Sonesta Miami Airport: Your Luxurious Gateway to Sunshine & Fun!
Sonesta Miami Airport: My Love/Hate Letter to Sunshine & Slightly Stale Croissants
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash my unfiltered opinion on the Sonesta Miami Airport. This isn't your polished, corporate brochure review. This is the real deal, warts and all, fresh from my slightly sunburnt brain.
Accessibility: Navigating the Labyrinth (Mostly) Smoothly
Look, being a travel writer can be a pain in the… well, you get the picture. So, accessibility is huge for me. And Sonesta, bless their cotton socks, mostly nails it. Wheelchair accessible? Yep! They get a gold star for that. Elevators are plentiful (important when you're lugging around half your worldly possessions in a rolling suitcase), and the common areas are generally easy to navigate. The exterior corridor setup? Not my favourite, but at least you're not trapped in a maze. Facilities for disabled guests? Check. Details on what those are could be clearer, though. And the airport transfer? Chef's kiss. After a red-eye flight, that's a lifesaver.
But… those automatic door sensors sometimes lagged. It's a minor quibble, but a minor inconvenience nonetheless.
Internet: The Eternal Struggle & Free Wi-Fi Forever!
Let's be honest, a solid internet connection is practically a human right these days. And the free Wi-Fi in all rooms!? Thank the internet gods! I'm serious. It's a game-changer. The Internet [LAN]? I didn't try it, I'm too busy streaming true crime podcasts in the lobby on their Wi-Fi.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (Mostly) – A Tale of Two Showers
Okay, let’s dive into the rooms. The soundproof rooms are a definite win. Airport hotels can be noisy, but I slept like a baby (once I'd wrestled with the blackout curtains – they were like a stubborn teenager, refusing to close properly). Air conditioning? Absolutely, a necessity in Miami. The in-room safe box… well, I tried to use it. But I'm pretty sure I forgot the combination five times. Classic.
The additional toilet was a luxury, hands down. I could finally have my private bathroom time as I am! And speaking of bathrooms, the separate shower/bathtub situation varied. My first room, the shower was… well, a bit lackluster, with questionable water pressure. The second room? Ah, heaven. The water pressure was like a delightful waterfall!
Amenities Galore (Sort Of): Spa Dreams & Fitness Fails
Alright, let's talk perks. The swimming pool [outdoor]? Gorgeous. I spent an unhealthy amount of time lounging poolside, sipping something cold, and pretending I was a glamorous Florida resident. Pool with view? Technically, yes, it did view the hotel itself.
And then, the spa. The Spa/sauna, the Steamroom, the Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage? I love the sound of all those. Love them. I didn't actually do any of them. I'm a travel writer, not a millionaire. Besides, I was too busy eating pastries from the airport and writing.
Fitness center? Okay, confession time. I intended to hit the Gym/fitness. That's a lie. No, I didn't. My suitcase served as my weights, okay?
Dining: A Carousel of Croissants & Questionable Asian Cuisine
Ah, the food. Here's where things get interesting. The Breakfast [buffet]? A mixed bag. The Western breakfast was pretty solid, with the usual eggs and bacon. But those croissants? Sometimes, they were fresh, flaky, and divine. Other times… let's just say a little stale. I suspect they were on a rotation.
The Asian breakfast option? Let's just say it was a valiant effort. I applaud the ambition, but it didn't quite hit the mark.
Good news first: the Coffee shop was my haven. Coffee, cake, and a place to watch the world go by. The Poolside bar? Essential. The Restaurant had some definite misses and hits at different times, too. The Happy hour was definitely, well, happy!
Cleanliness and Safety: Shielded from the Germs… Mostly
During these Pandemic times, the Cleanliness and safety measures were definitely noticeable. Lots of actual Anti-viral cleaning products in use. The Daily disinfection in common areas made me feel safe. Room sanitization opt-out available? Good to know, but I didn't exercise that option! Felt safer with them sanitizing it! The Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like it. Food delivery service was offered. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, yup! The team was all over it!
