A Decent Airport Hotel
Let's not be mistaken; the Miami Airport Marriott is by no means a luxury hotel. The lobby is beautifully renovated and modern, but the rooms are badly in need of touch ups, as are the elevators. This is a good option if you're only staying overnight and are not planning to go into Miami or the surrounding area. There are a few very good Cuban places near by for breakfast or lunch and a free shuttle to the departures area of the airport. If, however, you're planning on spending more time in the room or going into Miami itself, it may be better to look elsewhere, particularly for a hotel in the downtown area. It is not an easy ride into the city by taxi, and public transit if a nightmare. It cost me about $15 to get from the shopping mall about 10 minutes from the hotel to Calle Ocho and 12th. The staff at the hotel are very friendly and helpful, and the service is generally good. Despite the aged appearance of the rooms, they are nonetheless clean and well-kept, and the large flat-screen TVs make it easy to forgive some of the shortcomings. There's a Starbucks in the lobby of the hotel, as well as a sports bar with numerous TVs, should you decide to spend a night in.
Unique Quality: Internet service here costs $14 per night. However, if you get the special package (I don't know which one, I thought I had booked a standard room), the rate includes internet and parking, which are both great boons to the traveler. I won't lie, one of the best qualities of this hotel is actually outside its gates. Sabor Latino, a Cuban diner, has insanely good, cheap breakfast. See my tip on the restaurant for exactly why this is a draw. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck, both of which will come in handy given the hellish humidity of Miami.