Need Advice on a Place to Stay

Question

We are a couple in our 70s and will be in Miami on a Monday and a Tuesday in early March without a car. (We are coming for a wedding and will be with other people during the earlier part of this trip.)

Our flight leaves from Miami airport on Tuesday at 7.15 pm. We need a place to stay on Monday night so that we can sightsee on Monday and Tuesday and leave for the airport. Tourist stuff is OK and beaches are OK.

What town should we look for hotels/motels in? Is downtown a reasonable option?

Thanks.

Answer

For a short trip to Miami in early March without a car, you’ll want to stay in an area that’s walkable and well-connected by public transport or ride-share, and that gives you easy access to both sightseeing and the airport.

Here are some considerations for towns and neighborhoods:

Downtown Miami / Brickell: This area is convenient for cultural attractions like Pérez Art Museum, Bayside Marketplace, and the American Airlines Arena. It’s very walkable, has plenty of restaurants, and Uber/Lyft rides are easy to arrange. From Downtown or Brickell, Miami International Airport (MIA) is only about 15–20 minutes away.
Miami Beach (South Beach or Mid-Beach): Staying on the beach gives you the iconic Miami experience with oceanfront walks and Art Deco architecture. South Beach is very lively, but can be crowded. Mid-Beach is quieter, still walkable, and has good restaurants. Uber/Lyft can take you to the airport in 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
Coconut Grove: A quieter, charming area with boutique hotels, walkable streets, and parks. Good for leisurely sightseeing and close to the bay. Travel time to MIA is about 20–25 minutes.

Some tips for your stay:

Since you don’t have a car, prioritize hotels near areas with attractions you want to see or easy ride-share access. Hotels in Downtown/Brickell or South/Mid-Beach are ideal for this.
Check for hotels that offer shuttle service to MIA; some beach resorts and downtown hotels provide this.
Book early for early March, as this is a popular season with pleasant weather and spring break crowds.

Recommended options:

Downtown/Brickell: Hyatt Regency Miami, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Kimpton EPIC Hotel
South Beach: Loews Miami Beach, The Betsy Hotel, Fontainebleau Miami Beach (if you enjoy larger resorts)
Mid-Beach: The Setai, 1 Hotel & Homes, Faena Hotel
Coconut Grove: The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Mayfair Hotel & Spa

In summary, Downtown Miami or South/Mid-Beach are the most convenient areas without a car. Downtown provides closer proximity to museums and the airport, while the beach areas offer scenic walks and iconic Miami experiences. Both options work well for a short, sightseeing-focused trip.

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