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag of "Helpful" and "Meh"
The Concierge was pretty helpful. Always there with a smile and some answers. The Luggage storage came in handy. Daily housekeeping was efficient.
But the Convenience store? Limited selections. And the Dry cleaning service? A little pricey.
For the Kids and All the Little Extras
While I didn't have any kids in tow, the Sonesta seemed genuinely Family/child friendly. The Babysitting service and Kids meal options are definitely a plus.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (and Free!)
Airport transfer? Fantastic. Seriously, a godsend. The Car park [free of charge] was also a major bonus. And for the environmentally conscientious, there's Bicycle parking!
Overall Verdict: Worth It (with caveats)
So, would I recommend the Sonesta Miami Airport? Yes, probably. It caters to the needs of those with disabilities. It's not perfect, but it's got a lot going for it: location, mostly good amenities, and a generally efficient vibe. But go in with realistic expectations. The croissants might be stale, the Asian food maybe not worth the effort. But get ready for your next adventure, and to get slightly less sleep than you would like. Overall, the Sonesta Miami Airport is a solid choice for a comfortable and convenient stay, keeping you ready to go get your sunshine and fun!
Otilia Apartments Portugal: Your Dream Vacation Awaits!Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to embark on a whirlwind (and slightly chaotic) tour of the Sonesta Miami Airport. Consider this less a perfectly polished itinerary and more…a rambling travelogue from someone who’s probably lost their phone charger somewhere between the lobby and the pool. And yes, there will be strong opinions. You've been warned!
Day 1: Arrival and the Airport Shuffle (aka, My First Lesson in Luggage Regret)
1:00 PM - Touchdown Miami! Oh, the humidity! It hit me like a warm, damp hug the second I stepped off the plane. Instantly regretting that extra layer I wore. And…ugh, baggage claim. My suitcase, a behemoth I lovingly nicknamed "The Beast," decided to take a scenic route around the carousel. Minutes ticked by, filled with the symphony of rolling suitcases and the anxious murmurs of fellow travelers. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, there it was. The Beast made its grand entrance.
1:45 PM - Navigating the MIA Madness. Finding the shuttle was a quest worthy of Indiana Jones. Signs were… suggestive, at best. "Hotel Shuttles, This Way!" they declared, pointing in five different directions. I swear, I saw a rogue pigeon trying to lead a herd of confused tourists. Eventually, after a bit of wandering and a lot of squinting, I found the Sonesta shuttle. The driver, bless his heart, had the patience of a saint.
2:15 PM - Check-in and the Room Reveal. The Sonesta lobby: surprisingly sleek and modern, a stark contrast to the airport chaos. The front desk staff were friendly, bless them, and the check-in was swift (thank goodness). The room… well, it wasn’t the presidential suite, but it was clean, and the air conditioning blasted a welcome gust of icy air. Score! Though the view? Let’s just say it involved a parking lot and a distant glimpse of a palm tree. But hey, I'm not complaining. Free parking spots!
3:00 PM - Poolside Panic (and a Tiny Victory). Okay, this is where things started to go sideways. I, in my infinite wisdom, decided to hit the pool. Picture this: me, a pale Irishwoman, attempting to channel my inner sun goddess. Failed miserably. The sun's got a mean streak in Miami. I got a sunburn that was mostly red but already starting to peel. At least the margaritas were pretty good. And the pool… shimmering, cool, and with a surprisingly low chlorine smell.
6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster (and Redemption!). Decided to eat at the hotel restaurant. Big mistake. Mediocre food. Way overpriced. And the service? Let's just say the waitress seemed far more interested in her phone than in taking my order. I sent back the undercooked fish, and the replacement wasn't much better. Seriously, for this price, I was expecting magic. But, okay, the manager was somewhat apologetic and gave me a discount, which was nice, I guess.
8:00 PM - Channel Surfing and Bedtime Realization. Headed back to the room, defeated. My attempt at enjoying the pool was thwarted. Dinner was awful. Exhausted, I crashed in front of the TV, flipping through channels and not really watching anything. Finally, after a few hours, crashing in bed was exactly what I needed to do. Suddenly remembered I left my phone charger in the airport. Great.
