One night pre-cruise - weekend of Ultra festival

Question

We are flying into MIA on Sat 29th March and boarding a cruise the following day. We need a one night stay for 2 adults and 3 children. When we booked the holiday we were not aware that this festival was on, so availability and cost of hotels isn't great. We can stay in Home2 Suites by Hilton for £286 - room for 5 inc breakfast. However, the reviews aren't great and the photos online seem to be computer generated. Alternatively there is Townplace suites by Marriott £318 or Hyatt House £319 (both near the airport). Alternatively we could stay in the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables for £361. This hotel looks far nicer so perhaps worth the extra money, despite it not including breakfast.

The issue I have is that while the latter 3 hotels have 2 double beds and a sofa bed in the room, they are only advertised for 4. I find this strange since they obviously can accommodate 5 people sleeping in them. Are they likely to care if 5 of us check in to a room that was only advertised for 4, although it can sleep 5?

Would appreciate thoughts on this :)

Answer

For your one-night pre-cruise stay in Miami during the Ultra Music Festival weekend, it’s understandable that hotel rates are high and availability limited. Since you’re traveling with 2 adults and 3 children, the main concerns are comfort, sleeping arrangements, and check-in policies regarding maximum occupancy.

Regarding the hotels you listed:

Home2 Suites by Hilton (£286): Pros are that it explicitly accommodates 5, includes breakfast, and is more budget-friendly. Cons are that reviews are mixed, and the room photos may be digitally enhanced, which sometimes exaggerates size or features.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott (£318) and Hyatt House (£319): Both near the airport, usually advertised for 4 but with 2 double beds plus a sofa bed. While physically they can fit 5 people, hotels often charge extra for a fifth person, and occupancy limits are stated in their system mainly for safety, insurance, and fire codes. Many families do stay with 5, but it’s safest to call the hotel and confirm whether 5 can legally and comfortably stay in the room.
Hyatt Regency Coral Gables (£361): Higher-end, nicer amenities, but doesn’t include breakfast. While the room may physically accommodate 5, hotels that advertise a max of 4 may charge extra for the fifth or may require an additional rollaway. Again, calling ahead to confirm is recommended.

Important considerations:

Hotels often set maximum occupancy for safety and insurance reasons, even if the room layout seems sufficient.
Not disclosing the fifth guest can lead to extra charges or being asked to move rooms at check-in, so it’s better to clarify in advance.
Given the festival, hotels are busy and may enforce occupancy limits more strictly than usual.
If convenience and comfort are a priority, the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables is a good option for quality, but for safety and simplicity, a hotel that explicitly accommodates 5 may reduce stress.

Recommendation: If minimizing risk is important, book the Home2 Suites since it officially fits 5 and includes breakfast. If you prefer a nicer hotel experience and are willing to pay a bit more, call Hyatt Regency or the Marriott/Hyatt House in advance, explain your situation, and request confirmation for 5 guests in the room. Most likely, they will allow it for an extra fee or provide a rollaway, but verifying first will avoid surprises at check-in.

In summary, physically most rooms can accommodate 5, but for insurance and policy reasons, it’s safer to book a room advertised for 5 or get written confirmation from the hotel before arrival.

One night pre-cruise - weekend of Ultra festival

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