Holiday Inn Miami International Airport

This Holiday Inn is, like the rest of the chain, utilitarian above all else, but it's a fine place to pass the night before catching a flight from the nearby airport or cruise from Port of Miami. Although some of the rooms weren't renovated in 2014 and still have dated decor, all public spaces are contemporary and well-maintained. Upon entering, the lobby is modern in shades of corporate beige, though the front desk area mimics the sea with mother-of-pearl colored mosaic tiling, sea-blue wall behind the concierge desk, and marble floors. On the other side of the lobby, bamboo stalks and blue-gray seating around wicker ottomans create a relaxing vibe. The restaurant and bar area have a generically modern design with mostly brown and tan shades, plus some pops of blue and silver. The hotel's proximity to the airport and port draw those in transit rather than guests staying in Miami for the duration of their vacation. 

Located smack in the center of a triangle of highways and on-ramps, the Holiday Inn Miami International Airport isn't in the prettiest or most pedestrian-friendly area. But the purpose of an airport hotel is to give guests coming to and from the airport a place to crash for the night, and to that end, it's perfectly situated just 11 minutes by car from Miami International Airport. The hotel offers free airport shuttle service, plus shuttle service to the Port of Miami (14-minute drive) for a fee. There are a handful of fast-food joints within walking distance, and the hotel offers a round-trip shuttle to Dolphin Mall for a fee. On-site parking is free.

Many of the rooms were renovated in 2014, resulting in a contemporary, though undeniably generic, design. They're dressed up in various shades of beige and brown, with some pops of blue or green in chairs and artwork. The rooms that weren't refreshed still have dated decor such as red-hued wood furniture with granite accents, warm earth-tone bedskirts and drapes, and more old-fashioned artwork. Some are showing wear. Across the board, however, rooms are spacious and include 40-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and safes, plus microwaves in some. Straightforward bathrooms have either shower/tub combos or showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Some guests have complained about noise from air conditioners and traffic.  

This Holiday Inn offers a decent list of on-site amenities, particularly as most guests are only at the hotel for a short stay. An outdoor pool is a welcome feature, and it's surrounded on two sides by tall plants for privacy and lots of loungers. Those wanting to get a workout in can use the 24-hour gym, which is small but modern and equipped with a range of cardio and weight-training equipment. El Mirador is the on-site Cuban, American, and Caribbean restaurant offering breakfast and dinner but not lunch. Most rates also include a buffet breakfast. There's also the Vista Lounge on the ninth floor offering cocktails until late, as well as salsa music on Saturdays and salsa lessons on Sundays. The property's same-day dry cleaning and on-site laundry facilities are a bonus. Wi-Fi is free for IHG Rewards Club members only, but non-members can sign up for free.