Miami Nice & Vice

Author: Margaret Price
Date of Trip: February 2013

We spent two nights/1 day in Miami, Florida, prior to a cruise we took. We found the Nice, but also a little Vice about our stay.

The first Nice was drivinig to Miami itself. The trip on 1-95 though Ft Lauderdale was smooth, with lots of places for stops. The First Vice was I-95 after we passed through Ft Lauderdale and headed to Miami. Traffic got congested and lots of what I term crazy drivers appeared. We were glad to finally get off the road at the Hampton Inn Blue Lagoon.

Here was our second Nice. The Hotel is a nice and Large Hampton Inn, well kept up. The staff were curteous and helpful. The room was confortable. During the week they have a Manager’s Reception with wine and a lot of tasty appetizers. In fact, there is enough food for your evening meal if you are so inclined. They have it in the Breakfast Room whichh is on the second floor adjacent to the outdoor pool. This area is lovely– outside couches, covered porch and a nice pool. It is a nice way to wind down after whatever you have done that day.

The third Nice is the location of the hotel. It is across the street from a Publix grocery store, drug stores, fast food and a few restaurants. So if you aer tired of driving, a little walk will get you what you need.

Our 4th Nice was we opted to go to the Everglades and the front desk recommended Gator Park which was a good recommendation. This was an education for us to actually see the Everglades and then go on an airboat ride into it. We saw crocodiles, adult and baby, birds, turtles and a huge bug that decided to land on my neck. Despite that, it was a lot of fun. Gator park also has animals to see on land and a small show about gators and scorpions. We got there before 10 a.m. and thanks to an internet coupon got in for half price. Not a bad deal at all.

Nice #5: We also took a $10 shuttle from the hotel to Dolphin Mall in Miami. This place is huge. Shopping choices are many and most stores offer discounts. There is a large food court there with fast food and another food court outside with sit down restaurants. It is worth going if you like shopping, eating or want an air conditioned place to walk around in –we must have walked several miles there.

Any other Vice? No, just the interstate system, as mentioned above. So I guess the Nice was overwhelming. It was a great 2 days!