bay for 3 weeks on a business trip. I had a bayside view on the 28th floor which was amazing. They are doing construction at this time so only valet parking is available. Calling beforehand was the fastest way to get vehicle. There is a small strip mall attached to the hotel with several restaurants and stores. The hotel itself has a gourmet coffee shop and one restaurant which was hit or miss depending what was ordered. Room service has limited selection. The area itself is ok, however if you go down a few blocks and up 14th st. it does not seem to be so safe, although I drove that way every day without any issues. I personally would stay there again, especially if I am going down for a cruise. Rooms were clean and service was always friendly. Concierge lounge food was hit or miss.

 

[cruisinwithmaandpa]

This hotel is about one mile to the Bayside Market. They have restaurants, shopping, boat tours etc along with a Hard Rock Cafe, Hooters, Chilis, Bubba Gumps etc. They also have live bands playing. It is a lot of fun.

I personally don't like South Beach, but that is my opinion. If you get away from the main shopping area in South Beach there is a problem with the homeless sleeping in front of the store fronts.

I would stay at the Marriott or the Doubletree Biscayne Bay (which we prefer)

 

[travellingwithnikki]

I used to stay at this hotel for work all the time. The hotel itself is lovely with comfortable rooms, pretty good views of the port and of the beach in the distance. The food and drink available is good and as someone mentioned there is a small cafe, a few restaurants and shops in the adjoining condo block where the Doubletree is situated.

Turning right outside of the hotel and walking a few minutes will bring you to a Publix.

However turning left towards the OmniMover brings you to a not so nice area where it is not so safe - this was where the homeless man had his face bitten off by a man high on drugs - search Miami cannibal attack on Google.

 

[cruisinwithmaandpa]

You are correct not to walk, we always take a cab to Bayside. We have also stayed at the Courtyard on 2nd Ave. It is a nice hotel with free happy hour. You can walk to Bayside from the Courtyard. We have stayed here several times with no problems.

 

[cedricandsophie]

Thanks for the advice! I found many conflicting reviews on various websites. Expedia requires a person to actually stay at the hotel, and the reviews are pretty concerning. Tripadvisor has good reviews for the Marriott, however, a person can write a review without actually staying there, so not as reliable. What hotel would you suggest in the south beach area?

We really the hotel at south beach at 1700 Collins ave. one block from beach. Great roof top pool. Nice clean modern rooms. Ask for one away from street as the traffic gets a little noisy at nite. Usually need a two nite stay minimum. Take a cab to Fontanbleu for a kick and a very expensive drink