Where to Stay Downtown Before or After Your Cruise
Best Downtown Miami Hotels for PortMiami (Pre & Post-Cruise)
Flying in before embarkation—or off the ship with hours to spare? These four Downtown Miami hotels make pre/post-cruise stays easy: quick rides to PortMiami, walkable food at Bayside, and simple access to Kaseya Center for shows the night before.
Quick Picks for Cruisers (Downtown → PortMiami 5–15 min by car)
Key — $$ smart-budget • $$$$ luxury
*Times vary by traffic and terminal—always check live directions on your dates.
Why Downtown Miami Works for Cruisers
- Close to PortMiami: typically 5–15 minutes by car depending on traffic and terminal.
- Walkable downtime: Bayside Marketplace, waterfront paths, and arena events steps away.
- Transit options: Metromover/Metrorail for airport links and Brickell/Arts District exploring.
The Elser Hotel & Residences — $$$$ • Best for Space & Families
- Apartment-style suites with full kitchens, balconies, and living areas—perfect for pre/post-cruise staging.
- Quick access to Bayside and the waterfront; rideshare to PortMiami ≈6–10 minutes*
- Great for families, groups, or anyone with lots of luggage.
InterContinental Miami — $$$$ • Classic Bayfront Luxury
- Spa, upscale dining, and polished service on the downtown waterfront.
- Easy rideshare to PortMiami ≈7–12 minutes*; walk to Bayside for dinner the night before.
- Great for couples/special occasions and stress-free check-ins.
citizenM Miami Worldcenter — $$ • Stylish, Efficient Value
- Modern micro-rooms (king beds, mood lighting, tablet controls) + lively rooftop.
- 24/7 canteenM for odd-hour arrivals; rideshare to PortMiami ≈8–12 minutes*
- Great for design lovers who want easy, efficient pre/post-cruise stays.
YOTEL Miami — $$ • Smart Budget with a Rooftop Scene
- Compact, design-forward rooms; upbeat rooftop pool for a last-night wind-down.
- Metromover access for exploring; rideshare to PortMiami ≈8–14 minutes*
- Great for budget-savvy cruisers who still want style.
Cruise-Day Game Plans
- Pre-cruise night: Arrive, drop bags, stroll Bayside for dinner, early night. Request early checkout if your embarkation slot is early.
- Post-cruise morning: Disembark early, ask hotel about luggage storage if you’re staying that night—or stash bags and explore before a late flight.
- Between ship & flight: Consider Frost Science Museum, Pérez Art Museum Miami, or a Biscayne Bay boat tour from Bayside.
Ready to lock your pre/post-cruise stay?
*All times/distances are estimates; verify live directions on your dates. Links may be affiliate.
FAQ
Everything cruisers ask about Downtown Miami hotels near PortMiami—rides, storage, early/late check times, and which hotel fits your style.
What are the best hotels downtown for a pre/post-cruise stay?
Four proven picks: citizenM Miami Worldcenter, YOTEL Miami, The Elser Hotel & Residences, and InterContinental Miami.
How long is the ride from Downtown to PortMiami?
Typically 5–15 minutes by taxi or rideshare, depending on terminal and traffic. Check live directions the morning of embarkation/debarkation.
Is there a hotel shuttle to the cruise port?
Not usually—because the port is so close. Rideshare/taxis are the norm and run throughout embarkation windows.
Best hotel for families or lots of luggage?
The Elser Hotel & Residences for kitchen suites, balconies, and extra space—great staging area pre/post-cruise.
Smart-budget picks close to the port?
citizenM and YOTEL deliver high-style rooms without luxury rates—easy rides to the terminal and walkable dining.
Early check-in / late check-out—can I get it?
It’s occupancy-dependent; ask the front desk. Some rates include flexibility. Otherwise, most properties can store luggage so you can explore.
Where can I wait if my flight is late after the cruise?
Store your bags and enjoy Bayside Marketplace, the Frost Science Museum, or Pérez Art Museum Miami—all near downtown.
How far are MIA and FLL from Downtown?
MIA: ~15–25 minutes by car. FLL: ~35–55 minutes depending on traffic. Transit options: Metrorail/Metromover (MIA) and Brightline (FLL → MiamiCentral).
Which hotel should I choose overall?
Price-first: citizenM or YOTEL. Need space: The Elser. Classic luxury: InterContinental.
Times/distances are estimates; verify live directions on your dates. Links may be affiliate.