We stayed in January 2012 for one night before an evening flight to Argentina. Our room was clean and spacious with a nice view. Bayside was a nice evening stop for drinks, music, shopping, a meal. Breakfast at the hotel was included (surprise to us) and was a rather skimpy buffet but sufficient. We walked across the bridge to the port of Miami and all around downtown and along the harbor area. As a Priority Club member they gave us a 2PM checkout. Taxi was approximately $25 to or from the airport. We had an evening and day to waste and this was a pleasant place to spend it.

This hotel is in the best area for those taking a cruise. We came in about 5:30 pm on a Sunday and had no problems getting checked in quickly. The staff at check-in were great....efficient and friendly. The lobby area looks great. We were worried about the rooms from previous reviews, but were pleasantly surprised. It appeared that our room had been redone recently...small, but clean and attractive. The only negative to our room was that the bathroom door did not stay completely shut, but that was only a minor inconvenience. It was wonderful having Bayside across the street for dinner and a bit of shopping. I do think it is a bit pricey, but if you want convenience for pre or post cruising this is the place to stay.

If you are heading out on a cruise, this is a good place to stay for one night. It is directly across the street from Bayside, a tourist mall and fun people watching site. Great party feel to the area.you are 1 block from a drug store for last minute needs.Draw back,pool in picture is not pool at motel,rooms in process of being update, elevators slow and packed,price a little high, only limited number of parking spaces.I recommend this if you want to be near the port.

I have stayed 3 times at this hotel. This review refers to my last stay in February 2012. I find the location of this hotel very good, just in front the bayside and short ride from the port. I was also pleasantly surprised that downtown Miami has developed for the better, making this hotel due to the proximity to downtown, more interesting. Many shopping possibilities at downtown Miami, even a large store called Ross, which has good value for money.
Across the street there are plenty of restaurants. I also like that there are live entertainers and a relaxed atmosphere at Bayside.
Concerning the hotel itself, it has been renovated and it looks much better. The room was good and I had a nice view of the Harbour. There is however room for improvement. For example, the room safe should be replaced by a digital one and higher placed not so close to the floor, which is difficult to access. It should also be more control in relation to people distributing flyers at the hotel, who are they? I have received flyers advertising for food under my door during the night. I do not think this is appropriate in a hotel because it means people are just walking in the hotel unsupervised.
What I have found annoying was that access to the bathrooms in public areas was only possible with a room key. Since most of us are arriving before chek inn time or leaving afer check out time, I think it is not nice to have to look for somebody to open the restrooms for you.
A nice touch was the free apples and water onthe lobby. Also the free wifi. I have found that Holiday Inn Port of Miami has overall improved since my previous visits. I will most probably return if the price is right.