The 15 Best Hotels Near Port Miami

Searching for the best hotels near Miami port of call? You’re in the right place. 

Miami is the world’s busiest cruise port, so whether you’re flying in the night before or planning to spend a few days exploring, choosing the right hotel can make the start of your trip a lot easier.

We’ve sailed from Miami ourselves, so we know there’s no shortage of hotels, but not all of them are in the right location or worth the price. So instead of listing every hotel near the port, we’ve picked the 15 we’d actually stay in ourselves. From affordable boutique hotels to luxury urban resorts, these are the places we’d happily book before setting sail. 

Hotels near Port Miami Map

Where to Find the Best Hotels Close to Port of Miami

Miami is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and many travelers arrive a day or two before embarkation. We don’t blame them. Staying close to PortMiami makes embarkation day less stressful and gives you a chance to see a little of the city before you set sail.

Not many hotels offer a shuttle to the cruise port, so we’d recommend staying somewhere central and grabbing an Uber on embarkation day instead. It’s quick and convenient and usually costs around $10-$15 USD. That said, it’s still worth asking at check-in, as some hotels do offer shuttle services or can help arrange transportation.

Rather than cover every neighborhood in Miami, we’ve focused on the two that make the most sense before a cruise. Downtown is the closest to PortMiami and is the best choice if convenience is your priority. Brickell is only a little farther away and is a better fit if you’re after something a little more polished, with stylish hotels and restaurants where it’s not unusual to spot a celebrity or two.

• Downtown Miami – Best for sightseeing – If you want to be in the heart of the city and just minutes from PortMiami, this area is hard to beat. We picked Hyatt Regency Miami for its spacious rooms, heated outdoor pool, and convenient location just 8 minutes from the cruise port. 

• Brickell – Best for luxury travelers – This is the upscale side of Miami, with sleek skyscrapers, stylish rooftop bars, and luxury shopping and dining at Brickell City Centre.  Our top choice here is Fortune House Hotel Suites, which offers modern, spacious apartments with kitchens, giving you extra room to spread out and the option to save money by cooking instead of dining out. 

Best Hotels Near Port Miami

Downtown Miami

BEST FOR SIGHTSEEING

Pros 

• Everything is close together
• Fast and easy trip to the cruise port 
• Lots of hotel options for every budget

Cons 

• Busy and noisy during the day
• Not as stylish as Brickell 
• Can feel more like a business district 

Downtown Miami is the most convenient place to stay before your cruise, with most hotels less than a 10-minute drive from PortMiami. It also has an energetic, eclectic vibe, so there’s plenty to keep you busy if you have a day to spare.

Downtown is also where Miami began. It’s hard to imagine now, but this was once a mosquito-ridden swamp. These days it’s full of glass skyscrapers, although you’ll still come across a few reminders of the city’s past between the high-rises. 

One thing we really loved was how effortless it was to get around and make the most of our time here. You can start your morning with a walk through Bayfront Park or grab breakfast at Bayside Marketplace. If you have time, hop on the free Metromover to see more of Miami without getting stuck in traffic. If there’s a Miami Heat game or concert at Kaseya Center during your stay, it’s well worth checking out. 

Whether you’re in the mood to catch some live music or relax by the waterfront with a drink, you’ll have lots of options. It may not feel as polished as Brickell, but that’s part of its charm.

And that’s why we love Downtown! You can see a little of Miami and still be just minutes from the cruise port when it’s time to board.

InterContinental Miami by IHG – $$$  

Looking for a modern luxury stay by the water? InterContinental Miami by IHG is worth a look. Overlooking Biscayne Bay, it’s close to Bayfront Park, Bayside Marketplace, Brickell, and other top attractions, while putting you right on the waterfront. 

Inside, the rooms are modern and spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Miami skyline, Biscayne Bay, or the cruise channels. You’ll also find five restaurants and bars on site, including a Starbucks and the award-winning Toro Toro. What else? It has an absolutely gorgeous pool where yoga is held every Friday morning, and not only is it pet-friendly, but they also throw parties for your little furry friends!

If you’re heading out on a cruise, the hotel can arrange transport to PortMiami, just a 7-minute drive away, making it a convenient choice before your cruise. Prices start at around $240 USD per night but can easily triple during peak season.

Kimpton EPIC Hotel by IHG – $$$  

Kimpton EPIC Hotel by IHG is one of our top high-end stays in downtown Miami, with trendy vibes, a chic pool area featuring two infinity pools, woven cabanas, and million-dollar views of the Miami skyline. Yes, it’s that cool! 

The rooms and suites all have private balconies with seating, where you can watch boats arrive in the morning or unwind with a glass of wine while taking in the skyline at night. Even better, it’s the only downtown hotel with its own private riverfront marina, so you can arrive by private yacht or enjoy a fishing excursion without worrying about logistics. 

