According to forum posts, Joe's Stone Crab and Versailles are considered iconic spots in Miami for seafood and Cuban cuisine respectively. Prime 112 is noted for steak, while Cafe Abbracci offers old-school Italian in Coral Gables.

Travelers have called out Le Jardinier in the Design District as a notable vegan restaurant, though it's mentioned that it's not cheap.

Some travelers suggested The Deck at Island Gardens for a mix of good food and entertainment with a vibrant Miami ambiance. Mandolin Aegean Bistro for Greek cuisine and Call Me Gaby for Italian are also recommended. Cafe La Trova in Little Havana is popular for Cuban fare with a twist and live music.

Some travelers have called out the MIA Hotel located inside Miami International Airport as a convenient option for those who need quick access to the airport terminals. The rooms are somewhat dated but generally satisfactory. Another hotel mentioned is the Sonesta Miami Airport, which offers a free 24-hour shuttle service and is located near a popular restaurant, Latin Cafe 2000.

According to forum posts, the Sheraton Miami Airport is a reliable choice, offering not only proximity to the airport via a short shuttle ride but also cheap parking options. Other frequently recommended hotels within a 2-3 mile radius of the airport include Hampton Inn Blue Lagoon, Marriott, Homewood Suites Blue Lagoon, Best Western Premier MIA, Residence Inn by Marriott Airport, DoubleTree by Hilton, and EB Hotel. These hotels are praised for their decent amenities and shuttle services.

According to forum posts, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach is highlighted as a family-friendly option, although it is at the higher end of the budget spectrum. Travelers have called out its amenities such as cabana and umbrella rentals, which are ideal for families.

Some travelers suggested the Loews in South Beach and the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne as excellent choices for families. These hotels are praised for their kid-friendly environments and proximity to family-oriented activities and beaches. The Marriott Stanton in South Beach is also recommended for its location near South Pointe Park, which is suitable for children.

For those considering apartment-style hotels, posts suggest that they provide kitchens, which can be convenient for families with young children, reducing the need to dine out frequently. These types of accommodations also typically offer more space, which is a plus for families.

According to forum posts, the W Hotel in Brickell is highly recommended for its stunning rooftop pool and proximity to great dining options like Komodo. The hotel is also near many bars and offers breathtaking views of surrounding areas such as Biscayne Bay and South Beach.

Some travelers have also spoken highly of the Novotel in Brickell, noting its comfortable rooms and a lovely rooftop pool and bar area. It is within walking distance from restaurants and coffee shops, making it a convenient choice for visitors.

For those planning cruise trips, the Hampton Inn Brickell is popular among travelers due to its proximity to the Port of Miami and special deals like the “park, stay, cruise” package, although it lacks a shuttle to the airport.

According to forum posts, Miami International Airport is connected to downtown Miami via the Metrorail. Passengers can access the Miami Airport Metrorail station using the MIA Mover from the airport terminals. The Metrorail provides a direct route to downtown, facilitating easy transit.

Some travelers mentioned the availability of Uber, Lyft, and taxis as convenient transport options from Miami Airport to downtown. These services are readily available at the airport, offering a direct and private way to reach downtown Miami. The cost for these services ranges approximately from $15 to $25.

For those preferring a more structured service, private shuttle options like Super Shuttle are available. Travelers have used the private driver feature of Super Shuttle, emphasizing comfort and fixed pricing as major benefits.

According to forum posts, Miami International Airport (MIA) offers a variety of shops and restaurants that can keep travelers occupied during a layover. Some travelers have suggested walking the concourse for exercise and window shopping, or enjoying a leisurely meal as effective ways to pass the time.

While some travelers have explored leaving the airport to visit nearby attractions like South Beach or Bayside Marketplace using transport options such as Lyft/Uber or the Airport Flyer express bus, others advise against leaving due to potential traffic and the risk of missing connecting flights. The decision to venture out depends on the layover duration and personal comfort with the associated risks.

For longer layovers or overnight stays, the MIA Hotel located within the airport is mentioned as a convenient option. This hotel offers the advantage of staying close to the terminals, which is beneficial for those with early flights.

According to forum posts, international passengers arriving at MIA need to pass through immigration, collect luggage, go through customs, and potentially recheck their luggage before proceeding to their connecting flight. This can be time-consuming, especially if arriving from an international destination without checked luggage, as passengers still must navigate through various checkpoints and terminals.

For domestic connections, some travelers mentioned that a 1.5-hour layover might be sufficient if flights are on time and there are no unexpected delays. Travelers have called out that when both the arriving and departing flights are with the same airline, it simplifies the process, potentially avoiding the need to exit and re-enter security.

Travelers have recommended downloading a map of MIA to better understand the layout and terminal locations, which can aid in planning the quickest route between connections. They also suggested informing immigration staff about any tight connecting flights to possibly receive expedited processing.

According to forum posts, taxis are readily available at MIA Airport, especially during late-night and early-morning hours. Travelers have noted that MIA has consistent taxi traffic due to flights arriving at various hours, including those landing late at night or early in the morning.

Some travelers said that rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate 24/7 at MIA Airport. While there might be slightly longer wait times during off-peak hours like 2 AM, generally, users do not face significant delays. Travelers have mentioned that the airport's active nightlife and continuous flight schedule contribute to the availability of rideshare services throughout the night.