car rental in Miami?

[swhli]

We are arriving one day (6am) before our cruise (starting out from Miami 4pm the next day). I wonder if it is worthwhile to rental a car and drive around Miami since we will not be able to check into the hotel until 3 in the afternoon.

Does anyone know if there is any car rental company near the pier where we can drop off the car before boarding?

We are staying in the Red Roof Inn

Thanks

[Kuki]

Both Hertz and Enterprise (that I know of) have locations in downtown Miami close to the pier, where they'll shuttle you over to the pier.

[rosetattoo]

I don't know where the Red Roof Inn is in Miami but unless you have a specific destination you want to visit that is outside the Miami metropolitan area, I would suggest not renting a car. There is a lot of construction going on in downtown Miami and near the Port, it's challenging driving around even for a resident. There are lots of nice places to visit that are easily accessible by taxi, i.e., South Beach, Vizcaya, Coconut Grove, Bayside Marketplace. Go to the hotel when you arrive in the morning, check in early and ask them to hold your luggage for you.

[swhli]

thanks. Had you tried the public transit? Was it any good?

[rosetattoo]

I have never tried the public transportation system in Miami. I looked up your hotel online and found out that it is located at the airport. Because of its location, I can understand your desire to rent a car to drive around the city. Just do a lot of research about Miami prior to driving around and ask personnel at the hotel to guide you.