When you’re ready to eat, head to the popular Japanese izakaya restaurant Zuma. Afterward, grab a free cruiser bike from the lobby and explore the riverfront or Brickell City Centre. If you’re heading out on a cruise, PortMiami is only a 10-minute drive away. Prices range from around $230 USD to $600+ USD per night.

JW Marriott Marquis Miami – $$$  

Just a 10-minute drive from PortMiami, JW Marriott Marquis Miami has one feature that really sets it apart: a huge indoor sports complex unlike anything else in downtown Miami. You’ll find everything from a golf school and an NBA-approved basketball court to a virtual bowling alley, billiards, and plenty of games to keep you busy before your cruise. When you’re ready to relax, head to the heated infinity pool on the 19th floor for stunning views of the Miami skyline.

Food is another big plus, with Mediterranean dishes by celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. The overall atmosphere is a little more formal, making it a great choice for business travelers and athletes, while families, especially those with active kids, will also love the sports facilities. Prices start at around $230 USD per night, depending on your room type and travel dates.

Hyatt Regency Miami – $$

Hyatt Regency Miami is our favorite place to stay in downtown Miami, and the hotel we chose ourselves. It has everything you need (and then some), whether you’re staying for one night or a few days, without the high price tag of many nearby hotels.

One of the biggest perks is the indoor pedestrian tunnel connecting the lobby to the Riverwalk and Knight Center Metromover Station. You can skip Miami’s heavy traffic and stay dry when one of those sudden rainstorms hits. The views of the river and bridge from our room were something else! Beyond that, there’s also a heated pool and a fantastic American-Latin fusion restaurant.

Another reason we loved staying here is the location. Miami International Airport and PortMiami are both only about an 8-minute drive away, so getting around couldn’t be easier. Even better, prices range from around $140 to $350+ USD per night, making it one of the best-value stays in downtown Miami.

Courtyard Miami Downtown Brickell Area – $$ 

If you want a central Miami location without paying the big bucks, Courtyard Miami Downtown Brickell Area is well worth a look. Staying here gives you access to a Starbucks coffee bar, perfect for early mornings. When you want to unwind, head to the 7th-floor outdoor pool, or squeeze in a workout at the gym if you’d rather stay active.

It gets even better when it comes to getting around. The hotel sits right next to the free Miami Metromover, so exploring the city won’t cost you a thing. And when you’re ready to hop on your cruise, the hotel also offers a shuttle to PortMiami ($5 USD per person), and the drive takes only about 10 minutes. 

So, if you’re looking for a place that’s close to the cruise port but offers more than just a bed for the night, this one is definitely worth considering. Prices start at around $120 USD per night, which we think is a real bargain.

The Elser Hotel Miami – $$ 

The Elser Hotel Miami feels more like an apartment than a hotel, which is one of the reasons we think it’s such a great pick for families. Inside, the rooms are spacious enough to set up a crib in the living area, and kids will love watching the cruise ships pass by through the huge windows. We also love the rooftop pool, especially for little ones, thanks to its sloped entry instead of stairs.

You’re also close to several museums, Miami Beach, and tons of breakfast and brunch spots within a 10-minute walk. If you’d rather stay in, every room comes with a fully equipped kitchen, which is great if you’re looking to save a bit. There’s even an event lawn and a giant LED screen for movie nights!

And if you’re heading on a cruise, PortMiami is only a 7-minute drive away. Expect to pay around $200 USD per night.

citizenM Miami World Center – $ 

citizenM Miami World Center is our favorite budget-friendly stay in downtown Miami. It’s bold, colorful, lively, and definitely feels underpriced for a 4-star hotel. There’s a great outdoor pool with plenty of lounge space and a 24-hour restaurant, so grabbing a bite is easy any time of day.

The rooms are on the smaller side, but they make up for it with huge shared spaces. They feel so cozy and welcoming; it’s really hard to leave once you start chatting with other guests.

One more thing we love about this stay is the location. Kaseya Center is only a 4-minute walk away, so you can completely avoid stadium traffic and overpriced event parking. PortMiami is also just a 10-minute drive away, making it an easy choice if you’re joining a cruise. Prices start at around $90 USD per night, and we think it’s a great deal for what you get.

Brickell

BEST FOR LUXURY TRAVELERS

Pros 

• Easy to walk around, packed with hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops 
• The free Metromover makes it easy to explore Downtown Miami without needing a car
• Brickell City Centre is right in the heart of the neighborhood if luxury shopping is on your list

Cons 

• Traffic can be frustrating, especially during rush hour
• Parking isn’t cheap, and finding a spot can be a challenge
• Hotels here usually cost more than in other Miami neighborhoods

If luxury shopping and dining are your priority, Brickell is where you’ll want to stay. This is Miami’s financial district and home to Brickell City Centre, one of the city’s top spots for high-end shopping. You’ll also find plenty of trendy rooftop bars, stylish restaurants where it’s easy to spot a celebrity or two, and lots of sleek high-rise buildings.

