YUCATAN DISCOVERY BLOG- TRAVEL & DAY 1 MIAMI

DAY-1 MIAMI - WE'VE ARRIVED

Even though we stayed at an airport hotel we still got to sleep early in the evening with an early flight in-mind.  It turned out that this is either the most sound proof airport hotel we have stayed at or there was not a single flight in or out of the airport.  

Our stay at the hotel worked well for us and we made a wise decision to stay there.  We plan to do this again on one of the trips we have planned for next year that also involves an early flight time.

Although the hotel is located on the property of the airport, even for us it is not walkable to the airport terminal with luggage in-hand as there is no pedestrian walkway.  Fortunately, there is a 24 hour shuttle which runs every twenty minutes to the airport and the drive is two minutes.

When we arrived to the airport we checked in for the flight.   We both have Global Entry which includes TSA Pre Approv so getting through security was a breeze.  Besides a short line, we appreciate not having to remove shoes, jackets and a belt (Keith).  With that said, to us security and safety is the number one priority so we are happy to comply with the TSA requirements.  We waited a few minutes in the airport terminal until the airline lounge opened.

The flight was uneventful and well worth an early departure as it was a direct flight over to Miami.  We passed the time between breakfast, reading and conversation.   We flew American Airlines and other then our flight to Vancouver in August we have had very good flights.  Aircrafts are relatively new, and the flight attendants have been very friendly and helpful.  

​This was one of those days where everything about the flight went well.

We left on time.

We arrived a few minutes early.

Keith has wanted to see the movie Ben Hur.  It was one of several movies available on the flight.  The movie ended five minutes before we landed.  Keith thought that the ending of the movie was more positive then the original Ben Hur movie.

We were one of the first off the plane and no more then five minutes after we arrived to the bagggage carrousel we had our luggage in hand.

Shortly before take-off we received notification from the hotel that our room was ready for an early check-in.

Terminal D Miami International Airport

Upon arrival to the Miami International Airport, we collected our luggage and were driven to the hotel where we will spend the next four nights.  Since our first stay in Miami in 2007, we regulary stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Miami.  

We decided to change things up this time.  We considered other downtown hotels and ones in South Beach before deciding to stay at the Epic Hotel.  Ever since it was built, we would pass this hotel on our many walks of Miami.  The hotel is located within a ten-minute drive of the Port Of Miami.  The Epic Hotel and its residence condominium was constructed on land that had been home to the DuPont Plaza Hotel.  

The hotel has over 400 guestrooms and suites and while on the larger side is considered a boutique hotel.  It provides excellent views of Biscayne Bay.  We booked a suite on Concierge Level located on the 29th floor.  We will be sure to share our impressions of the hotel.

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We kept lunch very simple.  We walked over to the Whole Foods which is located within a five minute walk of the hotel.  When we were in Miami in December of 2014 this Whole Food Store was close to opening for business.  It is quite nice.  We bought salads and brought them back to the room to enjoy.  We spent the next couple of hours getting settled in the room including unpacking.

After we were all settled we went on a nice walk.  We walked all around the downtown area and then we headed to the very new Brickell Centre City Mall. This mall just opened two months ago.  When we were last here in December of 2014, construction had just begun.  We could not believe how many stores had already opened their doors with many more to come.  Afterwards, we had dinner at Perricone's.  We have been dining there since 2007.  It is an Italian Restaurant with a very unique interior and it has the feel and look of a small town restaurant.  While tourists dine there they have a following of many locals.  If we lived in the area we would come here often.  After dinner we enjoyed a very leisurely walk around the city.  We do love Miami and are thrilled to be here once again.

Today's Thought For The Day......

We are often asked what is our favorite land trip and/or cruise.  Our answer is the one we are presently on.  We expect this to apply to our current adventure.

​Keith & Anne Marie