When you are taking a cruise that leaves from the port of Miami. You usually will want to stay at a hotel nearby. The Miami Cruise Port is just a hop, skip and a jump away from several hotels in the area, but this blog post is about my 2 favorite hotels that are extremely close to the port, affordable, and near other activities to enjoy before you board your cruise ship.
There are a few other hotels close by, but their prices tend to be $170 a night or more. This is why I prefer the 2 hotels in my blog. So, today's post will be about activities close by, and comparing both Holiday Inn and YVE Hotel. Welcome to the ecstatic, energetic, and ever-evolving Port of Miami area Downtown!
These are not just hotels, these are the best hotels that are affordable in the downtown area, an enchanting gateway to a world of vibrant art, culture, and that sizzling Miami nightlife. Nestled in the heart of downtown and just a salsa dance away from the cruise port These 2 hotels make it super convenient for globe-trotters and sea adventurers alike to do some exploring around the wonderful city of Miami before they take their cruise vacation.
Activities nearby from both hotels.
The prime location for both of these hotels at the heart of Miami offers a gateway to a world of thrilling adventures and stunning sights. Here is a list of nearby places.
Step out of hotels and you're just a stone's throw away from `Bayside Marketplace`, a bustling shopping destination with over 150 shops and plenty of live entertainment. For the art enthusiasts, Holiday Inn is the closest to Bayside Marketplace (just across the street) compared to YVE Hotel, but YVE is only about one block away, so it is an easy walk. I have had many great dinners and great mojitos at the Bayside Marketplace. There are fancy restaurants, but also a food court with cheaper eats, that I absolutely love.
Perez Art Museum Miami` is just around the corner, showcasing contemporary and modern art pieces that will leave you spellbound. This is closer to the Holiday Inn with a 19-minute walk, but still only a 23-minute walk from YVE Hotel.
The Frost Science Museum is right beside the Perez Art Museum and is also a great place to check out. Also closest to the Holiday Inn and has similar walk times as to Perez art Museum.
And let's not forget about `Miami's Famous South Beach`, which is perfect for a day of sun, sea, and sand. This would be an Uber ride away from both hotels. Miami Beach is a great place to visit if you are staying a few days at the hotel before your cruise, to add to your sun and fun.
Also, an Uber ride away is the Jungle Island Tour and the Miami Children's Museum, this is an 11-minute Uber ride from the Holiday Inn.
Bayfront Park, FPL Amphitheater, Tina Hills Pavilion (sometimes there is free yoga here), Dade County War Memorial and Bayfront playground are located just across the street from YVE hotel. a perfect place to take a stroll or take the kids to play.
If you're a fan of sports, the home of the Miami Heat is a slam dunk! Holiday Inn is the closest as for walking distance to the Arena, but YVE Hotel is still an easy walk. This is the Kaseya Center also known as American Airlines Arena. Check out the list of concerts coming to the arena also.
Finally, for a unique experience, take a short drive to `Little Havana`, the vibrant Cuban heart of Miami. Here, you can indulge in authentic Cuban cuisine, explore cigar shops, and groove to the salsa beats that fill the air. Just an Uber ride away.
If you're feeling inspired, why not book a guided tour of the Wynwood Art District, just a short drive away from the hotel? Trust us, your Instagram feed will thank you.
As you can tell there is so much to see and do nearby. When traveling to Miami for a cruise, you must come down ahead of time to check it all out.
340 Biscayne BLVD
I just love this hotel, and if you are an IHG member you may have discounts or other offers to help you with pricing. One of the first cruises I took from Miami I stayed here, and it was a group of 10 of us. We were so excited for our cruise the next day. The lobby is large and welcoming with the stylings similar to the quality you expect from a Holiday Inn, just a little bit more modern and fancier.
Hotel Accommodations
Holiday Inn offers a variety of room options to cater to your fancies, and even the cheapest make you feel comfortable. The basic room is what I am familiar with. The rooms are clean, and beds are comfortable. The Holiday Inn is under 1 mile away from the cruise terminal, and an Uber ride will be a 4-minute drive usually.
First off, we have our `Standard Rooms` - the epitome of cozy comfort and modern style. They come packed with all your essentials and a view that will make your mornings brighter. There are 2 double bed, and 1 king rooms in the standard room category.
Next, let's talk about our `Suites`. They're spacious guestrooms are splendid, and oh-so-luxurious! They come with a separate living area, an extra-large bathroom, and a view to die for. Separate bedrooms, and not that expensive in comparison to many suites at other hotels.
Amenities
For our fitness aficionados, our state-of-the-art `Fitness Center` is open around the clock. It's filled to the brim with high-end equipment that will keep your workout routine on track even on vacation.
There are coffee makers in the room so you can make a cup of wake up juice in the mornings.
Also, staying connected is a breeze with our Free WiFi service that guarantees seamless connectivity throughout the hotel.
Ask their `Concierge Services` at the front desk, they are always at your beckon call, ready to assist you with anything from sightseeing recommendations to reservations at the city's hottest spots.
The breakfast buffet was great. It did not come with our room but was bought that next morning and the food was great. Marina Bistro Restaurant is great any time of day. Also, if you have kids under the age of 11 (only 2 kids per family) they eat free when parents are eating at the restaurant also. Just check with the restaurant while there.
They do not offer free shuttle transfers from hotel to cruise port, but you can book one for $8 per person (double occupancy required), as a shared shuttle from the hotel. The hotel works with a third party company and can help. I personally have used Uber from here, and it was very cheap.
When booking your room, you can also book a room that has transfer to cruise port included.
Free local calls on the guest room phones are included in your stay.
They do not have a free airport shuttle from Miami International Airport, and if driving to the hotel, parking is very limited in the parking lot area that is adjacent to the back of the hotel. There is free parking across the street at Bayside Market if you would like to use it. They will Valet park your car for $45. Leaving your car parked at the hotel while on the cruise is not an option.
