I forgot to mention that I am wondering if it's better for us to stay at a hotel close to the airport (with shuttle service) and take cabs out for the night, i.e. for dinner etc. Just want to get some opinions.

I'm looking at the same sort of thing, but for one night before cruise, then 4 nights after.

I think I have decided on downtown for the 1 night, but I am also considering sticking to downtown for the other 4 nights. I can get all these nights free with Marriott points, so it is making sense for that reason, then I am thinking I can go all directions from there. It is Courtyard Marriott Downtown I'm looking at.

There is Bayside nearby with shops and evening stuff, then there is the metromover which can take you to train stations for Coral Gables or Dade shopping mall, and also to the bus that takes you over to Lincoln Road for South Beach.

I also looked at Coral Gables for the 4 nights (priceline seem to do the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables at bids of $56 upwards which is fantastic). I bid about $60 and never got it, but then I can't see availability on any other website for the Hyatt for my dates.

I'm still looking for opinions on whether I'd be mad just to stick with downtown after the cruise too. It's looking good as it's free, but then I'm realising it's more central for transport.

Michelle,

While Coral Gables is close to the airport (about 20 minutes) it's not convenient to Miami or especially Miami Beach.

You'll find plenty of places to eat and walk around in the Gables along Coral Way (also known as Miracle Mile and 22nd St.). It's a really great area.

But be prepared for a $25+ cab ride to Miami and $40 to Miami Beach.

Depending on your budget, the Intercontinental Hotel on the Bay overlooks BaySide Market and is great downtown area for walking. It and more modest options (Courtyard Downtown or Holiday Inn) are across the street from BaySide and the entire area is nore more than 20-25 minutes from the airport.

Do be careful walking too far to the west side (away from the water) off Biscayne if you stay downtown. Otherwise, it's great and you won't have any problems.

Also, check out this post for other suggestions about the downtown or Coral Gables area.

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g34438-i92-k210672…

Go Sox!

Thank you so much for that information, very helpful. Since we'll only have 4 5 hours that night, really just time for dinner & drinks, seems like Coral Gables will make perfect sense. Our flight is early the next morning.

One more question, if you don't mind... How much of a cab ride is it to Little Havana? Would love to get dinner there.

Again, thanks.

Oh and YES, GO SOX!

The cab from the airport to Coral Gables is about $20 so I think Little Havana would be in the $10 to $15 range. There are some great restaurants in the Gables that you might want to check out.

Michelle,

A cab ride to Little Havana isn't bad - under $20.

Altough the Gables has two of my fav restaurants, (Randazzo's and John Martin's), if you're set on Cuban food (and there's none better in the country), Versailles is the place you want to go.

Every cabbie will know where it is but it's at 35th and 8th St. (Calle Ocho) which is the main street in Little Havana. After dinner, you'll want to go through the connected bakery and get treats for the morning.

When staying in Coral Gables, make sure you're staying either on or near Coral Way/Miracle Mile. That's were the good bars are and the nice walking.