[quote Irish Girl] It's right across the street from Bayside Marketplace. There is so much to do at Bayside, it can't be missed. [/quote]
You see...this is why these boards are so great, i think. to me, Bayside used to be a great place, bustling with activity. when i last sailed out of Miami though, i was very disappointed to see that it had turned into an outdoor shopping mall. Very boring on the whole, though you can take a sightseeing cruise from there (Captain Jimmy's Fiesta Cruises, or something like that, i think), and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants. Last time I cruised out of miami, i flew in the day of the cruise, so i didn't stay. Time before that, however, I stayed at the Sheraton Key Biscayne. I liked it because the rooms overlooked the Port of Miami, and you can see the cruise ships pull in and out of port from your hotel window. I tried to link you to the web site, but it isn't coming up. Below is a link to another Sheraton. It may very well be the sheraton key biscayne remodeled and re-named. The pictures of the windows in the lobby look the same. I did not check the rates. you could call them and find out. you can walk to bayside for dinner from that hotel.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=862
as far as seeing miami, it all depends on how much time you have. i personally liked the miami sea aquarium, monkey jungle, parrott jungle, and the zoo. don't think you have to pay excursion prices to get there, though. take your own transportation from the hotel or, rent a car on the cheap. Vizcaya is also nice. Crandon Beach (if i'm remembering the name correctly -- it's been some years since i lived there), is a beautiful public beach on key biscyne. South Beach (art deco district) is nice to grab a bite sidewalk cafe style, but it'll be pricey. Come nighttime -- Big party scene. I know -- I used to be in it. Don't stay in the center of the strip if you expect to sleep. Coconut Grove is a lot of fun, too. Take stroll over there if time permits. Also, there's always the option of the 3+ hour ride down to Key West if you'll be staying in the area for several days. Good luck, and have fun.
