HOTELS NEAR MIAMI CRUISE PORT
Hotels Near Port of Miami (2025 Guide for Cruise Travelers)
Planning a cruise from Miami? Staying close to the Port of Miami can make embarkation day significantly easier, but only if you choose the right area.
After more than 50 cruises with multiple departures from Miami, I’ve learned that “near the port” doesn’t always mean faster or less stressful.
Some hotels look close on a map, yet still involve bridges, traffic, or awkward access on embarkation morning.
This guide focuses specifically on hotels near the Port of Miami in areas such as Downtown Miami and Brickell, where cruise passengers benefit from proximity, flexibility, and short, predictable transfers by Uber or taxi – without relying on scheduled shuttle services.
Based on real cruise departures, independent research, and traveler feedback, this page highlights hotels that offer genuinely convenient access to the cruise terminals. The goal is to help you choose accommodation that fits your travel style, luggage needs, and budget, not just what appears closest on a map.
Hotels in other areas of Miami may still work for cruise travelers, but they do not offer the same predictability or short transfer times on embarkation morning.
If you prefer a hotel that includes organized transportation to the cruise terminal, see our dedicated guide to hotels with cruise shuttle service.
Jump ahead to:
Hotels Near the Port of Miami (Downtown & Brickell – 5–10 Minute Taxi Ride)
Technically, no hotel is located inside the Port of Miami itself. All cruise terminals are situated on Dodge Island, across a causeway from Downtown Miami and Brickell.
Several hotels in these areas appear “walkable” on a map, typically within 1–1.5 miles of the terminals. In practice, however, walking is rarely convenient due to heat, traffic, bridges, and luggage. Most cruise passengers choose a short taxi or Uber ride instead, which is usually faster, easier, and more predictable on embarkation morning.
My experience:
Even when staying at hotels considered walkable, I’ve almost never seen cruise passengers actually walk to the terminals with luggage. In real-world conditions, nearly everyone uses a short Uber or taxi for comfort and peace of mind.
Practical tip:
From most Downtown and Brickell hotels, expect a 5–10 minute taxi or Uber ride to the cruise terminals, typically costing $12–20. This makes these neighborhoods the most flexible and least stressful places to stay before a Miami cruise.
1. citizenM Miami World Center ★★★★
citizenM Miami Worldcenter is selected for its central Downtown location and consistently short Uber ride to the cruise terminals. Situated in the Worldcenter area, the hotel offers straightforward access to PortMiami without relying on shuttle services.
Getting to the cruise port:
Taxi/Uber: typically 6–9 minutes
Typical cost: $13–18
My take:
This is a good option if you value location and efficiency over room size. Transfers to the port are quick and predictable, making it a solid choice for couples or solo travelers sailing the next day.
2. YVE Hotel Miami ★★★
YVE Hotel Miami is chosen primarily for its central Downtown location and short taxi or Uber ride to the cruise terminals. Positioned near Bayfront Park and Biscayne Boulevard, it offers direct routes to PortMiami without complex detours.
Getting to the cruise port:
Taxi/Uber: typically 5–7 minutes
Typical cost: $12–16
My take:
This hotel works best for short pre-cruise stays where location matters more than amenities. Rooms are compact, but the ease of getting to the port makes it a practical choice for embarkation morning.
3. InterContinental Miami ★★★★★
InterContinental Miami is chosen mainly for its central Downtown location and very short Uber or taxi ride to the cruise terminals. The hotel sits close to Biscayne Boulevard and offers straightforward road access to Port of Miami, making transfers quick and predictable on embarkation morning.
Getting to the cruise port:
Taxi/Uber: typically 5–8 minutes
Typical cost: $13–18
My take:
This hotel works well for cruise travelers who want a smooth, low-stress transfer without relying on shuttle schedules. Comfort levels are solid, but the main advantage here is location and ease of getting to the port.
4. The Elser Hotel Miami – An All-Suite Hotel ★★★★
The Elser Hotel Miami is chosen mainly for its very close proximity to the Port of Miami and the ease of getting there by Uber or taxi. Located near Bayside and the waterfront, it offers quick road access to the cruise terminals without navigating busy residential areas.
