_edited.jpg){kind=small}
Where to Stay Before a Cruise Out of Miami 2026
- 21 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you’re searching for where to stay before a cruise out of Miami, finding the right hotel can make or break the start of your trip. Many travelers want something family-friendly, budget-friendly, and close to both Miami International Airport and the cruise port especially if you’re flying in a day or two early to avoid travel delays. That’s exactly why we chose EVEN Hotel Miami Airport, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts.
It’s not a luxury beachfront resort, but if you’re looking for a clean, affordable hotel near the Miami cruise port with airport access and practical amenities, this property checks the boxes. For families, cruise passengers, and travelers simply passing through, it offers comfort and convenience without the high Miami price tag.
Where to Stay Before a Cruise Out of Miami - Hotel Review
Why We Chose EVEN Hotel Miami Airport
We flew into Miami a couple of days before our cruise and also rebooked the hotel for two nights after we returned. Our priorities were simple: a clean space, reasonable pricing, and proximity to both the airport and cruise port.
This hotel checked those boxes. It’s not where I’d book for a romantic getaway or a full Miami vacation, but for a practical, in-transit stay, it made sense and served its purpose well.
Check-In & Elite Member Experience
As IHG Platinum Elite members, we’re accustomed to a few small perks at check-in, like a welcome gift. During both stays, that wasn’t offered automatically, and the first time we were asked to return the following day for it, which was a bit inconvenient.
We also requested late check-out on both stays and were approved. However, it didn’t appear to be updated in the system, which led to housekeeping knocking and calls from the front desk earlier than expected. It wasn’t a major issue, but it did cut into the extra rest we were hoping for before and after our cruise.
The Rooms: Clean, Modern & Impressively Quiet
The rooms were truly the highlight of the stay. They felt spacious, modern, and thoughtfully designed with wellness in mind, which aligns with the EVEN brand concept. Everything was very clean, and the minimalist style made the space feel fresh and uncluttered.
One of our favorite small details? Watching planes land from our window. Despite being so close to the airport, the rooms were surprisingly quiet. You’ll definitely hear planes if you’re outside by the pool or patio, but indoors, it was peaceful and easy to relax.
Luggage Storage: Convenient, With Room to Improve
The hotel offers complimentary luggage storage, which was helpful when our room wasn’t ready and again after we checked out post-cruise. The process was simple and convenient.
That said, when we returned to retrieve our bags, the storage area wasn’t being actively monitored, and we weren’t asked for identification or a claim tag. Everything worked out fine, but adding a bit more structure or oversight to that process would provide extra peace of mind for guests.
Back Patio Access & Security
The hotel sees a steady flow of cruise passengers and airline travelers, so there’s naturally a lot of movement throughout the property. There’s a back entrance near the pool that leads to the parking lot, and it appeared to be frequently used.
While easy access is convenient, the door sometimes seemed less controlled than ideal, with guests letting others in. It didn’t feel unsafe, but implementing keycard-only access or additional monitoring could strengthen security and make the environment feel more streamlined.
Lobby Appearance
The guest rooms were in noticeably better condition than some of the shared spaces. A few pieces of lobby furniture looked worn and could benefit from a refresh or deep clean. It’s a relatively small detail, but updating that area would elevate the overall first impression.
Final Thoughts: A Smart, Practical Choice
For travelers flying into Miami for a cruise or a short layover, EVEN Hotel Miami Airport is a solid, practical option. It delivers where it matters most: clean rooms, comfortable beds, a convenient location, and reasonable rates.
Would we book it again for another cruise? Yes. Would we choose it for a luxury Miami vacation? Probably not.
I know I shared several areas where the hotel could improve, but that’s intentional. I’m always going to give an honest review based on my personal experience especially because many of you who follow my blog may be traveling with children, prioritizing extra security, or looking for a more elevated, luxury-style stay. I would never want to leave out details that could help you make the best decision for your trip. That said, none of the concerns were major enough to take away from our overall experience or stop us from staying again. We genuinely enjoyed our time there.
What We Loved
Affordable pricing
Clean, spacious rooms
Quiet interiors
Free airport shuttle
Wellness-focused room features (select rooms include in-room workout equipment)
Convenient luggage storage
Opportunities for Improvement
Better communication and system updates for late check-out
More structured luggage storage procedures
Added security measures at the back entrance
Lobby furniture refresh
Overall, it was a positive stay that met our needs. It may not be a destination hotel, but for a comfortable, convenient, and budget-friendly stop before or after a cruise, it absolutely gets the job done.
Comments