Priceline Hotel: Miami 3.5* or 4* 12/31-1/3 suggestions

[FaithKristine]

I have never used Priceline before so I am unsure of what types of bids to make. I am also traveling without my parents for the first time. I am going to Miami with my boyfriend for the Orange Bowl. We are flying in on 12/31 and leaving 1/3. Our main concerns are being close to the Bowl and beach to keep cab fare low while also being in a safe area. I am assuming the Downtown Miami area and South Beach are our best bets but I'm unsure of what is a fair bid for that time. We would like a 3.5* or 4* hotel. Any suggestions? I would even be willing to stay near the airport the first night and then moving to South Beach for the last two nights since the 31st may be much more expensive. I already have a hotel booked near the airport as back up.

[thereuare]

Welcome to BetterBidding!

Our main concerns are being close to the Bowl and beach to keep cab fare low while also being in a safe area.

This is at SunLife Stadium, correct? If so, this is located about halfway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale and a cab from Downtown Miami will not be that cheap, imo... have you looked at a map to the see location of the stadium and determined that this would be the best location for you? Are you planning other activities in the area OR is the sole purpose to go to the game?

What is your target budget for this stay? Is your back-up hotel at the airport just for the first nite or for the complete stay? What property is it and what is the rate?

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.

[FaithKristine]

Yes it is the Sun Life Stadium. And yes, our reason for this trip is the bowl but we will be there for two additional days so being close to the beach and downtown area would be ideal for us.

We currently have the La Quinta Airport East booked for all three nights. We are able to cancel even the day of for no charge. Our room cost about $125 a night plus tax. That also comes with airport shuttle and breakfast which is a big plus. A major concern for my parents is that we are in a safe area/safe hotel so any suggestion on location/star rating would be greatly appreciated. I would also like to stay around $125 per night (before tax) if possible.

Thank you so much!

[thereuare]

Yes it is the Sun Life Stadium. And yes, our reason for this trip is the bowl but we will be there for two additional days so being close to the beach and downtown area would be ideal for us.

Your plans (football, downtown, beach) are in three different directions so you can't be close to all of them, and taxis will likely add up quickly (especially if you take to/from the game with traffic)... have you thought about renting a car which would then free up your geographical limitations?

[FaithKristine]

I have actually been doing more research and the distance from the airport area to the bowl is a lot more than I realized. I actually just booked the Best Western Windsor Inn in North Miami. I have considered renting a car but because I am 21 there is an additional fee. I figure between renting, the fee, and parking it will probably cost more to rent. Luckily the reviews I have found on the Best Western say there is great public transportation just outside the hotel so the only cabs I will have to worry about are to and from the airport and the Bowl game. It also talked about having some stores and restaurants in that area. Do you happen to know anything about this hotel or even any other hotels in that area? I am still willing to priceline it, I just want to make sure I get an area that is safe and has good public transportation to at least some of the areas.

[thereuare]

So are you now set with the Best Western (please note from our Support Page that we are an affiliate and please use the links on the board for your travel purchases)... are are you looking for something different? What is the Best Western rate?

You can put the address of the stadium into our sister site, MAPS and HOTELS.com, to see hotels in the immediate area (check both the PRICELINE and Hotels.com tab). As well, within each marker you can click a link to see how far away restaurants, bars, coffee shops, etc. are from your hotel.

Please use the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board to begin your travel purchases.