Overnight in Miami

Posted by: rodwsmith on 08 December 2010

Any ideas?

I face the not altogether unexciting trauma that is flying through Miami to get to Costa Rica in January, and it seems that in one direction at least this will involve an overnight stay (about 6pm - 10am). This is long enough to attempt to get some atmosphere absorbed (something Cuban perhaps), but short enough to worry me that immigration and sorting out travel to and from airport is going to be grief-laden.

But as I'm sure there are no actual air-side hotels, short of trying to eat/sleep and entertain myself in an airport for 16 hours, I have little choice but to try.

Anyone faced similar, any recommendations?

Cheers

Rod
Posted on: 08 December 2010 by Derek Wright
Next bet to actually staying in the lounge is to get a airport side hotel - there used to be a Marriott. Trying to get some atmosphere ie on Miami Beach would be too much grief - worst case allow two or three hours to get through immigration and baggage claim plus travel time to any hotel
Posted on: 11 December 2010 by garyi
I have visited Miami twice. Its not great.

I don't know if its the same across america but they are total arseholes in immigration. That will take you at least an hour and a half, all the while videos of gurning americans telling you, you are welcome play on big screens.



You could spunk your money and stay in the Delano.

Other than that its like a blank big city with shops on regular street corners. Very little to say, but the weather is good.

San Fran was sooo much nicer.
Posted on: 11 December 2010 by rodwsmith
I have booked the airside hotel (not an unreasonable $130 given that you're captive somewhat). The restaurant apparently has a view of the Miami skyline and I have a boxed-set of 'Dexter' at home(although that was filmed in LA, natch).

Derek's, and other people's, comments put me off being any more adventurous. I shall take a Buchan book or something.

Looking forward to Costa Rica immeasurably though. I am doing a wine tasting on-board a mega-yacht (they are paying everything for this, tee hee!) and then have tagged on 6 days of R&R on the Pacific coast near the Gulf of Papagayo,

A beach day, and then some serious hiking I think.

Thanks both for taking the trouble to respond.

Rod
Posted on: 11 December 2010 by garyi
I think the problem I have with Miami is it is what it is, pretty much how you see it on TV.

Butch gay men doing weights on the beach and young women rollerblading. It really is just that and there does not seem to be an interesting side to it.

I could of course be wrong.

The mega yacht sounds good though! I learnt a long time a go you don't actually get pissed if you spit the wine back out, so just drink it down Winker
Posted on: 11 December 2010 by Derek Wright
The Art Deco buildings on South Miami Beach justify a stroll along the road there. Some "interesting" types as well.
Posted on: 12 December 2010 by JAB
get a hotel in south beach. rates are pretty reasonable cf say NYC. hang out on the strip for the evening. you will have a good time.