Mornings here start just as easily as they do in Downtown. Grab a coffee and stroll along the Miami Riverwalk, or wander through Simpson Park, a tiny pocket of old-growth forest that shows what Brickell looked like more than 100 years ago.

Afternoons here are made for long riverfront lunches and a little window shopping at Brickell City Centre. Or skip both and claim a lounger by the rooftop pool at your hotel. And when the sun goes down, Brickell really comes alive. Rooftop bars and clubs fill up, restaurants get busy, and the whole neighborhood is buzzing.

The best part? You’re only about a 5- to 10-minute drive from PortMiami, so getting to your cruise is quick and easy. If you’re after a more upscale stay before you set sail, it’s hard to go wrong with Brickell.

Four Seasons Hotel Miami – $$$ 

If you’re looking to splurge, Four Seasons Hotel Miami is as luxurious as it gets. As a AAA Five Diamond property, it’s one of the best places to stay in the city and the tallest in Florida, with 70 floors.

The highlight has to be the pool area, which feels more like a tropical island than the middle of central Miami. Your stay also includes VIP access to the huge Equinox Sports Club Miami, a welcome change from the typical cramped hotel gym. There’s also a modern steakhouse and cocktail bar on site if you don’t feel like heading out for dinner. 

Rooms start at 500 sq ft (46 sq m), with larger residential-style suites available for families or longer stays. Even better, PortMiami is only about a 15-minute drive away, making it an easy choice before your cruise. Prices usually range from around $450 to $1,500+ USD per night, but we think it’s worth every cent.

EAST Miami – $$$ 

EAST Miami is another upscale stay in Brickell that’s well worth checking out. This 5-star hotel is especially popular with foodies and trendsetters, and it’s easy to see why. Sitting above Brickell City Centre, you can take the elevator straight from your room to luxury shops and restaurants without even stepping outside.

One of the biggest highlights is the 40th floor, home to a Balinese-inspired rooftop bar that’s one of Miami’s most popular nightlife spots, plus a hidden Hong Kong-inspired speakeasy tea room for special occasions. You’ll also find authentic Uruguayan cuisine at Quinto, the hotel’s signature restaurant.

The 5th floor is where you’ll probably end up hanging out, thanks to four different pools and a huge terrace that’s really hard to leave. Better yet, PortMiami is only about a 15-minute drive away, and the hotel can arrange a shuttle. Prices start at around $430 USD per night. 

JW Marriott Miami – $$$ 

If you’re after a quiet, sophisticated stay without the rooftop party scene, JW Marriott Miami delivers! This 5-star hotel underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2024, so it still feels fresh, especially the rooms, which now come with modern amenities and smart tech.

One thing you won’t expect to find here is an authentic British-style pub right in the lobby. With its wood-paneled interior and great selection of single-malt scotches, it’s a nice change from the taco stands and sushi spots around Brickell. The pool area and bar are a great bonus, especially for couples and families looking to relax. 

When it comes to location, PortMiami is only about a 12-minute drive away, while Miami Beach Convention Center and Crandon Golf Course are both nearby. Prices typically range from around $164 to $430 USD per night, depending on the season.

Fortune House Hotel Suites – $$  

Need more space than a typical hotel room? Fortune House Hotel Suites is a great option. This apartment-style hotel offers spacious, fully furnished suites with large kitchens, making it a smart choice for families, larger groups, or anyone who prefers having room to spread out. You also get a lot for your money here, especially by Brickell standards.

If cooking isn’t your thing, the on-site restaurant serves Latin fare on an outdoor patio and offers a daily happy hour. The 5th floor is a great place to unwind, with a heated pool, hot tub, and absolutely amazing views of the Miami skyline. There are also brick barbecue grills if grilling by the pool sounds like your kind of afternoon. 

PortMiami is only about a 12-minute drive away, so getting to your ship is nice and easy. Expect to pay anywhere from $130 to $370+ USD per night, which isn’t bad for all you get.

Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami – $$  

Hyatt Centric Brickell Miami puts you right in the middle of all the action, with Brickell’s restaurants, bars, and shops just a short walk away. Better yet, PortMiami is only about a 10-minute drive away, so getting to your cruise couldn’t be much easier. One thing that makes this hotel stand out is that it sits inside Panorama Tower, the tallest residential skyscraper in Florida. 

Every room comes with its own glass balcony, so morning coffee hits different with those city views. The restaurant is worth a visit too, serving Cuban and Latin-Caribbean dishes like fresh ceviche and ropa vieja instead of the usual hotel fare. Up on the 19th floor, you’ll find a pool with uninterrupted views of the bay. Even the gym has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pool deck. 