Day 2: Exploring (or, Trying to Explore) Miami
7:00 AM - Breakfast (and a Caffeine Emergency). The hotel breakfast buffet, a surprisingly decent spread. Scrambled eggs that weren't completely rubbery, pastries that were edible. The coffee, though? Needed a double shot to even wake up. Almost choked on the weak, watery stuff. Had to go find a stronger one.
8:00 AM - Public transport. (Slightly less awful then expected) Getting on a bus was the first task of the day. I was expecting the worst, and it was actually not that bad. Everyone was friendly, and the bus wasn't too crowded. Pretty cool.
9:00 AM - South Beach Sojourn (and a Seagull Assault). South Beach! The iconic pastel buildings, the turquoise water, the… swarms of tourists. And the seagulls. Oh, the seagulls! I bought a rather delicious ice cream, only to have it nearly stolen by a dive-bombing, beady-eyed fiend. Seriously, those birds are ruthless. The beach itself was nice, though, despite the constant threat of avian theft.
11:00 AM- A moment of zen. (or getting lost?) Looking at a maps. It's a bit hard to find my way around. But it's a good way of learning, I suppose.
12:00 PM - Lunch in Little Havana (and Spicy Regret). Little Havana was much more interesting. The smells of Cuban coffee, the lively music, the colorful street art…it was a sensory explosion. I went for lunch at a small, family-run restaurant. The food was amazing! I ordered a Cuban sandwich that was out of this world. The manager warned me that I was ordering a spicy dish, and I, in my arrogance, scoffed. Well, let's just say my mouth was on fire for the next hour, and I drank enough water to fill a small swimming pool. Worth it though. Definitely worth it.
2:00 PM - Art Deco District Stroll (and Sunscreen Overload). Wandered the Art Deco district. So many pretty buildings, all bright and very colorful. The sun was relentless again, causing me to lather my face in sunscreen every 10 minutes.
4:00 PM - Dinner (and a Late-Night Phone Charger Hunt). Decided to eat at a restaurant I found on Google maps. It was very good. The waiter was very friendly. Then, after dinner, it was a desperate search for a phone charger. I couldn't leave until I did.
7:00 PM - Evening Poolside. (It's actually great!) Going back to the hotel pool, it was a great way of relaxing.
Day 3: Departure (and the Inevitable Airport Drama)
7:00 AM - Last Breakfast, (and a Slight Panic). The airport shuttle again. This time I was on time. Decided to get a muffin.
7:30 AM - Check-out (and a Mild Breakdown). A bit of a panic buying the airport.
9:00 AM - TSA Tango (and the Liquids Lament). Navigating the airport security, It's always a joy. This time, the problem was liquids. My toiletries bag, containing far more than the allowed ounce, was confiscated. Lesson learned: always travel with travel-sized everything.
10:00 AM - Farewell, Miami (and the Slightest Bit of Nostalgia). Sitting at the gate, watching planes take off. The whole thing was, in the end, pretty good. A little bit of chaos, a lot of fun. I would come back.
Sonesta Miami Airport: Ready to Rumble (or Relax)? Your Burning Questions Answered!
Okay, spill the tea: Is this place *actually* nice? I'm picturing a sad, beige airport hotel.
Alright, honest moment. Airport hotels? They can be a gamble. I get it. But Sonesta? Yeah, it's… good. Like, *really* good. I mean, I’m not gonna lie, the first thing that hit me when I walked in wasn’t some overwhelming wave of luxury – it was the sheer *relief* of escaping the Miami heat and the airport chaos! But then… the lobby. It's got this cool, modern vibe, with pops of color and comfy seating. Way better than the beige you're fearing.
I remember this one time, after a flight that was delayed for, like, eight hours (curse you, Southwest!), I just wanted a shower and a real bed. This place delivered. And honestly? The staff? Super friendly. They actually *smiled*. That’s basically a miracle after a travel day from hell. So, nice? Yeah, I'd say it's a solid "yes." Better than most airport hotels I've ever stumbled into, that's for sure.
