Hotel Notes

Courtyard Marriott Coconut Grove: As you can see, this is the more expensive option, especially since it has a $22 destination fee ($15 of which can be used on food—for instance breakfast—at the hotel). It also charges for parking, although part of the destination fee includes rides within a two-mile radius. The upside is that it is across the street from Biscayne Bay and most of the rooms have good views of the bay, the city, or both—many also have balconies. It is in a very nice neighborhood within walking distance of many restaurants and bars, and a couple of small parks on the bay. Rooms with 1 king bed are $199 per night + 13% tax plus $22 destination fee. Rooms with 2 queen beds are $239 per night + 13% tax plus $22 destination fee. In either case, valet parking is $38 a day.

Click here for the Marriott booking site for conference rates. Unfortunately, they only list the room with the king bed, but in choosing the room, the option with two queen beds appears. They also include the ordinary $30 destination fee, which we bargained down to $22 but this can be adjusted at check-in. Sorry for the slight hassle.

Hampton Inn by Hilton Miami Coconut Grove/Coral Gables: This is the cheap but good option, close to US 1, the main artery southwest of downtown Miami. It has free parking and a free breakfast. It is also close to the main Metrorail line (see under transportation). Rooms are $170/night + 13% tax.

Click here for the conference rate. In each case you should be able to book one or two extra nights on either end at the conference rate.