Miami Hotel Recs

ksmiller

Hi-

My hubby & I will have an overnight layover in Miami on Christmas Eve (on our way back from Punta Cana)- we would like to stay in a hotel close to the airport (preferably no more than $100 for the night), but that also either has a decent restaurant (again, no more than $100 for the 2 of us, and preferably not a chain restaurant), or is within walking distance of some good restaurants.  Any recommendations?

Thanks from an Ohio Gal!

muddilicious

I am not giving you a particular recommendation.  But I would check some online travel sites to find a hotel in that price point and come back here or go to tripadvisor to check for reviews before you book. 

I would try to stay in the Coral Gables area (East/South side of the airport, and stay away from NW 36 St (North/West side).

I am from the NW 36 St area and many of them are sketchy and their parking lots are havens for crime against tourists.

ksmiller

Thanks for the tips. We were looking at the Sofitel (it's just under $100/night) and is very close to the airport. Do you know anything about it?  It's on Blue Lagoon Dr.

muddilicious

Yes and I have actually stayed there.  There isn't much around that area to do anything really, but the hotel itself is nice.  The area is mainly businesses and the Sofitel was originally built for high end business travel (I believe).  You will have to pay for parking if you have a car. I also paid about $100/night and was very pleased with the quality. 

ksmiller

Thanks again- I'll keep looking (in Coral Gables), and let you know if I find anything else.

Engagey

There are actually 2 good restaurants near the Sofitel -- the 94th Aero Squadron (I'm not saying it's good b/c I had my wedding there but really, they have good food) and there is an Italian restaurant called Ana Capri (they have 3 locations in Miami) in the shopping center next to the Sofitel. Hope that helps!

cocojack10

Sofitel is a nice hotel, but like pp said, not much to do in the area.  As for a nicer area near the airport, I too recommend Coral Gables.  And the best part is that there is SO much to do in that area within walking distance.  Miracle Mile has a ton of restaurants and shops to keep you entertained.  In that area, I highly recommend the Colonade Hotel (but may be out of your price range).

Another option is the Doral area.  The Interncontinental is off of 36 ST and 87 Ave (very close to airport), and an upscale hotel.  I'm sure it will fit your budget.  And there are a lot of restaurants in the area, but mostly chain (chili's macaroni grill, etc).  Then there is the Doral Resort on 36 st which is upscale hotel with nice restaurants.  Again, maybe out of the price range, but very nice hotel.

cocojack10

Oh and the 94 AeroSquadron is a very good restaurant!  And it has a view of the airport off the runway, so you can see the planes take off and land!  LOL

ksmiller

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions!!