Getting to the cruise port:
Taxi/Uber: typically 4–6 minutes
Typical cost: $12–15
My take:
This hotel works well for cruise travelers who want a short, predictable transfer and a bit more space. The all-suite setup is practical, but the main advantage here is how quickly and easily you can reach the port.
5. Hilton Miami Downtown ★★★★
Hilton Miami Downtown is included for its reliable access to the Port of Miami and easy pickup points for taxis and ride-share services. Located just north of the main Downtown core, it still allows for a short and manageable transfer on embarkation day.
Getting to the cruise port:
Taxi/Uber: typically 8–12 minutes
Typical cost: $14–20
My take:
This hotel suits cruise travelers who want a dependable brand and a predictable ride to the terminals. It’s not the absolute closest option, but transfers are usually smooth and uncomplicated.
6. Holiday Inn Hotel Port of Miami-Downtown ★★★
Holiday Inn Port of Miami–Downtown is primarily chosen by cruise travelers for its location, not for luxury. The hotel sits directly across from Bayside Marketplace and offers one of the shortest and most predictable transfers to the cruise terminals.
Getting to the cruise port:
Taxi/Uber: typically 5–7 minutes
Typical cost: $12–15
My take:
This is a practical option for a one-night pre-cruise stay if convenience matters more than room quality. Some rooms feel dated, but the location and ease of reaching the port make it a reliable, no-stress choice for embarkation morning.
How Cruise Travelers Choose Hotels Near Port of Miami
When choosing a hotel near the Port of Miami, most cruise travelers focus on predictability rather than brand or amenities. Location, ease of transport, and timing on embarkation morning usually matter more than small distance differences.
From experience, first-time cruisers often overestimate how much “being closest” matters and underestimate how important reliable transportation is. A hotel with a short, uncomplicated Uber or taxi ride can result in a smoother morning than one that looks closer on a map but involves traffic or fixed shuttle schedules.
The hotels listed above are selected for their consistent access to the cruise terminals and flexibility on embarkation day.
Map & Location Overview
The map below shows the exact location of the six hotels listed on this page, all situated within a short and predictable taxi or Uber ride from the Port of Miami.
FAQ
1. Are there hotels within walking distance of the cruise port?
While some Downtown hotels are located within 1–2 miles of the cruise terminals, walking with luggage is generally not practical. The route involves heat, traffic, and crossing a causeway. Most cruise passengers choose a short taxi or Uber ride instead for comfort and reliability.
2. Which areas are closest to the Port of Miami cruise terminals?
Downtown Miami and Brickell are the closest hotel areas to the Port of Miami. From most hotels in these neighborhoods, taxi or ride-share trips to the cruise terminals typically take less than 10 minutes.
3. Is it cheaper to stay near Miami Airport or near the cruise port?
Airport-area hotels are usually cheaper per night than Downtown or Brickell hotels. However, they require a longer transfer to the port, which adds transportation costs and time. Staying closer to the port often means paying more for the room but less for transport and stress.
4. How much does a taxi or Uber from Downtown Miami to the port cost?
From Downtown Miami or Brickell, a taxi or Uber to the Port of Miami typically costs $12–20 and takes about 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. From the Miami Airport area, rides usually take 20–25 minutes and cost around $25–35.
5. When is the best time to book a hotel before a Miami cruise?
During peak cruise season (December through April), hotels near the Port of Miami can sell out quickly. Booking several months in advance usually offers better availability and more stable pricing, especially for Downtown and Brickell locations.
Disclosure & Editorial Policy
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you choose to make a reservation through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
All content on allcruisehotels.com is created independently. Hotels cannot pay to be featured or ranked. Properties are selected based on location relevance and practical suitability for cruise travelers, not commercial arrangements.
Our team has been covering cruise travel for over 15 years. Information is based on publicly available sources such as hotel websites, transportation details, port logistics, and general traveler feedback.
Please contact us if any information on this page is incorrect or no longer up to date.
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