Miami - Where to Stay?

Ft Lauderdale.  Some nice properties right on the beach, great strip of restaurants etc, and 30 minutes (usually) to the stadium.  We're going to be at the Marriott Harbour Beach Resort.

The Diplomat Resort and Spa is the official team hotel.  We aren't doing the Alumni Assoc. tour but we did book a room there.  Being at the team hotel adds to the whole experience.  

I will second Fort Lauderdale. I have stayed there several times over the years and it is always great. Lauderdale by the Sea is another area up the coast a bit that is very nice. A little more family friendly. But a little further drive.

Specifically I am looking for a more relaxed, less crowded beach town that I can stay close to or on the beach but still within striking distance to the game.

I guess it all depends on how you define "striking distance" and "less crowded beach town".  Fort Lauderdale is 'less crowded" than South Beach. But it's not a "beach town" so much as it's Miami north. You may be describing a place like Pompano Beach, that's what I'd call a "relaxed, less crowded beach town" but it's not necessarily striking distance from Hard Rock Stadium.

Hard Rock is in the Miami Gardens area of Miami. It's inland, unlike South Beach. Miami city is spread out and the traffic is garbage. Plan on a considerable amount of time to get everywhere. Also, it's super crowded. Miami is one of the top 5 most populous cities in the country. If you want a "relaxed" Florida beach town, you're going to have to get north. The farther north you go the more relaxed it gets, but the farther from the stadium you are.

You're kind of describing a place that doesn't exist. Fort Lauderdale is more relaxed than South Beach. It's kind of close. But there will be a shit ton of people staying there for both New Years and game stuff, because that's the perceived "cheaper" option.

There's enough coke down there to keep you going that you won't need a place to stay. If you're into that sort of thing. 

There is only one correct answer:

probably some spare bedroom in a crypto bro's house in brickell

JW Marriott @ Turnberry is a good option if you're a golfer.  They have 2 courses on property and access to others.  This is in Aventura, just south of the team hotel in Hollywood and about as close to the stadium as you can get from the beaches.  Excellent water park there also, and Aventura Mall will be enjoyed by any shopaholics in your party!

We are staying at Aloft-Coral Gables.

Was so bummed we got placed in Miami and not Arlington. We had a 4 bedroom AirBnB right across the stadium for only 400 dollars a night. Was super ideal for my 33 week pregnant wife.

I hear Manny Diaz's place may be available. 

Thanks, I'll see myself out

"Striking distance of the game."

Former Miami resident here. Unfortunately, South Florida in regular times is a traffic debacle. People drive like lunatics. The stadium is not in a convenient location. Combine NYE traffic with game traffic, it's going to be a debacle. I was at the UM-FSU game. We took an Uber/Lyft from Ft. Lauderdale. It was a looooooong ride, both ways. 

People are giving you sound advice with Pompano/Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. That said, I would consider staying even further away with the understanding that the drive will be miserable no matter what.

Sorry (not sorry) to be a downer about the stadium. I have been to many games at Hard Rock. It is one of my least favorite stadiums ever. The sight lines in the lower deck are awful. Don't sit low if you are short or are bringing kids. 

This is gonna be a little out of the way, but Naples is a great option for easy in, easy out, but a 2 hour drive to the stadium one way. 

Flights are gonna be super cheap from Detroit typically into RSW (ft Myers) and maybe make a long weekend out of it anyways with New Years. Just something to look into. 

Im trying to get tickets, and live in Naples, and just plan on driving in and out. 

I wouldn't count on a lot of beach time.  Christmas in Miami can be (relatively) chilly.  Low to Mid-70's will feel nice, but if there's a breeze, it can be a little cool for the beach.

Two years ago I stayed at margarita villa in Hollywood. It had multiple pools and is right on the boardwalk and beach. I liked it a lot. Driving around there is slow. Long lights and slow drivers. 

Two years ago I stayed at margarita villa in Hollywood. It had multiple pools and is right on the boardwalk and beach. I liked it a lot. Driving around there is slow. Long lights and slow drivers. 

Isn't everyone just cruising their yachts up from the Virgin Islands?

If you want Miami but quiet, hotels in North Beach or Aventura.

If you just want to be near the stadium or something more family-friendly, Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood is your best bet.

If you want trashy but fun Miami or have money to spend, South Beach.

If you want young vibrant Miami, Brickell.

Staying in Ft Lauderdale or Hollywood would probably be cheaper

Loews South Beach

So where do you stay in Miami if you have Fuck You money?

Must be divine intervention but the fam is staying in the Keys for Christmas in lieu of presents.  Can't believe we ended up in Miami, probably gonna have to make a roadie from Marathon for the game.  

Delray Beach is a quieter town by the beach. It does have some nice restaurants and hotels. It’s north of Ft Lauderdale, so about an hour drive from Hard Rock Stadium (and a slightly longer drive to South Beach). Still, even if you stay right in Miami, the drive to the stadium will be a pain in the neck regardless. 

I hear hotels there are nice, but lots of people who post here have had good experiences with highway underpasses.

I just stayed at the EB Hotel the other week and it was really nice.  Beautiful, modern, clean, huge rooms, friendly staff and next to the airport.  Beds have adjustable stiffness settings. Found it cheap on a third party site. One of the best weekend hotel stays I've ever had.

The Ritz-Carlton on Key Biscayne is one of the best hotels I've ever stayed at.  Highly recommend.