Contemporary Hilton Miami Downtown set along Biscayne Bay makes a great pre-cruise hotel. And it’s perfect for downtown Miami sightseeing as it’s connected to the free Miami Metromover.
Selecting Miami Accommodations That Wouldn’t “Sink” Our Budget
When we planned a cruise out of Miami, there was one catch. The most affordable flights brought us to town two days prior to cruise embarkation. And, when we began our search for a hotel near the Miami cruise port, the room rates were astronomical, and some even cost as much money as we were paying for our weekend cruise! Thanks to a tip from a travel agent friend, we were referred to the Hilton Miami Downtown and landed a nightly rate of $276 and booked it right away.
Even better than the affordable rate (for Miami), the Miami International Airport was only 7.5 miles from the hotel, and the Port of Miami cruise port was even closer, at 2.1 miles away. As an option, you can also fly into the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International airport but duly note that it is 24 miles away from the hotel and Miami traffic is horrendous!
Staying Anywhere in Downtown Miami Feels Upscale
I will start off by saying that downtown Miami is a fancy type of town typically visited by the rich and famous. Set along Biscayne Bay, the area really looks like something you would see on a postcard. So yes, you could call the Hilton Miami Downtown hotel upscale as well, but we felt comfortable staying there.
The tall 527-room tower style hotel is exactly what you’d picture in a city landscape of tall buildings. The hotel’s façade of windows is stunning, and those same windows offer incredible views of the cityscape and the bay from inside.
Originally built in the 70s, this hotel went through a $25 million renovation in 2023. During our stay, the lobby was always bustling with guests (like a city street) but that added to the energized atmosphere.
The outdoor pool offered downtown views for miles. We enjoyed cocktails at the pool bar, and then head inside to a fancy onsite restaurant where you can eat inside or outside on the patio. Of course, Starbucks in the lobby was also appreciated.
Lots of Hotel Perks Even For a 2-Night Stay
Originally we looked at our stay at the Hilton Miami Downtown hotel as the start of our cruise weekend but it turned out to be much more than just that. In fact, it’s a hotel that we plan to revisit one day and stay for an entire week’s vacation.
In addition to a wonderful check-in experience, the front desk staff played up the excitement for our upcoming cruise, and immediately set up our cruise shuttle to the port. Knowing that we only had one night and a full day to sightsee Miami, the concierge team stepped right up to offer suggestions.
In addition, all amenities were described to us and they quickly convinced us that the pool was worth visiting. I was not planning to unpack my cruise bathing suits but we gave in. The pool is located on the same level as the main lobby in a gated area for hotel guests only.
The time we spent at the pool was so relaxing that after I enjoyed a pina colada at the CityVu Pool Bar, I actually fell asleep for two hours on a lounge that sits on fake turf-like grass. The view from the pool area was surreal. I kept looking around, marveling over the spectacular view of Miami.
While there is no spa at the hotel, which is surprising for an upscale Miami hotel, there is a 24-hour gym with LifeFitness brand equipment, free weights, exercise balls, water machine, towels, and more.
If you’re driving to the hotel, the valet parking is $45.00 per day and the closest EV (electric vehicle) charging is about one mile away from the hotel.
Note: We’re glad we opted to take the convenient cruise port shuttle than an Uber or a Lyft. The shuttle driver dropped us off right at the cruise terminal where port workers immediately took our luggage.
Hilton Food and Beverages
We tried not to overeat (or drink) prior to the cruise but the food and beverages in the hotel were just too convenient.
Right off the lobby is the 1601 Lounge Bar, serves Starbucks coffee in the morning and then transforms to a bar/lounge at night. On Thursday evenings, there’s a hopping happy hour, and pub style menu that features a delicious 1601 Burger on a brioche bun and the Chicken Quesadillas.
The Starbucks was our first stop each morning for coffee and breakfast that we carried outside to the bay area to enjoy the water view and fresh air.
We had dinner one night at the onsite Brisa Bistro restaurant serving International and Caribbean inspired dishes. We enjoyed the Caprese Salad, Beef Empanadas, and Chicken Picatta with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Room service is available from both restaurants but we saved our splurges for the cruise.
Guest Rooms With a View
When we checked into the hotel, I made sure to mention that I didn’t want to stay at the very top of the hotel. Thankfully, we were given a seventh floor, 2 Queen beds guest room with a view of Biscayne Bay. Walking to our room at 4:30 pm, the hallways were noticeably quiet despite the large pre-cruise crowd that had checked in.
Walking into the room, I did give a “wow” to the room’s décor, furniture, spaciousness, and the view. With the hotel’s tall beaming glass exterior, it’s not surprising that our guest room featured floor-to-ceiling windows with a view that made up for the pricey Miami accommodations rate.
The colors and geometric patterns on the walls and coordinating geometric design carpeting was eye-catching as was the red chairs. We immediately noticed the flat-screen TV and Cuisinart coffee maker with both Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf products. The mini-fridge was tucked away in a cabinet and not necessary for us this trip. The desk workstation had plenty of USB charging outlets for our mobile devices and laptops.
The bed was “Hilton” comfortable as it featured the hotel’s signature Hilton Serenity Beds with a plushy down comforter. The feather filled pillows were a bit too squishy and soft for us but we didn’t “lose any sleep” over it. I am always a big fan of blackout curtains like we had in this hotel room.
The bathroom was fancy and obviously not new, but the free Crab Tree & Evelyn toiletries and fancy rainfall showerhead was a nice touch.
Free Sightseeing Aboard the Miami Metromover
We had visited Miami a few times prior so did not plan to visit touristy attractions. However, aside from spending time at the hotel’s pool and at the bay, we wanted to do a bit of local sightseeing to pass some of our free time.
Thanks to a great recommendation from the hotel’s concierge team, we hopped aboard the free Miami Metromover that is connected to the hotel. It’s an electrically powered public transit system that loops around the busy Miami city area along 4.4 miles.
The cars run every 90 seconds (approximately) during rush hour and every three minutes during off-peak hours, with 21 stops along three different neighborhood routes: Omni, Inner and Brickell Loop. It was such a fun way to see the city and the free price tag was much appreciated.
Rest assured, when you’re riding the Metromover, the station names are clearly announced prior to arriving at each station.
Takeaways: Pros and Cons About the Hotel
We had another great Hilton experience and we would definitely stay again at the Hilton Miami Downtown.
Pros:
- Convenient access to the cruise port, the bay, and the Miami metro area
- Great for cruise passengers, families, and business travelers.
- Guest rooms with Hilton Serenity beds and great views from floor-to-ceiling windows.
- Outdoor pool offers city view and a convenient pool bar.
- Great restaurant with delicious International cuisine.
- Bar at night transforms to a convenient Starbucks in the morning.
- Around the corner from the free Miami Metromover.
Cons:
- Pricey accommodations and restaurant food
- No spa onsite
- No beach access
Originally from Long Island, New York, Donna Wright now calls Deland, Florida her home. An avid traveler, she has journeyed by air, land, and sea, to many cities in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean to exciting destinations like California, Arizona, Las Vegas, San Diego, Myrtle Beach, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and more.
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