Days Inn by Wyndham Miami Airport North

This Days Inn is geared toward overnight guests who appreciate the close proximity and free shuttle service to both the airport and cruise port. The design is contemporary throughout, but it's marred by the frequent complaints of maintenance and service issues. The hotel's surroundings are similarly rundown, including the parking lot connecting the property's buildings (some rooms are located across a lane in separate buildings detached from the lobby). The hotel's interiors, however, are surprisingly stylish, such as the lobby with marble flooring, chic taupe and robin's-egg blue seating, a marble coffee table, and funky light fixtures. The cafe is more chain-like, with deep-orange walls, beige chairs, and generic artwork. Given that rates aren't that cheap, travelers should look elsewhere for a more dependable stay, such as the Comfort Suites Miami Airport North or Cambria Suites Miami Airport Blue Lagoon. 

Located literally across the street from the airport (albeit the back side) along a strip of similar airport hotels, the Days Inn Miami Airport North is certainly not in the prettiest of locations, but it's a 10-minute car ride from the terminal doors, making it convenient for travelers who have an early morning flight out of the city or an evening flight in to catch a cruise the next day. A free shuttle is offered to both the cruise port (15-minute drive) and the airport. There are a couple of restaurants along the strip for dining -- an IHOP is a six-minute walk away -- plus a Circle K across the street, but dining and shopping options are rather limited.

First things first: Some rooms, though not all, have a consistent problem with maintenance, bugs, and cleaning, particularly in the bathrooms. Additionally, room positioning is key when booking, as some are located outside the hotel building and open onto the parking lot, which might make some guests feel uncomfortable. Travelers should book a room facing the pool to avoid airport noise at night. The 147 rooms are amply sized with a generically modern design scheme in browns, creams, and touches of light blue. Furnishings and carpets are beginning to look well-used. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs and hairdryers, but guests will have to request in advance for mini-fridges or microwaves. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and toiletries. 

Guests expecting a free breakfast, typical of Days Inn properties, may be disappointed that it's not included in room rates. The large, coffee-shop style cafe offers basic food -- hot dishes as well as granola bars and fresh fruit -- from morning into the afternoon, and there are plenty of tables and chairs, plus more living-room like groupings. In terms of pleasant surprises, there's a well-maintained pool in the back of the hotel with plenty of sun loungers and few picnic tables. A business center with two computers and a printer is convenient, as are the lobby's ATM and TV displaying flight departure times. Although Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, some rooms have patchy service, especially those farthest from the lobby.