Top 10 Miami/Kendall Vacation Tips

It's time to start thinking about your summer vacation plans. Even with tight budgets during these tough economic times, vacations are still quite possible. Here are 10 vacation-planning tips when visiting the Miami/Kendall area.

1. Organize Carefully
To avoid a lot of problems, stay organized. Keep receipts and records of your entire Miami/Kendall vacation. Documentation is the key to making sure that you receive what you planned on getting.

2. Plan Accordingly
Odds are you will get better rates at hotels in Kendall if you plan ahead. With planning, you can have time to research several Miami hotel offers and vacation packages.

3. Visit Message Boards and Vacation Forums
To make sure you are spending your vacation funds wisely, do some Online research. Searching the Web for message boards and Miami/Kendall hotel reviews will give you a better idea of what you will actually get. Other travelers can provide useful information, and you can also learn from their mistakes.

4. Remember Safety
Investigate the safety of the area you will be visiting. Some parts of town may not be safe for you to explore. Be aware of your location and stay current with world issues. Be sure to check the State Department's Web site for travel warnings and alerts.

5. Set Your Priorities
Set your priorities before embarking on your vacation. What do you want to see on your trip? Your priority might be to visit Metrozoo or explore the Florida Everglades, so make sure you prioritize.

6. Look Into Unexpected Fees
Don't forget about taxis, possible checked baggage fees, tips for services and other unexpected costs that you might not foresee. Costs can add up quickly while traveling, and random problems like needing to buy a new purse or suitcase might pop up. Carrying a little bit of extra cash will help you cover these costs and help you stay on budget.

7. Find Alternate Means of Transportation
Traveling like the locals is usually the way to save money. Look into bus and train schedules to help save on cab fares. Inquire with local residents or the staff of your Miami/Kendall hotel for suggestions on local and affordable transportation.

8. Budget
How much money is in your vacation budget? If you have the funds, you may want to indulge in some of the area’s luxury attractions and restaurants.

9. Consider a Travel Agent
If your research skills aren't quite up to par, there are countless travel agents that will be happy to help you book your Miami/Kendall accommodations. They can also give you information about locations that the average person might not know, like an affordable hotel on the outskirts of town or a hole-in-the wall Miami/Kendall restaurant with the best cuisine in town.

10. Don't Stress Out
Remember to have fun while planning your South Florida vacation and don't stress. You don't want to get bitter about your vacation before you leave the house.

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Vacation Travel in Kendall, Florida

Vacation travel in Kendall, Florida is becoming more popular every year. Situated on the edge of the Florida Everglades, Kendall provides access to all of South Florida’s attractions and hot spots. Hotels in Kendall are proud to offer convenient and affordable hotel accommodations without all the crowds found in downtown Miami and the South Beach area.

Attractions in Kendall and Surrounding Areas

Kendall is home to the popular Metrozoo, a world-renowned facility showcasing animals that roam free within its 300 acres of jungles, forest and trails. The Greater Miami area, well known for its beaches, is also full of all kinds of attractions, including the following:

1. Metro Zoo (Miami)
2. Miami Seaquarium (Miami)
3. Coral Castle (Homestead)
4. Everglades Alligator Farm (Homestead)
5. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (Coral Gables)
6. Biscayne National Park (Homestead)
7. Lowe Art Museum (Coral Gables)
8. Jungle Island (Miami)
9. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (Miami)
10. Barnacle State Historic Park (Coconut Grove)

Sports fans in Kendall are also close to top notch sporting events located in the city of Miami, home to the following major league teams:

1. Baseball: Florida Marlins (MLB)
2. Basketball: Miami Heat (NBA)
3. Football: Miami Dolphins (NFL)
4. Hockey: Florida Panthers (NHL)

Accommodations in Kendall

Whether you want to stay in a hotel near Miami Zoo, or wish to find a hotel near Florida International University, there are many options that will fit your budget and expectations. These hotels have style, fun activities, modern amenities, and you can stay comfortably without breaking the bank. For shopping enthusiasts, hotels near Dadeland mall and hotels near Dolphin Mall offer convenient access to these popular shopping complexes.  

