Where To Stay In Miami Before A Cruise: Hotel Greystone

If you’re looking for where to stay in Miami before a cruise, you’re in the right spot.

In this article, we share what it’s like to stay at the Greystone Hotel Miami and whether it’s a good fit before sailing from the Miami cruise port.

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Why Choose the Greystone Hotel Miami?

We were sailing with Virgin Voyages, a cruise line renowned for its adults-only atmosphere, and we wanted to begin our anniversary celebration in a hotel that reflected that same energy.

Check out the quick video to get a better sense of the layout and the ‘vibe’ before you book.

Greystone Hotel Miami felt like a natural choice. Beyond the adults-only atmosphere, we’re always drawn to upscale experiences, and this hotel stands out as one of the few Miami hotels awarded one Michelin Key. That recognition alone already set certain expectations for us.

We’ve stayed at other Michelin Key properties before, and if you’re curious to see how another Michelin Key hotel compares, you can read our full Seventy Hotel Barcelona review.

Where to Stay in Miami Before a Cruise: Greystone Hotel Location

The Greystone Hotel is situated in the heart of South Beach, one of the most upscale areas, close to the sandy beaches of South Miami, Ocean Drive, and the hidden gem of Española Way.

We arrived in Miami from Orlando via the Brightline train, which is such a seamless way to travel between the two cities. Then we took a quick Uber from the Miami station straight to the Greystone.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning to take the train as we did, check out my full guide on how to take the Brightline from Orlando to Miami for tips on booking, luggage, and what to expect on board.

The location feels incredibly safe and walkable, with so many restaurants, cafés, and spots to explore right nearby. We didn’t feel the need to rent a car at all during our stay

Does Greystone Hotel Miami offer a shuttle to the cruise port?

The hotel is about 25 minutes from the Miami cruise port, and it does not offer a shuttle service.

To get to the port, you’ll need to use Uber or another ride-share service.

Hotel Vibe and Design

The overall vibe of the Greystone hotel feels like an intimate Art Deco home. Originally designed by Henry Hohauser, the hotel underwent a recent renovation that preserved its iconic Art Deco façade, blending classic Miami charm with modern touches.

The atmosphere is adults-oriented but calm and relaxing. Even though it’s an adults-only property (21+), it’s not a party scene at all.

The vibe was quiet, with guests reading, relaxing, and enjoying their own space.

Check the calendar below for your weekend getaway because this hotel fills up fast during peak season.

Although no kids are allowed, the hotel is pet-friendly and allows up to two cats or dogs per room for an additional fee.

Hotel Layout: Two Towers Explained

The hotel is divided into two smaller towers:

The Collins Building (Front Tower)

• Lobby and check-in desk
• Restaurant and bar
• Guest rooms
• Rooftop pool

The Courtyard Building

• Additional guest rooms
• Courtyard area
• Coffee shop (Kobo)

We stayed in the Courtyard Building. The two buildings are not connected by a covered walkway, so you may need an umbrella if it rains.

Is the Hotel Suitable for Guests With Mobility Issues?

The hotel does offer accessible rooms, and the rooftop pool area includes a pool hoist. The Collins Building has an elevator that connects guest rooms and the pool area.

That said, from our observation, accessibility throughout the property is somewhat limited. The Courtyard Building has fewer ramps, and we did not notice an access ramp at the main street-level entrance of the Collins Building, where check-in is located.

Because of this, we strongly recommend contacting the hotel directly to discuss specific mobility needs and confirm which room and building would be the best fit.

The Rooms: What to Expect

We stayed in the Courtyard Superior King room. The room was small but cozy. The light-colored walls and décor help make the space feel larger, but storage is limited. If you’re staying more than two nights, you may want to consider a larger room option.

The bathroom, on the other hand, felt spacious and very clean.

Room amenities included:

• Mini fridge
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Hair dryer
• Safe
• Shower products with pleasant scents (hand cream, shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner)

There was no microwave or coffee maker in the room, but this wasn’t an issue for us, thanks to the Kobo coffee shop and the many nearby restaurants offering vegan-friendly options in Miami.

I’d highly recommend looking into their Penthouse Suites. These actually come with private rooftop terraces and your own personal hot tub. You can click here to see the layout of the penthouse and terrace rooms versus the standard kings to see which fits your trip better.

Rooftop Pool and Beach Access

The rooftop pool was our favorite part of the hotel. The views overlook South Beach’s iconic Art Deco buildings mixed with modern architecture.

The pool area includes a bar and plenty of space to relax. The hotel is just one block from South Beach, and you can borrow towels from the pool area to enjoy the beach.

Service and Guest Experience

The staff truly stood out during our stay. Everyone was friendly and welcoming.

The hotel stored our luggage so we could explore the area before check-in, and they surprised us with a personalized welcome letter for our anniversary.

They also allowed us a late checkout, which made getting ready much easier before boarding our Virgin Voyages repositioning cruise, which included stops in Taino Bay, Puerto Plata, and Tortola, BVI, and ended in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Does Greystone Hotel Miami Have Vegan-Friendly Dining Options?

Yes, but options vary depending on the venue:

• Sérêvène by Chef Pawan Pinisetti
  Located on the first floor, this upscale restaurant offers a French and Japanese cuisine experience. It’s an award-winning dining spot, typically priced at $100+ per person, and open from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. While we’re always interested in upscale dining experiences, we didn’t eat here because we didn’t see vegan options on the menu. If dietary restrictions aren’t a concern, it’s worth considering.
• Kobo Coffee Shop (Courtyard Area)
  This was our go-to spot for coffee in the mornings. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, they offer coffee with plant-based milk options, which worked perfectly for us. They also have vegan-friendly options like vegetable quinoa bowls, mixed greens, and avocado toast (note: no gluten-free bread option).

Is This the Best Place to Stay in Miami Before a Cruise?

If you’re looking for the best place to stay in Miami before a cruise and value an adults-only, upscale, calm, and walkable South Beach experience, Greystone Hotel Miami is a strong option.

Between the Michelin Key recognition, relaxed adults-only atmosphere, personalized service, late checkout flexibility, and easy access to South Beach without needing a car, it’s an ideal place to slow down, celebrate, and ease into cruise mode, especially if you’re sailing with Virgin Voyages and want the vibe to start early.

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