Hyatt Downtown Miami, things to do the day before

#1 (**permalink**) November 8th, 2004, 06:10 PM

Hello, everyone. I'm on the March 6th Valor, but I need help in Miami before the cruise.

I just got my Priceline bid accepted for Hyatt in downtown Miami. I will be there for the evening of March 4, all day and night march 5, and then the morning of the 6th.

I need some fun ideas for the evening of the 4th (walking distance from the Hyatt would be nice). Nothing fancy- some dinner, some miami flavor bar scene, etc.

Then on Saturday the 5th, I plan to go to South Beach to see what all the craze is about. Any suggestions for spending the day there? Lunch? Dinner? Fun?

Thanks fellow cruisers.

Brenda in Canada · #2 (**permalink**) November 8th, 2004, 10:15 PM

Hi gatorclaw, I am hoping some native Miamians(?) answer you. We also have time before/after our cruise. South Beach-shopping,eating, and then enjoying the beaches. I know you can catch the MetroMover from near the Hyatt to Bayside Marketplace-touristy type place with shops, food places. They have a website: www.baysidemarketplace.com There is also inexpensive, short, boat tours from that area too(I think). It would be neat to see Miami from a little boat!
I am not sure what else there is to do yet. Surely there must be other touristy things that are not too expensive!! Have a great cruise!

AKcruiser · #3 (**permalink**) November 9th, 2004, 11:10 PM

The Dolphin Mall sends a free shuttle around to the hotels. Its a huge mall with over 200 stores and outlet stores. Their website is www.dolphinmall.com. Just curious what bid did you win on Priceline? We got the Courtyard By Marriott Airport West/Doral for our pre-cruise night and the 2 nights after through Priceline for $47 a night.

Happy sailing,

AKcruiser

#4 (**permalink**) November 10th, 2004, 10:49 AM

I'm sorry to say, I didn't get as great of a deal as I've seen before posted. For March 4-6 2005, I started at 45.00 then was declined. I rebid every three days or so and then
I did get 65.00 (per night) acceptd. Now, this is during Spring Break and if I booked thru hotels.com it would have been 210.00 per night, so I guess I did ok.

Brenda in Canada · #5 (**permalink**) November 10th, 2004, 12:14 PM

I got Hyatt3*Dwntn Miami Jan21&22/05 and Jan30/05 for US$46/night plus taxes&fees.
DolphinMall sounds like something we would like to do for a bit! Thanks for the website.
Gatorclaw-good PL price for Spring Break!
I read there is a walking tour 1 1/2 hours of South Beach art deco buildings.$10/pp I think.
What else is there to do?

Mike M · #6 (**permalink**) November 10th, 2004, 12:45 PM

Gatorclaw:
Bayside Marketplace is less than a ten minute walk away. There are many shops, bars and restaurants located there. It also has a great view of the port. You can eat at Bubba Gumps, Hard Rock Cafe or other food shops. There are also many ethnic food and shopping stores just a couple of blocks from the hotel. Where you can have Cuban food, Brasilian coffee or go shopping at Radio Shack. :-)

South Beach is a $10 taxi ride away if you want to see the sights there or enjoy a beach day.

The Hyatt has a nice pool area but the drinks and food are bit on the pricey side but still a nice way to spend an afternoon.

Have fun and $65/night during Spring Break isn't a bad price.

Take care,
Mike

Kuki · #7 (**permalink**) November 10th, 2004, 01:24 PM

Agree with Mike. . Bayside Market Place is good for an evening out, and close enough to the Hyatt to walk.

A day in South Beach is easy... lots of interesting looking cafes and restaurants. In the evening a stroll along Ocean Drive and then walk up to the Lincoln Road pedestrian mall. Again, lots of wonderful bistros along this area to have dinner at.