Keep in mind that the best hotels in Miami offer accommodations at reasonable prices. They will make your vacation just as comfortable and memorable as the higher-priced hotels and resorts.

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Business Conferences at Miami Hotels

Business hotels in Miami are an ideal option for conferences and meetings, offering spacious and functional suites, extended stay opportunities, Miami meeting space and conference services. Convenient downtown access to major Miami businesses, including Leon Medical Centers, Kendall Regional Hospital, Dadeland Business District and Florida International University ensures that your Miami hotel provides a comfortable and productive stay when traveling for business.

Many hotels in Miami provide free business centers with high-speed Internet access, spacious work areas, two-line telephones with data ports, and access to copy machines. Conference rooms are available for a small fee, ensuring a comfortable and convenient conference in Miami.

Other business services offered at Miami business hotels include computer hook-ups, exercise rooms, fitness centers, free local calls, in-room electronic safes, fax machines, multiple phone lines and voice mail services. Many budget hotels in Miami offer these services, so there is no need to spend a fortune for the same amenities and business services.

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5 Ways to Save Money on Your Miami Accommodations

5. Revisit the Same Hotel. You may be able to get great deals at Miami hotels when you stay at the same place (or the same hotel chain) each time you travel. When you book your room, mention that you’ve previously stayed at their hotel. They want your repeat business and may offer you a better rate – or, at the very least, an upgraded room.

4. Try Haggling. In some cases, you can negotiate a room rate at a budget hotel in Miami, but it's important to do this tactfully. Present your initial offer so that it doesn't create a combative exchange. For example, you can ask if they might consider dropping their rate by 10 percent. Sometimes, you'll get a positive response, but if you get a solid "no" or the person seems offended, let it go.

3. Surf the Web for Deals. The Internet can help you save money on virtually everything, including Miami hotel rooms. It takes a bit more confidence to book your Miami vacations online, but you can find great rewards.

2. Timing Is Everything. When it comes to getting a good deal on Miami accommodations, timing can be everything. One of the easiest ways to trim your travel budget is to go off-season. You'll also save on airfare, and you might appreciate some additional perks, like shorter lines.

1. Use Membership Programs and Occupational Advantages. AAA and AARP members often qualify for reduced hotel rates. The same holds true for people in certain occupations, such as educators and military personnel. If you are either of these or work for a nonprofit organization, mention it when making reservations for your Miami vacation.

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Affordable Hotels in Miami

Miami is famous for its beaches, sunny weather, exotic attractions and exciting activities. Finding affordable accommodations during your Miami vacation is easy and can save you lots of money. Budget hotels in Miami and Kendall can be found near popular hot spots and often offer all the amenities you would expect at the higher priced hotels and resorts.

Whether you want to stay in a hotel near Miami Zoo, or need a hotel near Kendall Regional Hospital, there are many options that will fit your budget. These hotels have style, fun activities, modern amenities, and you can stay comfortably without breaking the bank. For shopping enthusiasts, hotels near Dadeland mall and hotels near Dolphin Mall offer convenient access to these popular shopping complexes.  

Many of these cheap hotels in Miami offer swimming pools, poolside bars, restaurants, fitness centers, spas and gift shops. You can also find comfort at countless family hotels in Miami, most of which offer kiddie pools and day care services. You will definitely find a variety of fun activities for the entire family. For people traveling on business, hotels in Kendall, a suburban neighborhood of metropolitan Miami, are also reasonably priced and offer convenient access to Miami's major financial centers.

Keep in mind that the best hotels in Miami offer accommodations at reasonable prices. They will make your vacation just as comfortable and memorable as the higher-priced hotels and resorts.

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International Cuisine and Restaurants Near Your Miami Hotel

While on vacation in Miami, explore local cuisine and take your taste buds on an International adventure. The location of your Comfort Suites® Miami hotel gives you the flexibility to savor the most exotic food in Miami. Argentinian, Cuban, Colombian, and Italian cuisines are some of the local favorites. Most ethnic restaurants in Miami are family-owned businesses which started small and quickly multiplied to create mini franchises in the area. American sport grills and barbecue houses are also popular along with all the bigger American franchises like Checkers, Dunkin Donuts, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and Quiznos, but let’s take a closer look at the International cuisine in Miami.

