Best Western Plus Miami Executive Airport Hotel and Suites

Although it's located in a built-up suburban area near an airport, this six-story Best Western is set back from the main road, helping it feel a bit secluded. Guests drive up to the covered entrance, which is flanked by lush greenery, and sliding glass doors lead into the two-story lobby. It's a sharp and inviting space that's modern and bright, with tile flooring, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, large columns, and sleek contemporary lighting hanging from the ceiling. Seating areas include a sofa and armchairs and a curvy sectional with a bar and bar stools behind it -- there's plenty of places for guests to kick back between outings in the Miami area. Potted plants and flowers are a nice touch, as does a large fountain with a base of rocks. The draws all sorts of guests, including business travelers, and families and couples looking for more reasonable rates than those in central Miami and South Beach. 

Located in Kendall -- a sprawling Miami suburb with all of the usual trappings plus a few office buildings tucked in for good measure -- there's not much to do in the hotel's immediate area. A number of chain restaurants, shops, and a movie theater are within a short drive. There's also a U.S. Army Reserve military base nearby, and Zoo Miami, home to more than 2,000 animals, is only 10 minutes away by car. Miami International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the hotel, and downtown Miami is 10 minutes farther. One of the closest beaches is Matheson Hammock Park & Marina, a 30 to 40-minute drive from the hotel depending on traffic. Expect a 45-minute drive to South Beach, and Fort Lauderdale can be reached in a little over an hour. Homestead, which leads to the Keys on Highway 1, is about 30 minutes south. The hotel is conveniently located for travelers passing through or for those with business in the area. Free transportation within the local area is provided by the hotel.

Rooms are decorated in shades of brown and blue and embrace the upgraded value appeal of the BEST WESTERN brand's line of Plus hotels. A mix of patterns in carpeting, bed toppers, drapes, benches, and an upholstered chair add pizzazz to the otherwise neutral rooms. Modern furnishings come in dark wood veneer finishes, and beds made with crisp white linens have upholstered headboards. Colorful abstract wall art and textured accent walls add even more visual appeal. Amenities include mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, safes, and flat-screen TVs. Suites offer more space and a sofa bed in the sitting area. Compact and contemporary bathrooms feature granite countertops, modern fixtures, toiletries in large eco-friendly bottles, tiled showers with rainfall showerheads, and hairdryers. Views are of the airport or parking lot and local businesses.

A free breakfast buffet with hot and cold items is served daily in a modern, sunny breakfast room. It can get crowded and offerings can get picked over early on occasion. The space later turns into a bar with daily happy hour, and there are flat-screen TVs for keeping up with the news or sports. The outdoor pool is small and enclosed between the building and a stone wall with glass bricks. A few lounge chairs are provided, and there's also a table and chairs with an umbrella and additional chairs for guests who want to sit by the pool. Free transportation is provided within a five-mile radius. The small, but modern, fitness center offers a treadmill, elliptical machine, stationary bike, and universal gym in front of large windows and two flat-screen TVs. There's a computer station off the lobby that provides two computers and a printer for guests to use. Events space can be divided into three small spaces or one large space with 1,141 square feet. A small convenience store in the lobby sells drinks, snacks, and essential items. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.