Hyatt Regency Miami Review: Bonus Day Stay + Cruise Location
Why We Booked Hyatt Regency Miami
If you’re looking for a reliable, walkable, family‑friendly hotel near PortMiami, the Hyatt Regency Miami continues to be one of my favorite picks. I’ve stayed here multiple times before cruises, and during our most recent trip, it unexpectedly saved the day when our flight home was canceled. Thanks to my Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance, our bonus night was fully covered — and we turned a stressful situation into a fun Miami adventure.
Whether you’re planning a pre‑cruise stay, need a downtown Miami hotel, or want to know how travel insurance can protect your trip, this review breaks down everything you need to know.
Planning a Miami cruise? Compare prices for the Hyatt Regency Miami or book with points:
Hyatt Regency Miami Rates → Check Rates here
Heads up: This post has affiliate links. If you use them, I earn a tiny commission — the kind that fuels coffee, not private jets. Thanks for supporting my travel‑obsessed corner of the internet.
⭐ Quick Take: Why I Recommend Hyatt Regency Miami
5–10 minutes from PortMiami — ideal for cruisers
Walkable to Bayside Marketplace, Frost Science Museum, and Brickell
Consistently early check‑in friendly (we got a room at 10 a.m.!)
Spacious rooms + great views of the river and skyline
On‑site dining + easy access to restaurants
💳 Travel Smarter With Chase Sapphire
From trip delays to hotel reimbursements, Chase Sapphire’s travel protection saved our cruise plans — and covered our bonus night at Hyatt Regency Miami. 👉 [Learn more and apply here] to unlock points, perks, and peace of mind.
I’ve stayed at this hotel several times in the past year before cruises and love the location. It’s a beautiful walk to Bayside Marketplace and the Frost Science Museum. My son Tanner is a huge science‑museum kid, and Frost had been on my list for months — so we knew exactly how we wanted to spend our unexpected bonus day in Miami.
Why We Booked the Hyatt Regency Miami
Our flight home after a January cruise was canceled, and instead of scrambling, I immediately booked the Hyatt Regency Miami. Because the cancellation qualified as a covered event, our stay was reimbursed through my Chase Sapphire Reserve travel insurance.
Travel Tip: If you travel even a few times a year, the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred can save you hundreds in delays, cancellations, and trip interruptions — plus earn points for future hotel stays. Check current offers here.
I’ve stayed at this Hyatt several times pre‑cruise, and the location is unbeatable for families, walkers, and anyone who wants easy access to Miami attractions without needing a car.
Early Check-In + Breakfast Highlights
We arrived at the hotel around 10 a.m. expecting to store our bags — but our room was already ready. Huge win.
After dropping everything off, we headed downstairs for breakfast at the hotel restaurant. I’m not usually a big breakfast person, but their French toast with lemon mascarpone, strawberries, and extra‑crispy bacon was incredible.
If you’re staying here before a cruise, breakfast on‑site is a convenient way to start your day without rushing around Miami.
Miami Activities We Loved
Frost Science Museum Tickets → Get Your Tickets Here
Miami Airboat Tour → Tickets
Exploring the Frost Science Museum
The Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science is one of the best family‑friendly attractions in Miami, and it’s only about a 1‑mile walk from the Hyatt.
On the way, we took a detour through Bayside Marketplace to scope out lunch options. Right before entering the museum, we stumbled upon the Dogs & Cats Walkway and Sculpture Garden — a free outdoor exhibit featuring 52 oversized animal sculptures. Tanner loved it.
Inside the museum:
Multi‑level aquarium
Hands‑on science exhibits
Planetarium (additional cost)
Tons of kid‑friendly learning areas
Tickets were around $70 for both of us, and it was absolutely worth it.
Seahorse
Lunch at Bayside: Black Market Miami
After several hours at the museum, we walked back to Bayside for lunch and ended up at Black Market Miami. Tourist‑area restaurants can be hit or miss, but this one surprised us.
What we ordered:
Skirt steak + margarita (so good!)
Full rack of baby back ribs for Tanner
We also had a beautiful waterfront view — perfect for relaxing after a long morning of walking.
our amazing view at lunch
Final Thoughts: A Stress‑Free Bonus Day Thanks to Travel Insurance
What could have been a stressful travel delay turned into a fun bonus day in Miami. The Hyatt Regency Miami delivered exactly what we needed:
Early check‑in
Comfortable room
Walkable location
Easy access to food + attractions
And the best part? Our Chase Sapphire Reserve covered the entire stay.
If you’re cruising out of Miami or want a dependable downtown hotel, the Hyatt Regency Miami is a solid choice we’d book again.
Related Resources