Argentinian cuisine can be described as a cultural blending of Mediterranean influences (such as those created by Italian and Spanish traditions) within the wide scope of livestock and agricultural products that are abundant in the country. No other dish more genuinely matches the national identity than asado (the Argentine barbecue). Nevertheless, the country's vast area, and its cultural diversity, has led to a local cuisine of various dishes that are still gaining popularity around the world.

Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African, and Caribbean traditions. Cuban recipes share techniques and spices with Spanish and African cooking, along with some Caribbean influences in spice and flavor. The results are a unique and flavorful blend of several different cultural influences, with strong similarities to the cuisine of neighboring Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. A small but noteworthy Chinese culinary influence can also be noted, mainly in the Havana area.

Colombian cuisine includes the cooking traditions and practices of the native land and its Caribbean shoreline, Pacific coast, mountains, jungle, and ranch lands. Colombian cuisine varies regionally and is influenced by Spanish, African, Arab and some Asian traditions. Colombian coffee is also renowned worldwide for its prestigious high quality.

Italian cuisine is heavily influenced by Etruscan, ancient Greek, ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Jewish traditions. Significant changes occurred during the discovery of the New World with the introduction of items such as potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers and maize, now central to the cuisine but not introduced in quantity until the 18th century. Italian cuisine is noted for its regional diversity, abundance of difference in taste, and is known to be one of the most popular types of food in the world.

International Restaurants in Miami

Graziano’s Restaurant (Argentinian Steakhouse)
This family-owned Argentinian restaurant in Miami opened its first location on the renowned Bird Road in 1991. Graziano’s prides itself in being recognized as the best Argentine steakhouse in town, offering a wide variety of meat cuts cooked either on the grill or slowly roasted meat over Quebracho wood.

Web Site: http://www.grazianosgroup.com/Restaurant
Menu: http://www.grazianosgroup.com/Restaurant/ourmenu.php

La Carreta (Cuban Cuisine)
As a family-owned, Cuban restaurant in Miami, La Carreta is a staple of the old Cuba’s family dinning traditions of “abuela style” food and famously authentic Cuban espresso. With more than 9 locations, thousands of Miami locals and tourists are served authentic Cuban food and coffee daily.

Web Site: http://www.lacarreta.com
Menu: http://lacarreta.com/menu

Los Arrieros (Colombian Cuisine)
Los Arrieros is a Colombian restaurant in Miami that specializes in the cuisine of La Zona Cafetera, the mountainous coffee-growing region of central Colombia that includes the cities of Medellín and Manizales. The menu's highlights include a savory sancocho, a clear soup loaded with gallina (hen), chunks of green plantain, potato, and yuca, seasoned with fresh cilantro. Immerse yourself in "la experiencia de la comida paisa."

Web Site: http://www.aiyellow.com/losarrierosrestaurante
Menu: N/A

Nunzio’s Italian Restaurant (Italian Cuisine)
If you are looking for an Italian restaurant in Miami, Nunzio's is the place to go. This quaint little restaurant is owned by an Italian family. Mom and Pop are the ones doing the cooking and the rest of the family is taking care of the front. This Miami restaurant offers excellent food and friendly service.

Web Site: http://southflorida.menupages.com/restaurants/nunzios-ristorante
Menu: http://southflorida.menupages.com/restaurants/nunzios-ristorante/menu

Sergio's Restaurant (Cuban Cuisine)
At Sergio's, cooking starts with a philosophy, "Simple, Fresh & Homemade". By using only the freshest ingredients & combining their homemade recipes with today's best food ideas, Sergio's is able to serve authentic Cuban cuisine in Miami. Every time you visit Sergio's you will experience the same sensation you had when mom cooked your favorite meals at home.

Web Site: http://www.sergios.com
Menu: http://www.sergios.com/food-menu.html

American Grills in Miami

Shorty’s BBQ
Shorty's BBQ restaurants and catering service have been serving up barbecue in Miami for over 60 years! Their news-making and award-winning caterers and cooks take great pride in providing the finest in quality foods and professional service.

