Miami International Airport is a beast. If you've ever landed there at midnight or had a 6 AM connection, you know the vibe. It’s chaotic, loud, and weirdly humid even inside the terminal. Finding a place to crash shouldn't be another chore. Most people just click the first "cheap" link they see, but if you’re looking at the Clarion Inn & Suites Miami Airport, there is a specific set of pros and cons you actually need to weigh before you book that non-refundable rate. It isn't a luxury resort. It isn't a boutique South Beach experience. It’s a functional hub located at 5301 NW 36th St, Miami Springs, FL 33166.
Honestly, the "Suites" part of the name carries a lot of the weight. In a city where hotel rooms are often the size of a walk-in closet, having a bit of extra square footage near the runway is a legitimate win.
The Location Reality Check
You aren't on the beach. Let’s get that out of the way immediately. The Clarion Inn & Suites Miami Airport sits in Miami Springs, which is basically the quiet, slightly older neighborhood that hugs the north side of the airport. It’s a bit of a time capsule. You’ve got leafy streets and a golf course nearby, but the hotel itself is strictly focused on logistics. You are roughly five to ten minutes from the terminals depending on how the Miami traffic gods are feeling that day.
Traffic here is a living thing. NW 36th Street is a major artery for cargo trucks and airport shuttles, so even though you’re "close," you should never trust a GPS estimate that says three minutes. Give it ten.
Why the Clarion Inn & Suites Miami Airport Still Matters for Business Travelers
If you’re flying in for a meeting at the Blue Lagoon office park or need to be near the cargo facilities, this spot is a strategic play. It’s about utility. The rooms are generally larger than what you’d find at the newer, "express" style hotels. You get a desk. You get Wi-Fi that usually holds up for a Zoom call, though don't expect gaming-level fiber speeds.
Some people complain that the decor feels a bit 2010. It kind of does. But when you’re looking for a place to put your laptop down and sleep for six hours between flights, do you really care about the color of the carpet? Probably not. The hotel offers a free airport shuttle, which is the gold standard for this area.
Wait. Check the shuttle schedule when you land. Always.
Don't just walk out of baggage claim and expect a van to be idling there with your name on it. Call the front desk. Ask where the specific pickup zone is. MIA is huge, and the shuttle zones are strictly regulated.
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Room Layouts and What to Expect
The "Suites" in the name refers to the separate sitting areas available in many rooms. This is huge if you’re traveling with kids or a colleague.
- Standard King/Double: Your basic hotel setup. Clean linens, TV, coffee maker.
- One-Bedroom Suites: These have a separate living area with a sofa bed. It's great for not feeling like you're trapped in a box.
- In-room amenities: You usually get a microwave and a mini-fridge. This saves a fortune on Miami food prices.
The Food Situation and Local Bites
The hotel has an on-site restaurant, but let’s be real: sometimes you want something different. Since you're in Miami Springs, you're actually in a decent spot for local food that isn't overpriced tourist bait.
Drive or Uber three minutes into the heart of Miami Springs. You’ll find spots like Crackers Casual Dining. It’s southern-style comfort food in a weirdly charming garden setting. It’s the total opposite of the sterile airport environment. If you want Cuban food—and you're in Miami, so you should—there are plenty of small "ventanitas" (window cafes) nearby where you can grab a cafe cubano and a croqueta for a few bucks.
What Most People Miss About This Hotel
There’s a misconception that "airport hotel" equals "noise-canceling bunker." While the Clarion Inn & Suites Miami Airport does its best with soundproofing, you are still next to one of the busiest airports in the Western Hemisphere. If you are a light sleeper, ask for a room on a higher floor away from the street side.
Also, the parking.
Miami is notorious for difficult parking. This hotel offers "Park, Stay, and Fly" packages. This is a massive secret for locals or people driving in from Central Florida. You stay one night, leave your car in their secured lot, and take the shuttle to the terminal. It is almost always cheaper than the long-term parking garages at MIA, which can eat your entire vacation budget before you even take off.
