Miccosukee Resort & Gaming

The Miccosukee Resort & Gaming looks very much of the era in which it was built, and decor incorporates both that late-90s sense of “modern” and tribal motifs. Many guests use the hotel as a stopover between Miami or as a base for exploring Everglades National Park, while others linger for a long weekend. Some are locals coming for an event or just to gamble, and the resort also regularly hosts poker tournaments, so it might be worth calling ahead to see what’s on during a stay. Most travelers here are couples, though an indoor pool and kids’ club appeal to families.

The resort is set right on the edges of the lush Everglades National Park and outer Miami, about a 35-minute drive from Miami’s center -- it’s a straight shot into the city and less than 30 minutes from the Miami International Airport. Located near the Miccosukee tribal village, there are the Trail Glades shooting range about a five-minute drive from the property, a quick-service empanada restaurant a three-minute drive down the road, and a juvenile detention center across the street. It’s a 15- to 20-minute drive to the affiliated Miccosukee Golf & Country Club, which has hosted PGA and LPGA tournaments and is open to the public.

The resort has 302 units (256 rooms and 46 suites, including deluxe and executive rooms), and all are spacious and well-maintained. Standard-level rooms are a little on the dull side, with a bland corporate feel of beige walls and drab patterned carpet, but they’re largely quiet at night and have all the necessary amenities except for mini-fridges. Expect air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and safes, as well as coffeemakers. Most bathrooms come with shower/tub combos, plus toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Executive rooms and suites have a more upbeat design, with statement wallpaper and tribal-print throws at the end of the beds. Some units add living spaces and furnished balconies.

Because Miccosukee Resort & Gaming is located out of town, many guests used to choose to eat at one (or some) of the resort’s many on-site restaurants, despite the food receiving mixed reviews. However, the Resort now only has one restaurant where the deli used to be, a Latin Fusion restaurant named La Brisa.

The resort’s casino is unusual because it’s on Native American land, meaning that state gambling laws don’t apply. As a result, some game rooms are open around the clock every day of the week. The gambling hall is built to accommodate plenty of guests chasing their luck, whether they’re doing it in the 50-table poker room, playing bingo, or on games like Lightning Lotto. There’s a non-smoking area that features slot machines, too. The resort hosts poker tournaments and will occasionally offer gaming promotions, so it’s worth checking ahead to see what’s on during your stay.

There are a handful of activities besides gambling available for guests at the hotel, with rumba DJ nights and cultural festivals dotting the events calendar.

Somewhat surprisingly for a resort in Miami, there’s no longer a pool. The Pa-Hay Okee Spa has been closed since covid.  There’s a fitness center here too, but it’s small and dated.

Kids are also welcome at the property, however, there is no longer a dedicated kids’ club, or pool just for them. These areas along with the arcade for teenagers have been closed due to covid and do not have a reopening date.

Wi-Fi is free to access throughout the property, and a guest laundry room is handy. Parking spots are free, well-lit, and surround the resort-casino, which makes it almost certain a guest can find a spot, though they might have to walk a few minutes to the front doors.