Web Site: http://www.shortys.com
Menu: http://www.shortys.com/dade_broward_menu.php

Sports Grill
For over 20 years, Sports Grill in Miami has satisfied local appetites with reasonably priced cuisine, served in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re an avid sports fan coming to cheer your favorite team or just stopping by to enjoy some old favorites, their menu and friendly staff will provide you with a dining experience you won’t forget.

Web Site: http://www.sportsgrillmiami.com
Menu: http://www.sportsgrillmiami.com/menu/sunset-menu

Fast Food in Miami

Checkers
The home for burgers, fries, cola, wings, fish, hot dogs, the Big Chicken and more, Checkers is Miami fast food at its best. Their burgers are made of 100% Beef and served hot, juicy and fully loaded with flavor.

Web Site: http://www.checkers.com
Menu: http://www.checkers.com/food/full_menu

Dunkin' Donuts
With over 2,600 stores in 30 countries outside of the U.S., Dunkin' Donuts has been serving loyal customers around the globe for over 27 years. During your Miami vacation, you can count on Dunkin' Donuts for delicious coffee and espresso, cool Coolatta®, delectable donuts, sandwiches and more.

Web Site: http://www.dunkindonuts.com
Menu: http://www.dunkindonuts.com/content/dunkindonuts/en/menu.html

McDonald’s
Can you imagine a world without the Big Mac? Or Chicken McNuggets? Or Happy Meals? It’s all because of a man named Ray Kroc who discovered a small burger restaurant in California back in 1954. From that humble start as a small restaurant, McDonald’s has become one of the world’s largest food service retailers and a leader of fast food in Miami.

Web Site: http://www.mcdonalds.com
Menu: http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/full_menu_explorer.html

Pizza Hut
When it comes to tossing around dough, no one does it like Pizza Hut. When looking for pizza in Miami, order online for fast delivery or drop by for carryout. You can also contact Pizza Hut and find out about their catering services.

Web Site: http://www.pizzahut.com
Menu: http://www.pizzahut.com/pizza.html

Quiznos Subs
Quiznos offers over 25 chef-inspired menu items, including grilled flatbreads, salads and wraps, and sub sliders. When in the mood for sandwiches in Miami, treat yourself to their all-natural chicken, freshly sliced deli meats and artisan breads and cheeses. Quiznos is the perfect answer to your lunchtime craving.

Web Site: http://www.quiznos.com
Menu: http://www.quiznos.com/Menu/restaurant-menu.aspx

Your Comfort Suites® Miami hotel is conveniently located near a wide assortment of Miami restaurants which offer exotic culinary experiences for all tastes. With such diverse cultural influences and traditions surrounding the city, you will always find an adventure awaiting your taste buds.

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Top 10 Suggestions for Your Miami Vacation

10. Don’t Look for Things to Complain About. When you’re on vacation in Miami and things don’t go exactly as planned, don’t immediately find someone to blame. Stay positive. Your mind is a powerful thing. Negative thoughts may subconsciously make things go awry.

9. Do Things You’ve Never Done Before. Miami offers many activities for visitors. Don’t stay in your comfort zone. Do things that you don’t normally do at home. Staying indoors, sleeping late, checking emails, and watching a lot of TV in your Miami hotel is not a very good way of spending a vacation.

8. Ask Locals for Help and Suggestions. Most Miami guidebooks will tell you that if you want to see the real culture, hang out where the locals are. This is good advice. Try to avoid the tourist traps.

7. Use Sunscreen. Sunburns can be as bad as hangovers on a vacation so make sure you use appropriate sunscreen.

6. Bring Your Camera. Everyone wants to look back and remember fond memories of their trips so make sure you don’t forget your camera.

5. Don’t Drink Too Much. Your mission in Miami should not be completely focused on partying. There’s nothing worse than a hangover on vacation.

4. Check the Weather. South Florida has a rainy season from summer to early fall, so make sure you check the predicted weather conditions before booking your Miami holiday.

3. Call the Hotel in Advance to Confirm Your Reservation. Before you arrive, call the front desk manager at the Miami Hotel to confirm your reservation. You can ask for a non-smoking room, if that’s what you prefer. You can also ask for a room in the quiet part of the hotel. Make sure you don’t get stuck in a lousy hotel room.