How far *is* it from the airport, really? Because "close" can mean anything.
Real talk: super close. Like, practically *in* the airport's shadow. They have a free shuttle, which is a godsend, especially if you arrive at like, 2 AM after they’ve run out of Uber drivers. (True story, happened to me. Don’t judge.) The shuttle runs frequently, so you're not stuck waiting. You're talking five to ten minutes tops, door-to-door. It's *that* close.
Now, the shuttle can get a bit… enthusiastic, with the luggage. But hey, that's Miami for you! Embrace the chaos! And seriously, that short ride is worth its weight in gold compared to dealing with insane Miami traffic or a taxi that wants to run the meter into the stratosphere.
What about food? I'm always starving. Does the on-site restaurant actually serve decent food? Or is it just… hotel food?
Alright, food. This is where things get interesting. They have a few different options. They have their "restaurant," which is actually pretty okay, especially after you've been stuck on a metal tube for hours. I've had a surprisingly good burger there more than once. (Don't judge; I'm a creature of habit). And the fries? Crispy and perfect for soaking up those travel sorrows.
But here's the deal – I'm a total sucker for room service. And the room service menu? Solid. Sometimes, after a long day, the only thing I want is to curl up in a big bed with a giant plate of something cheesy and watch bad television. The Sonesta delivered on this front. My advice? Order the nachos. Just… order them.
And yeah, there's a bar. And it is *necessary*. Seriously, a well-made cocktail after dealing with baggage claim is basically therapy. The bartenders are usually pretty friendly too, which is a bonus.
Okay, what about the rooms? Are they, like, clean? Because I'm a germaphobe…
Clean? Yes, definitely. I'm not gonna lie, I'm *not* a germaphobe, but cleanliness is important! The rooms were really spotless, and that's always a relief. Fresh sheets, clean bathrooms, and no lingering odors. The beds are comfortable, which is *crucial* after a long day of travel. The whole place just *feels* clean, you know?
The one tiny complaint? Sometimes, the AC can be a *little* loud. But honestly, I usually crank it up anyway, so it wasn't a huge deal for me. And hey, at least you know it's working, right?
Is there a pool? Because, Miami. And because I need to relax.
Yes! There is a pool! And it's actually quite lovely. It's not the biggest, most sprawling pool you've ever seen, but it's perfect for a quick dip or a lazy afternoon. They have lounge chairs, and usually some umbrellas for shade (bless).
Here's a tip: go early, before the afternoon flight crowd descends. It’s quieter then and you might even get a sun-drenched moment to yourself. Just be prepared for random, loud conversations in multiple languages. More Miami flair.
What are the downsides? Because no place is perfect.
Okay, let's be real. There are always downsides. The location is *amazing* for the airport, but it's not exactly in the heart of the action. You'll need to Uber or rent a car to get to South Beach or other attractions. The parking can be a little pricey, depending on the day. That's pretty standard for Miami, though.
And, look, it's still an airport hotel. You will hear airplanes taking off and landing. It's not a silent retreat in the mountains. But the windows are decent, and the noise isn't overwhelming. It's not like you're sleeping on the runway, okay?
My biggest complaint? The Wi-Fi can be a little patchy at times. Which is a huge bummer when you're trying to stream a movie after a red-eye. But hey, most of the time it's fine. And really, maybe it's a good thing to be disconnected for a bit, huh?
I have an early flight! Will I actually *make* it on time from here?
Absolutely! The whole point of staying here is that ridiculously easy air travel. The shuttle literally whisks you to the terminal in a heartbeat. I once slept through my alarm (I'm terrible), woke up in a panic, threw on some clothes, and still made my flight with time to spare. That's how close you are.
Trust me. Early flights? Sonesta Miami Airport is your friend. It takes all the stress out of the equation. Well… almost all of it. You still gotta deal with the TSA. But at least you’ll be well-rested and not battling Miami traffic. That's a win in my book.
