Miami Travel Forum

Planning to spend 2 extra nights after cruise out of Miami. Flying from FT. Lauderdale airport so can stay anywhere between Miami & FT. Lauderdale. Just looking for a cheap place within walking distance to beach in area that has some eating options nearby (Restaurants,fast food &/or supermarket)Also a place not too hard to get to from Port of Miami- Would taxi would be the only option? Thanks

taxi is the best option, public transport is not too developed yet. you have plenty by between those cities, my old neighborhood ::) the beach area is not cheap ,tourists abound and sometimes chic upscale. the area of LeJeune Road and NW 36 st around Miami airport has many hotels/restos you got La Quinta, Ramada, Howard Johnson,Marriotts, Hilton, etc.google their sites.
this site tells you about the area of Miami hotels and restos
http://www.miami.com/

same can be said for Fort Lauderdale, quality inn, comfort suites airport, are some names to seek out,this site will help you choose

http://www.sunny.org/

good luck

Unfortunately, Miami and FLL are not practical in terms of budget travelling. Taxi from the seaport would set you back a sum. if you are coming into FLL it is better to go somewhere near FLL.. Hollywood Beach is a good option, right on the beach, lots of places to eat and you MIGHT be able to get a place to stay around 80 usd?
Hollywood beach is fairly close to FLL airport so that would be an advantage as well. I have stayed in that part many times, and there are reasonable places to eat along the broadwalk: mexican, turkish, vegetarian, organic, middle eastern and even american!
All the best to you..

Is it out of the question for you to rent a car? That would probably be cheaper than taking a cab.

There is a tri-rail connection from near the Miami airport to the FLL airport. I've never taken it, so I don't know all the ins and outs, but here's a link to their web site. http://www.tri-rail.com/

Were I you, I would find a cheap place in South Beach (there are some, if you're willing to stay a few blocks from the beach.) It's a fun place to hang out and there are lots of restaurants. It's not terribly far from the cruise terminal. You could probably figure out a bus route to get to the tri-rail when you're ready to leave.

Renting a car is an option,just trying to keep things simple as far as logistics & finances.We plan to primarily spend time at the beach so I don't know if we have much need for a car/is parking included at most hotels? Probably would have to rent car @ airport or are there rentals near Port?
Thanks

There's a Herz rental near the port. They have a free shuttle that will pick you up.

Parking costs depend on the hotel. I don't know about FL, but I'm guessing that if you went straight there you'd probably be more likely to find free parking and probably cheaper hotels. That said, Miami Beach is pretty great.