Holiday Inn Port of Miami Downtown

The hotel suits vacationing couples and families best with its prime location, competitive prices, and adequately equipped facilities. The close proximity to the Port of Miami and airport also attracts cruise ship travelers or those on a stopover. The 10-floor hotel was built in 1950 and sits on palm tree-lined Miami Street, with a green awning over the glass door entrance. The on-site Marinas Bar and Grill has a sidewalk terrace and a street entrance. The interior is stylish enough, but not especially creative, with wooden floors, flat-screen TVs, a buffet, large windows, and a bar. The lobby has marble floors that complement colorfully lit art sculptures and the front desk’s glowing facade. Large windows facing the pool and recessed ceiling lights add to the brightness of the lobby. Black and brown leather furniture offers plenty of seating options. Hallways are basic with black patterned carpeting, white walls and three elevators. Some common areas could use a refresh.The small outdoor pool is a bit bland, with a brick deck with patio furniture, lounge chairs, potted palms, a disability lift chair, and an outdoor shower. Lanterns and potted plants adorn the walls. The gym has a handful of cardio machines, as well as three flat-screen TVs, a scale, towels, and a water cooler.

The hotel is centrally located near the financial district and Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars nearby, although some guests say that the area feels a little sketchy late at night. The Bayside marketplace is one minute away on foot. Miami Heat games at the American Airlines Arena are just four minutes away on foot, and guests can walk to the Hard Rock Cafe in eight minutes. It’s 13 minutes by car to South Beach, and driving to Coral Gables takes 24 minutes. The airport is 16 minutes away by car and the Port of Miami is a five-minute drive away. The Miami Children's Museum is an eight-minute drive away, and the Brickell Key is a seven-minute drive from the hotel.

Classic and modern chain decor, dark wood furniture, patterned textiles, and earth-toned furnishings are in all rooms, which run the gamut from standard to king suites, some of which are especially suited to families and groups. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, writing desks, safes, and irons. Higher-tier rooms have sofa beds, microwaves, mini-fridges, and wet bars. Firm or soft pillow varieties are all available, and each is embroidered on its case for ease of customization. Large windows overlook downtown, Brickell Key, and/or the bay. Standard bathrooms have shower/tubs combinations and some even have scales. While most rooms feel like standard chain offerings, some feel more outdated decor and show signs of wear. Cribs and disability accessible rooms are available.

The outdoor pool is a notable feature; it's small, but it has a disability chair and a shower. The hotel's bar and buffet grill also stand out, and are especially popular with families. The hotel has two meeting rooms with modern decor for business travelers; the 10th floor meeting room has views of the Port of Miami. DVD players, flip charts, whiteboards, lecterns, modern audiovisual equipment, and catering can be requested. In the lobby, there's a business corner with dark wood desks, each furnished with a PC computer and a printer. There’s a nearby ATM machine and three vending machines, stocked with snacks, beverages, and travel-size toiletries. The hotel offers valet parking for a fee, and breakfast, also for a fee. Kids eat free at the restaurant, though.