2. Plan an Itinerary and Do Research. Get a map of where you’re going. Look for the best restaurants in Miami. Research interesting places to visit. Don’t leave everything up to chance.

1. Leave Work at Home. You work almost everyday back home so make sure you leave business behind. Enjoy your Miami vacation!

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Business Meetings and Events in Miami

The best hotels in Miami offer private and corporate services for events and meetings. These Miami accommodations are suitable for family reunions, athletic groups and business meetings. Additionally, some of these hotels in Miami can also offer conference and event space that is ideal for larger corporate conferences, dinner banquets, trade shows, and business conventions in Miami.

Most of the hotel banquet rooms feature natural light, high-speed wireless Internet access, complimentary water and coffee service. Conference consultants are also available to assist you in all phases of the event planning.

Many budget hotels in Miami can also be found that provide adequate conference room facilities, so it’s really a matter of the size of the event when searching for that cheap hotel in Miami to host your private or corporate function. Regardless of your budget, you will find many excellent hotel options for events and meetings in the Miami area.

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Miami Accommodations on a Budget

Miami is certainly one of America's most popular vacation destinations, but that doesn’t mean your trip has to be expensive. Whether you are a business traveler in Miami’s busy financial district or planning your next family vacation, you can easily find and reserve accommodations at one of the many budget hotels in Miami.

Most of the expensive resorts in Miami are well known throughout the nation and are certainly elegant, but if you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Miami, you are in luck. Many of the lesser-priced hotels include some of the same amenities as the expensive resorts. They usually offer swimming pools, poolside bars, restaurants, fitness centers, spas and gift shops. You can also find comfort at countless family hotels in Miami, most of which offer kiddie pools and day care services.  You will definitely find a variety of fun activities for the entire family. For people traveling on business, hotels in Kendall, a suburban neighborhood of metropolitan Miami, are also reasonably priced and offer convenient access to Miami’s major financial centers.

Many of these cheap hotels in Miami are also in close proximity to most of the popular attractions and hot spots. Hotels near Miami Zoo, popular shopping malls, and nightclubs are abundant and easy to find. Keep in mind that the best hotels in Miami offer first class accommodations at reasonable prices. They will make your vacation just as comfortable and memorable as the higher-priced hotels and resorts.

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Travel Accommodations in Kendall, Florida

If you’re going to be visiting Miami, Florida either on vacation or for business, be sure to check out some of the budget hotels in Kendall, Florida, which is minutes away from downtown Miami.

Kendall is an unincorporated suburban community located in Miami, Florida. The climate in Kendall is pleasant. The summers are warm and humid whereas the winters are cooler than the coastal regions. Kendall gets about 63 inches of rainfall per year. The warmest month is July with temperatures rising up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the coolest month is January with temperatures as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Vacation hotels in Kendall are abundant. Most Kendall hotels offer amenities for the entire family, including swimming pools and nearby attractions. The main attractions in Kendall are Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miami Seaquarium, Miami MetroZoo, and the Florida Everglades.

Business hotels in Kendall are also plentiful when traveling to Miami, Florida on business.  Many Kendall hotels offer meeting spaces and conference services. Downtown Kendall offers numerous Miami businesses, including the Leon Medical Centers and the Dadeland Business District. You can also find many hotels near Florida International University and an abundance of hotels near Kendall Regional Hospital.

Whether you’re traveling with your family or alone on business, the city of Kendall offers plenty of memorable experiences, attractions and business centers.

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Things To Do In Miami

Miami invites you to experience the many sites and sounds of South Florida’s most exhilarating city. Miami attractions range from Florida’s most well-known tourist hot spots to the natural beauty of Everglades National Park. Many hotels in Miami offer convenient access to these attractions.

Some of the best hotels in Miami are usually in close proximity to the major attractions, shopping districts and restaurants. Whether you are a business traveler in Miami’s busy financial center or planning your next family vacation, accommodations in Miami can be found near these popular tourist destinations. Many Miami hotels are also conveniently located near key Florida landmarks including The University of Miami, Port of Miami, American Airlines Arena, the Everglades National Park, Homestead Miami Speedway, Kendall Regional Medical Center and Florida International University, and are easily accessible by means of both Miami International Airport and the Florida Turnpike.