Breaking Down the "Hidden" Costs
Look, no hotel is perfect. You’ve got to keep an eye on the details.
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- Incidental Deposits: Like almost every Choice Hotels property, they’ll hold a chunk of change on your credit card for "incidents." It drops off after you check out, but if you’re using a debit card, that money is effectively gone for 3-5 business days.
- Shuttle Timing: If the shuttle is full, you’re waiting for the next one. This happens during peak morning rushes (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM). Plan to leave 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to.
- Breakfast: Some rates include it, some don't. Double-check your booking confirmation. If it's not included, there’s a IHOP nearby and plenty of local spots that are better value.
Comparing the Competition
The 36th Street corridor is lined with hotels. You’ve got the Hilton, the Sheraton, and a dozen others. Why choose the Clarion?
Price point and space.
The Hilton is going to be sleeker, sure. But you’re going to pay a "brand tax" for that sleekness. The Clarion sits in that middle-ground "value" tier. It’s for the traveler who wants a door that locks, a bed that’s comfortable, and enough space to spread out their luggage without tripping over it. It’s an honest hotel. It’s not trying to be a five-star resort, and it doesn't charge you like one.
Exploring the Miami Springs Area
If you have a long layover and don't want to sit in your room, Miami Springs is actually walkable by Florida standards. There is a circle in the center of town with a fountain and some small shops. It feels like a small town that just happens to have a massive airport in its backyard. It’s a good place to stretch your legs.
Just keep an eye on the weather. Miami rain isn't like regular rain; it’s a tropical deluge that starts in seconds and ends just as fast.
Accessibility and Amenities
The property is ADA compliant, which is something many older hotels in the area struggle with. Elevators are generally reliable, and the common areas are easy to navigate. There's a pool, too. It's a standard Florida outdoor pool. It’s nothing fancy, but if you have kids who need to burn off energy after a five-hour flight, it’s a lifesaver.
Actionable Steps for a Better Stay
If you’ve decided to book the Clarion Inn & Suites Miami Airport, do these three things to ensure you don't end up frustrated.
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First, call the hotel directly the morning of your arrival. Confirm your reservation and ask if they can put you in a room away from the elevators. The foot traffic in airport hotels is constant, and the "ding" of the elevator at 3 AM is nobody's friend.
Second, download a rideshare app. While the shuttle is free, sometimes the MIA traffic is so bad that the shuttle gets backed up. Having Uber or Lyft as a backup for a $10 ride to the terminal can save you from missing a flight.
Third, check your Choice Privileges points. Even if you aren't a frequent traveler, these stays add up. Because this is a "Suites" property, you often get a better points-to-value ratio here than at a standard Clarion.
The Verdict on 5301 NW 36th St
This hotel is a tool. It’s a tool for getting from Point A to Point B without breaking the bank or sleeping on a terminal bench. It’s reliable, the staff generally knows the drill with frantic travelers, and the location is hard to beat for proximity.
Don't expect a mint on your pillow or a concierge in a tuxedo. Expect a clean room, a functional shower, and a ride to the airport. In the world of travel, sometimes that's exactly what you need.
Pro Tip: If you're arriving late, there’s a 24-hour Walgreens nearby. It’s perfect for grabbing water, snacks, or the sunscreen you inevitably forgot to pack.
Final Logistics Checklist
- Check-in: 3:00 PM (Ask for early check-in, they sometimes have it).
- Check-out: 11:00 AM.
- Pet Policy: Check before you bring your dog; policies change and fees apply.
- Wi-Fi: Free for guests.
Moving forward, your best bet is to book directly through the Choice Hotels portal or a reputable travel site to ensure you have a clear cancellation policy. Given how frequently flights are delayed or canceled at MIA, having a flexible booking is worth the extra five bucks. Once you're checked in, grab a map of the local area from the lobby—they still have the paper ones—and find the nearest Cuban bakery. It’ll be the best part of your layover.