La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Miami Airport North

The hotel gave us little beyond stress. The building is old, which I can accept, but it’s poorly cared for and looks like it’s in serious decay. The door to our room stuck so badly that my frail body couldn’t pull it open. I reported it at the desk because it was a fire hazard. The staff deserve credit. They were exceptional, especially with the high-pressure check-in process. My low service rating is about the missing shuttle, which was listed as an amenity. Nobody told us it was unavailable and needed repair. We found out only after arriving at an airport in a large city we didn’t know how to navigate. We’re not young and don’t use all the apps, so we had to figure out transport ourselves. We’d already booked the hotel for our return, so we stayed there again before a 2 AM flight. The shuttle still wasn’t running, and we had to work out how to get to the airport on our own. For the rate, this hotel wasn’t worth it.

The room felt worn out, even for a budget motel. There was a bad stain in the bath, paint flaking badly from the ceiling, and a musty smell. Breakfast came with the stay, but the space was so cramped and crowded that my family and I had to go elsewhere. The staff were friendly enough, and the location works well for the airport and Miami Cruise terminal. Keep in mind this isn’t Fort Lauderdale, which is about 45 minutes away. I’d only choose this place if being near the airport and cruise terminal matters more to you than cleanliness.

At least the room was clean, had working AC, and no bed bugs. We were in a renovated room, though it wasn’t fancy. The TV just kept loading, so I used my phone instead. Planes were very loud all night, unlike hotels that are soundproof to some extent. From 5AM onward, every suitcase rolling along the floor was loud too. Getting here was a mess. I texted for shuttle information at the airport and got an automated reply. After waiting 1.15hours, the shuttle arrived but was full, so I took a Lyft for 36USD. At the hotel around 12:15, I was told early check-in would cost $50USD. I sat on a couch and slept until 2:50. The lobby was full, and the man checking people in said I’d just arrived and had to wait, even though I’d been the only person in the lobby for hours. I waited another hour. I found the staff inadequate for hospitality, possibly new and lacking training. At check-in I was told breakfast was until 10AM, but when I came down at 9:20 it was closed. The whole place felt disorganized, with poor training and problem-solving. If a room is clean, let the guest check in instead of making them wait until 3PM and charging $50. And if the shuttle is full, respond to the text instead of leaving me waiting. Find another hotel, take my word.

The breakfast was basic. You’d be better off getting coffee and something from Mac Donald or Wendy's next door. Our room faced the parking lot on the 3rd floor, and the motorcycles, trucks, and dump trucks made a lot of noise. We had no chance of a good night’s sleep. The bigger problem was the shuttle. Before booking, I called and was assured there’d be service with no reservation needed. After I booked, I messaged to confirm and said I’d be traveling with young kids and elderly parents. They sent instructions for contacting them on arrival. But when I called from Miami airport, the staff said the shuttle had broken down that morning. They hadn’t told us, offered no alternative, and suggested I could cancel. With young children and elderly parents, it wasn’t possible to find another hotel at the last minute. We’d booked because of the shuttle, and it felt like a scam. Don’t trust the website or what hotel staff say about it. The room was disgusting. It smelled like mold or an old damp towel, dust covered the ventilation and curtains, and there was dust everywhere. The bathtub still had sand in it. The pillows were so old the filling was clumped up, and the towels were heavily stained. Customer service was poor too. They don’t value their customers, whether you stay or leave.