Miami: Hampton Inn & Suites Brickell/Downtown?

[EeyoreJMH]

Our plans recently changed and now we're staying in Miami the night before our cruise. Although we're platinum, we've only ever sailed from Port Canaveral. I haven't had time to stay on hold with DCL, so instead of one of the official hotels I went ahead and booked the Hampton Inn Brickell/Downtown. Has anyone stayed here pre-cruise and used the hotel's shuttle? We've booked a park, stay, cruise package, but I can't find much info about the shuttle.

Or should I try to get a reservation at one of the Disney-approved hotels and reserve their transfers? If you stay at one of the three Disney-approved hotels, is parking included?

Thanks!!

 

[braysmommy]

We stayed here in May prior to our cruise and liked it and will stay here again. Used Uber to get to port so can’t help with shuttle.

 

[auntlynne]

Stayed there end of April for the Magic. Took Lyft to the port. Just book it when you are ready (or book in advance) - you are not tied to their schedule. You also arrive without a group.

But I have never stayed at a DCL hotel (well, not booked through them).

I really liked the area. There’s a Publix a few blocks away if you have forgotten anything. My crowd wanted Dunkin’ drinks in the morning. All an easy walk - and very safe feeling. It’s an up and coming area with a lot of new builds. In the morning, runners and dog-walkers are out; fun to see daily life. (Two Publix - one is on the other side of the rail line; I went to the one near Dunkin’.)

 

[tj48103]

Our plans recently changed and now we're staying in Miami the night before our cruise. Although we're platinum, we've only ever sailed from Port Canaveral. I haven't had time to stay on hold with DCL, so instead of one of the official hotels I went ahead and booked the Hampton Inn Brickell/Downtown. Has anyone stayed here pre-cruise and used the hotel's shuttle? We've booked a park, stay, cruise package, but I can't find much info about the shuttle.

Or should I try to get a reservation at one of the Disney-approved hotels and reserve their transfers? If you stay at one of the three Disney-approved hotels, is parking included?

Thanks!!

We stayed there in December and it was great, we would stay again. The shuttle looked easy but it was cheaper for our family of 5 to take an Uber to a port. I believe the shuttle was $8 per adult, $5 per child. I paid $16 for the UberXL. The hotel had a grocery store in walking distance where I was able to pick up wine. We walked to a restaurant on the water for dinner. Free breakfast.

 

[EeyoreJMH]

We stayed here in May prior to our cruise and liked it and will stay here again. Used Uber to get to port so can’t help with shuttle.

Thanks! I know is sounds silly, but I’ve never used a rideshare before and hadn’t even thought of that!

 

[EeyoreJMH]

We stayed there in December and it was great, we would stay again. The shuttle looked easy but it was cheaper for our family of 5 to take an Uber to a port. I believe the shuttle was $8 per adult, $5 per child. I paid $16 for the UberXL. The hotel had a grocery store in walking distance where I was able to pick up wine. We walked to a restaurant on the water for dinner. Free breakfast.

Thank you! Good to know about the grocery! I may end up looking at Uber or Lyft based on the feedback. It’s only two of us, though, so I’ll see what else I can find about the shuttle.

 

[EeyoreJMH]

Stayed there end of April for the Magic. Took Lyft to the port. Just book it when you are ready (or book in advance) - you are not tied to their schedule. You also arrive without a group.

But I have never stayed at a DCL hotel (well, not booked through them).

I really liked the area. There’s a Publix a few blocks away if you have forgotten anything. My crowd wanted Dunkin’ drinks in the morning. All an easy walk - and very safe feeling. It’s an up and coming area with a lot of new builds. In the morning, runners and dog-walkers are out; fun to see daily life. (Two Publix - one is on the other side of the rail line; I went to the one near Dunkin’.)

Thanks!! Being from Massachusetts it’s awesome to know about the Dunks . I’m really beginning to like the rideshare idea.

 

[auntlynne]

I used Lyft for the first time last September to get to the port in Seattle for an AK cruise. Now a few times in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

The app is easy to use. So far, all my pickups have been available within a few minutes (and on time). I like to make my request after hotel check-out while in the lobby. (You can pre-book - or just check availability). They have all been late-model vehicles. I order bigger ones to get an SUV for easier access for me, but they have sedans available for slightly less $.

You do all financial transactions on the app. Including tip and rating driver.

I feel like a Wall Street bigwig having someone drive me around. It is so relaxing not driving in Miami traffic - or looking for a place to park.

I loaded the app a few days before my trip, got my credit card approved - and got promos to use. I think about $5 off. That’s a pretty good % of the fare.

The drivers have always loaded my bags.

If you have airline or credit card loyalty / rewards, see if you can get something for using Uber or Lyft. I think my Lyft account is tied to my AMEX card.

… The best dunkie I went to was in MA between Boston and Providence, sort of middle of nowhere. We were on way to PVD after Plymouth Plantation. Chocolate cake donut, so moist. Yum.

… Miami area has a lot of transportation options. There is a free Metromover elevated tram. The Brightline train that goes to a west Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale - and next year, to Orlando airport. Ultimately, all the way to Tampa. (It was started as Virgin Trains). So clean and nice. Underused, so far, it seems.

 

[tj48103]

Thank you! Good to know about the grocery! I may end up looking at Uber or Lyft based on the feedback. It’s only two of us, though, so I’ll see what else I can find about the shuttle.

From what I remember it left every hour on the hour starting at 10 or 11. It seemed very easy to use. I believe you just needed to let the front desk know you would be taking it.

 

[braysmommy]

Thanks! I know is sounds silly, but I’ve never used a rideshare before and hadn’t even thought of that!

I only use it on vacation but it is easy to use and I've only had positive experiences. There is also a Starbuck's and small CVS close by and the Mexican place across the street was good for a quick dinner.