MIAMI ATTRACTIONS

Metro Zoo

Take your family down to Miami’s favorite zoo. Miami’s Metro Zoo is the largest and oldest zoological garden in Florida. It houses over 1,200 wild animals and is the only subtropical zoo in the continental US.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

What an amazing botanic garden! With extensive collections of rare tropical plants including palms, cycads, flowering trees and vines, experience Miami’s ecological beauty. Located in Coral Gables.

Coconut Grove

The Grove is sometimes known as Miami's Food Court, for its many and varied restaurants. Open air cafes are quite popular as well. Some local favorites include Green Street Cafe, Monty's Raw Bar, Tuscany, Mr. Moes, and Le Bouchon, a French cafe. There are plenty of chain franchises as well, such as The Cheesecake Factory and Johnny Rockets.

MIAMI ARTS & CULTURE

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

One of the largest performing art centers in the US. This wonderful venue is home to the Florida Grand Opera, and host a number of outdoor and indoor concerts of all kinds of music.

American Airlines Arena

The American Airlines Arena is south Florida’s home for the hottest events and concerts. The arena plays host to the NBA’s Miami Heat.

MIAMI RESTAURANTS

Nunzio Italian Restaurant

Enjoy fine Italian Cuisine with a Miami touch. Open for lunch and dinner, taste some delicious pasta and fine Italian Wine.

Shorty's BBQ Restaurant

Southern BBQ at its best. From pulled pork to a rack of ribs, Shorty’s offers authentic southern dishes at great prices.

Graziano’s Argentinian Steak House

Miami is famous for its delicious food specialties. Graziano’s offers a varied menu ranging from New York Steak to a huge assortment of Meats. At Graziano’s they bring to your table the freshest, most authentic and innovative Argentinean cuisine.

Fuegovivo Churrascaria

Enjoy all you can eat meat service featuring 15 different cuts of beef, pork lamb, salmon, shrimp, poultry and Brazilian sausages roasted slowly to maintain their natural flavors, all served right off the cooking skewer, sliced at your plate by our Brazilian carvers, enjoy fresh salads and vegetables.

MIAMI SHOPPING MALLS

Dolphin Mall

The largest, most exciting shopping and entertainment destination in Miami, Dolphin Mall, is a beautiful, state-of-the-art value center, bringing you the finest fashion, dining and family entertainment options in a beautiful and electrifying setting.

International Mall

Discover the excitement of Miami International Mall, a remarkable shopping experience showcasing five department stores - Macy's The Women's and Kid's Store, Macy's Men's and Home, Dillard's, JCPenney and Sears. Delight in visiting the more than 140 specialty stores.

Dadeland Mall

More than 185 specialty stores, including Zara, Abercrombie & Fitch, Ann Taylor, Apple, Banana Republic, The Cheesecake Factory, Coach, The Disney Store, Guess, Marciano, L'Occitane, Sephora, Talbots, Vertigo, and Victoria's Secret.

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Welcome to Comfort Suites Miami Kendall Hotel

Comfort Suites Miami invites you to experience the many sites and sounds of South Florida’s most exhilarating city. From attractions ranging from Florida’s famous sunny beaches to the natural beauty of the sawgrass marshes in the Everglades National Park, let our hotel in Miami Florida be your gateway to the cultural crossroads of Miami.

Whether you are a business traveler in Miami’s busy financial center or planning your next family vacation, Comfort Suites offers first class accommodations in Miami at terrific value. Our knowledgeable staff will help make your visit to our Miami hotel comfortable, affordable, and most importantly, memorable.

Comfort Suites hotel in Miami is conveniently located near many key Florida landmarks including The University of Miami, Port of Miami, American Airlines Arena, the Everglades National Park, Homestead Miami Speedway, Kendall Regional Medical Center and Florida International University, and is easily accessible by means of both Miami International Airport and the Florida Turnpike. Book your suite at our Miami Florida hotel today!

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