Best Miami Beach Hotels with Beach Access & Luxury for Cruisers
Port Miami and Port Everglades are two of the most popular cruise ports in the United States, so it’s no wonder that cruisers often ask “What’s the best hotel in Miami?” With nearly 185 hotels, the choice can be overwhelming, so my answer is that it depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re flying in the night before your cruise out of the Miami cruise port and simply looking for something clean, affordable, and with long-term parking options and/or a shuttle to the cruise port, here are my recommendations. If your preference is to effectively tag on another beach day to the front end of your cruise, my recommendation list is completely different. If you look at a map of Miami Beach, you will note that it’s small, totaling just 15 square miles, but there are many great options. Before proceeding, however, note two important things:
1) Miami is expensive, and cruisers sometimes experience sticker shock even when considering affordable hotel options. Miami Beach hotels are even more pricey, and many tack on resort fees, although these may be waived for credit card holders, so make sure to check on that.
2) I do not recommend a Miami beach hotel stay in the months of March and April, as this is “spring break season” and the beaches are romping with rowdy students.
Best Miami Beach Hotels Before a Cruise
Andaz Miami Beach
Address: 4041 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140
This Hyatt property may be owned by a big-name chain, but it feels like a chic boutique property. Located about seven miles from the cruise port, Andaz (formerly known as The Confidante) provides a retro glam beach vibe. Each hour, guests receive free popsicles and lemonade, and they have direct access to Miami Beach, including using umbrellas, chairs, and towels. Note: This property is undergoing renovation and rebranding, so check before booking to ensure that the pool area is open.
Circa 39 Miami Beach
Address: 3900 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33140
Located almost directly across the street from The Confidante is Circa 39, which truly is a smaller and more intimate boutique hotel. This is a “beachside” hotel, not beachfront, meaning guests must cross Collins Avenue to access Miami Beach. It’s a short and easy walk, literally just across the street, and once at the beach, Circa 39 guests enjoy access to complimentary umbrellas and chairs. The hotel provides beach towels in the lobby, so grab those before heading to the beach. The pool here is smaller than the other two properties but rarely crowded.
Bentley Hotel South Beach
Address: 510 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
The website doesn’t make this immediately clear, but Bentley Hotel South Beach is a Hilton property. This hotel offers beachfront access and more amenities than some of the other Miami Beach hotels, such as a rooftop pool, Jacuzzi, and spa. Like the others, Bentley Hotel provides guests with complimentary access to loungers and umbrellas, via the Bentley Beach Club, and towels are handed to guests at the beach. Wait staff are also on hand for guests who wish to order food or drinks, and the property is located about six miles from the cruise port.
Miami Beach Transfer Service
There are many hotels in Miami Beach, but these consistently rank among the top choices for travelers cruising out of Port Miami who want a beach day experience. They’re a little pricey, but the extra beach day experience makes it worth the cost if that’s what you’re seeking. When it comes to getting to these properties from the Miami airport, there are four main options. To view these options, and see the pricing for each of them, check out my Port Miami post.
To get from Miami Beach to Port Miami, private transfer service through Get Transfer starts at $21 for up to three people, or $25 for a van that fits up to 8 people, and Uber runs $20-35, depending on the day and time.
Things to do Near Miami (other than the beach!)
Book Your Miami Hotel Now
Planning An Affordable Cruise
- Cruise Bookings: If you are a first-time cruiser, I strongly recommend using a travel agent or cruise line personal consultant. Complete the form below if you’d like me to help you with your booking as a travel agent. If you are a seasoned cruiser and are confident booking yourself, I recommend Cruise Direct as the cheapest option.
- Excursions: Viator is best for affordable cruise excursions. Do not return to ship late if you book your own excursion, as the ship will not wait for you.
- Hotels: I recommend Expedia for savings on hotels near cruise ports.
- Transfer Service: For the most convenient and affordable transfer option to get from airport to port, and one that is private, I recommend Get Transfer
- Car Rental: Expedia often has the best car rental options at and near cruise port locations.
- Flights: I recommend using third-party vendors to search for the cheapest flight, but always book direct.
- Luggage Storage: Radical Storage is best for stowing luggage affordably when you have a late flight home.
