Rose Tours just posted their annual pre-cruise hotel special for Marriott Biscayne Bay. Their rate is $119/night with the code "rosrosa." But an enterprising BH got an even better rate for the same night at the same hotel. You can get a room for $109/night if you call the hotel directly at 305-374-3900 and ask for the "Crystal Foshee Cruise Group" rate!
The Marriott, previous Rose Tours' favorite Intercontinental, and Holiday Inn are very close to the port, so if you don't plan on doing much Wednesday or the days before we set sail, that's the best location to choose. Lots of cruisers have already booked Holiday Inn and are planning a Wednesday night get-together.
If you plan on going out on the town Wednesday night or if you are going to stay in Miami for a few days, I'd recommend staying in South Beach. Otherwise you'll end up spending $50 in cab fare each time you go back and forth to the shops, clubs, and restaurants.
Many of my friends go back every year to the Casa Grande Suite Hotel in South Beach. Don't let the name throw you off; it's no luxury resort. But it is in a prime location, and all the rooms have full kitchens and free wi-fi.
There are dozens of hotels in South Beach, many of which are boutique and independent hotels, so do a little homework before you book by checking reviews on TripAdvisor or another site. No one wants to start a vacation by staying in a place with a broken shower or no air conditioning.
Cruisers, where are you staying? What rates have you booked? Share in the comments!
I'm sure what I've done is overkill, but I got some good rates and have my roomie and I covered. I currently have 4 rooms on hold and will wait until closer to see what are plans are and where we both are on budget, then I will decide which room to keep. I booked the Holiday Inn because it's close to port and lots are staying there. I also booked Days Inn which is cheap and has a free shuttle from airport and to port. I booked packages at Embassy Suites and Courtyard by Marriott South Beach which include breakfast and transfer to the port. I used my AAA for all rates. Marriott South Beach is by far the most expensive, so we'll see if we really want that splurge when the time comes.
ReplyDeletewhat "our" plans are that is, lol, I need to proofread!
ReplyDeleteWe're booked at the Biscayne Bay Marriott... proximity to port and the $109 price tag made it too good to resist.
ReplyDeleteIf you're looking for a fun South Beach boutique hotel, I've stayed at the Essex House (sister hotel of The Clevelander). It's in the heart of SoBe on Collins and one block off Ocean Ave. Reasonable prices, great studio suite style rooms AND full priviledges at the Clevelander... including use of their "Rock Star Concierge". This concierge can get you reservations anywhere and VIP list for most clubs. He actually met us at the back door of one of the Clevelander clubs(when there was a huge line around the block to get in), gave us wristbands and took us up a secret stairwell into the club. VERY rockstar! :)
Here's their website if you're interested (I recommend calling directly and working out a better price... they came down by about $50 per night from the prices listed on the web when I called and spoke with the manager) http://www.essexhotel.com/index.html#
Its really nice deal as I have been the customer of this hotel many time and each time its a pleasant experience.
ReplyDeleter4
My girls and I are planning to stay at the Marriott as well. Not sure if they booked yet or not.
ReplyDeletemy friend and I are unable to go on the cruise, so we have 2 spots in a quad room. where should I post this info? we'd like to find replacements asap.
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S_Joy
Is your offer still good right now Julie Orr
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Love your blog! Just wondering, after your hiatus this year, were you still in the preferred booking category? Hubs & I cruised in 2011,I'm hoping to talk him into going again in 2013...wondering if we'd be eligible for priority booking.
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