Prices start at around $200+ USD per night, which we think is pretty good value for Brickell.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Downtown/Brickell  – $$  

For something a little different from the usual hotels in Brickell, Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Miami Downtown/Brickell has a much livelier feel. You’ll notice contemporary artwork throughout the hotel, as well as several shared spaces where it’s easy to relax with a drink or chat with other guests.

Of course, there’s a rooftop pool. This is Miami, after all. It comes with a heated whirlpool spa and free pool cabanas. Come evening, people gather here for a beer or cocktail before heading out in town. 

You won’t have to go far for a good meal either. There are three on-site restaurants, including one serving authentic Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, and a gastropub serving pub classics. Better yet, PortMiami is only about a 10-minute drive away, making cruise day nice and easy.

Prices typically range from around $150 to $250+ USD per night, which is not bad for Brickell.  

Novotel Miami Brickell – $ 

Novotel Miami Brickell is a stylish 4-star hotel in a great location. You’re just a 6-minute walk from the Metromover, around 12 minutes from Biscayne Bay on foot, and only about a 10-minute drive from PortMiami, so getting to your cruise couldn’t be easier. 

Rooms are simple but super comfortable. If you can, we’d recommend upgrading to a bay-view room, as waking up to the water is never a bad way to start the day. The rooftop is probably what stands out the most, with an infinity pool, a seasonal bar, and of course, those fantastic views over the Miami skyline.

Downstairs, you’ll find a Peruvian restaurant where breakfast is served for an extra $25 USD, along with a lobby bar for drinks before heading out. As for the price of a stay, expect to pay anywhere from around $140 to $460+ USD per night, depending on the season.  

Related Read: If you’re staying in Miami longer, check out our 3-day Miami itinerary for our favorite activities, restaurants, beaches, and more!

citizenM Miami Brickell – $ 

If you’re looking to save without sacrificing comfort or style, citizenM Miami Brickell is a great choice. It sits inside one of the most colorful buildings in Brickell and is perfect if you’d rather have a fun, social atmosphere than a huge hotel room.

Instead of a traditional lobby, you’ll find 60-second self-service check-in kiosks and a colorful communal living room filled with designer furniture, local artwork, and iMac workstations. The Canteen serves food and drinks around the clock, so there’s always somewhere to grab a coffee or a snack. Then there’s the rooftop pool, with cozy seating, tasty cocktails, and views, making it a great spot to cool off after a day of exploring.

The hotel is right next to Mary Brickell Village, less than a 4-minute walk from the luxury shops at Brickell City Centre, and about a 10-minute drive from PortMiami. Prices start at just $100 USD per night, which is a steal if you ask us!

Top Activities to do in Miami

If you’ve got a day or two before your cruise sets sail, you can properly explore Miami! There is a lot to love about this vibrant city, and we think these top tours perfectly highlight its energy.

• Eat your way through Little Havana – This Little Havana food tour was easily our favorite experience in Miami! We showed up hungry and left completely stuffed after trying empanadas, croquetas, guava pastries, and even flan ice cream. It was such a great way to experience the neighborhood.

• Cruise Miami like a VIP on a private boat – This private boat tour is such a fun way to beat the heat and see the city from the water. We brought our own drinks, cruised past celebrity homes, and took in amazing skyline views. Our captain customized the route for us, which made it feel super personal.

• Step back in time in the Art Deco District – This walking tour gave us a whole new appreciation for South Beach. We strolled past colorful buildings, learned the stories behind the architecture, and even saw the former Versace mansion. This Art Deco walking tour was engaging, informative, and a great way to understand the area.

• Watch a Miami sunset from the water – Seeing Miami at sunset on this private sunset boat tour felt romantic and relaxed, with champagne, music, and incredible views as the sky turned shades of pink and orange. It’s one of those experiences that just feels special from start to finish.

• Explore the Everglades on an airboat – Swapping the city for the wilderness was such a fun change of pace, as we sped across the wetlands spotting alligators, birds, and more with the help of our guide. This Everglades airboat tour includes a longer ride than most and a visit to a wildlife center, making it an easy and exciting escape from Miami.

Related Read: Want even more ideas for your trip? Check out our full guide to the best things to do in Miami for more unforgettable experiences around the city.

Thanks for reading!

Embarking on a cruise is exciting, but a little stressful! So you don’t need to worry about finding a place to stay before you set sail. Simply follow our recommendations for excellent hotel options, and you can rest easy in Miami.

Need help planning more of your travels? See all of our USA blogs here! If you’re exploring more of Florida or traveling elsewhere, we have guides to help you plan a great trip from start to finish. Here are a few related blogs you might be interested in – cheers!

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