They do have a Sundry Shop inside the hotel where you pick up drinks, snacks and some basic items that you possibly forgot. There is a CVS down the block on Biscayne BLVD but actually YVE hotel is closest to the CVS.
Hotel has great reviews on Google and TripAdvisor.
146 Biscayne BLVD
Oh, the fabulous YVE Hotel Miami, Florida! What truly sets YVE apart from other hotels is its unique blend of modern design and Miami's cultural heritage. From the moment you step into the lobby, you'll be greeted by eye-catching artwork from local artists and a vibrant energy that tells you that you're in the heart of Miami. Don't forget to snap a selfie with the famous mural, created by renowned street artist Jules Muck. YVE Hotel’s close proximity makes it less than 1 mile away from the cruise ships, and an Uber ride will be a 4-minute drive usually.
Hotel Accommodation
Let's dive right into where you'll be resting your head - the spectacular accommodations at YVE! Every guest is unique, and so should be their room. That's why they offer a range of luxurious, comfy, and stylish rooms and suites, all designed with you in mind. When booking, check and see if they are offering deals. Package rates right now are great, they are offering discounted rates to Florida, Georgia or Alabama residents. They also have a special offer where breakfast for 2 is included in your stay. They do have an amenity fee of $22 but I felt it was well worth it. Amenity fees are a common thing, and this one is the cheapest amenity fees I have seen. If you are planning to stay several days before your cruise, they have a deal where that removes the amenity fee. Still room rates with the amenity fee included are the cheapest in the downtown area.
Guest rooms are a blend of contemporary elegance and a pinch of Miami's vibrant vibe, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the shimmering Biscayne Bay and the sparkling cityscape. Each room is outfitted with plush bedding for that dreamy sleep experience, state-of-the-art amenities, and a workspace for those who like to mix a bit of business with pleasure.
Savvy Double bed or King bedrooms are the best rate on a room. Still offering great views of the city. Modern decor and stylish finishings at the cheapest price. This is the room I stayed in at the hotel and it was perfect for what I needed.
Classy Double or King is similar to the Savvy, just a little bit larger of a room. Still a great choice.
The above rooms also have bay view options with just a little bit of a price jump. Looking at the bay from your hotel room is a great option.
Bayview Suites and Penthouses are extremely nice with views of Bay or city. They're just your personal slice of paradise in the heart of the city! Spacious, sophisticated, and splashed with a bit of Miami's sunshine and spirit, they're the perfect place for those looking for a little extra room and an extra dose of luxury during your YVE stay. Honestly the prices may surprise you, It's not terribly expensive for the suite or penthouse,
No matter which room or suite you choose, one thing's certain - you'll be enjoying Miami in high style and comfort at YVE! The accommodations aren't just a place to sleep; they're your home away from home in this vivacious city!
Amenities
If you're craving some authentic Cuban cuisine, look no further than the on-site restaurant Biscayne Tavern and Grill. Get ready to indulge in mouth-watering dishes bursting with flavors that will transport you straight to Havana. Breakfast can be included at the Tavern depending on the room you book.
Depending on the room, and amenity fee that is paid, you can get a free drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic at the bar). You should definitely take advantage of this. The bar is very nice. With the amenity fee you get water bottles in your room, discounts to Hard Rock Cafe, and a digital entry to your room via your cell phone.
Step into our state-of-the-art fitness center, which stays open 24/7, and let's beat that jet lag together!
With Amenity fee you also get Unlimited local and long distance (Continental US and Caribbean) phone calls.
They have a business center that has all you need to stay on top of your game, with high-speed internet access and modern meeting rooms available round the clock. If you need those things before you jump on your cruise ship.
And let's not forget our concierge service, always ready with a smile to help you explore Miami like a local, guiding you to the city's hidden gems and must-visit spots.
They do not offer cruise shuttles to the port but are willing to help you. Similar to what Holiday Inn does and it is $16 for 2 people to get transport to the port. Still getting a taxi or using an Uber are easy to do.
Cruise parking is also something that is not offered. They have limited parking and cannot accommodate an extra car being left here while you are on the cruise ship.
Being so close to the CVS is helpful, just across the street. Especially when I forgot to buy my seasick pills. I prefer purchasing Bonnie, they never make me drowsy. Grab your snack and drinks cheap here compared to buying from a hotel, plus they have more selections.
YVE Hotel has great reviews on Google and Tripadvisor, and I absolutely love this hotel!
So why stay at any ordinary hotel when you can experience the vibrant culture and energy of Miami at YVE? Book your stay now and get ready to live your best life in the perfect location.
Whichever hotel you choose, they are both great, I could not ask for anything any better. The location, and price for a quality hotel, that overlooks the bay, can't be beat. I highly recommend them both, I stay at whichever is cheaper on that visit or not booked up already. Holiday Inn books up quickly so be prepared. Every cruise I have taken in Miami there have been many cruise passengers staying at these 2 hotels. Also, for the latest information on prices and deals check out the websites to each hotel.
For those of you who need free vehicle parking for the whole length of cruise there are several closer to the airport that offer this service. For me though if I drive down and stayed at one of these hotels before a cruise, I would still prefer to park my car at the cruise terminal parking area, so when I got off the ship at the end of my cruise I would just load up my car and leave for home. So, pack your bags and pick your paradise! These hotels are ready to dazzle you with downtown Miami near the port area. Now it is time to enjoy your cruise.
Some pictures in this post are not mine, some are taken directly from hotel websites. I was not a blogger when I visited Miami last, but soon I will be down there and replace those pictures.
Some links in my post contain affiliate links, if you click on them and make a purchase I might receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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