You’re standing in the middle of Miami International Airport (MIA), your luggage feels like it's filled with bricks, and you just want a bed. The heat outside is already doing that thick, humid thing Miami does so well. You see the signs for the Red Roof Inn Miami—or specifically, the Red Roof PLUS+ Miami Airport—and you wonder if the low price tag is a total trap or a hidden gem.
Honestly? It's a bit of both.
If you're expecting the Ritz, you're going to be grumpy. But if you need a place where your dog can stay for free and you’re only a mile from the terminal, it’s a different story. Most people get the "economy" experience wrong because they expect "luxury" service at "budget" prices. Let's look at what’s actually happening on the ground at this NW LeJeune Road spot in 2026.
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The Reality of Staying at Red Roof Inn Miami
Location is the big seller here. You’re basically a five-minute drive from the airport. That proximity is why the parking lot is almost always full of people doing the "Park, Sleep, and Fly" shuffle.
The property is officially a "PLUS+" location. In Red Roof speak, that means it’s supposed to be an "upscale economy" experience. You’ll find wood-like floors instead of those questionable hotel carpets that have seen too much, and the rooms usually have a red accent wall that makes the space feel a bit more modern.
But here is the thing: it’s an older building.
You might hear the planes. It’s an airport hotel, so the roar of a Boeing 737 taking off at 6:00 AM is essentially your alarm clock. Some guests find the noise manageable, while others say it’s like the plane is landing in the bathroom. If you’re a light sleeper, bring the heavy-duty earplugs. Seriously.
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What the Rooms are Actually Like
The 200 rooms here are spread across five floors. They are functional. You get a flat-screen TV, a desk, and a coffee maker. If you spring for a "Premium" room, they usually toss in a snack box with water and some granola bars. It’s a nice touch when you’ve been traveling for twelve hours and the idea of finding a restaurant feels like running a marathon.
- Standard Rooms: Basic, 280 square feet, usually a King or two Doubles.
- Premium Rooms: These have the microwave and mini-fridge, which are honestly essential if you’re staying more than one night.
- The Vibe: It’s a 100% smoke-free property, which is great because older Miami hotels sometimes have that lingering "1980s lounge" scent.
The Infamous "Free" Logistics
People talk about the shuttle a lot. There’s a free shuttle that runs to the airport, which is a lifesaver. However, the Port of Miami shuttle is a different beast. It’s not free.
Expect to pay around $14 or $15 per person for a one-way trip to the cruise terminals. If you're a family of four, you're looking at $60. At that point, you might as well just call a rideshare; it'll probably be cheaper and you won't have to wait for the scheduled departure time.
Parking Woes and Wins
Parking is another one of those things that catches people off guard. It’s not free for everyone. If you’re just staying the night, there’s usually a daily fee—around $16 as of lately. They have security monitoring the lot from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM, which is a relief because, well, it’s a busy area of Miami.
Is it Actually Pet Friendly?
This is where the Red Roof Inn Miami actually wins points. Most hotels in Miami claim to be "pet friendly" and then hit you with a $75 "sanitation fee" that costs more than the room.
Red Roof’s policy is pretty straightforward: one pet stays for free.
If you have a second pet, it’s usually an extra $15 per night.
They have an 80-pound limit, which is generous. Most "pet-friendly" places cap it at 25 pounds, which is useless if you travel with a Golden Retriever. Just don't leave your dog alone in the room; the staff is strict about that. If your dog starts barking because they're in a strange place, you’ll get a call from the front desk faster than you can say "room service."
Eating Near LeJeune Road
Don't expect a buffet breakfast. They don't really do the "free eggs and rubbery bacon" thing here.
There is often a food truck on-site, specifically the Burger Plus truck, which operates late into the night. It’s actually pretty decent, though it can get pricey for what it is. If you want something more "Miami," you’re a short drive from places like La Rosa or Casino Miami.
Honestly, most people just end up ordering delivery. The lobby is usually a revolving door of delivery drivers dropping off bags of Cuban food or pizza. It works.
Why the Reviews are All Over the Place
If you look at recent feedback from 2025 and early 2026, you’ll see some people giving it 10/10 and others giving it a 1.
Why the gap?
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It usually comes down to housekeeping. The hotel has a policy where they don’t necessarily clean every single day unless you’re there for a while. If you’re used to fresh towels being draped over the rack every morning without asking, you’re going to be disappointed. You have to be proactive. If you need something, go to the front desk. The staff is generally friendly, but they are dealing with a high-volume, high-turnover crowd. They aren't going to hunt you down to see if you need more soap.
Strategic Tips for Your Stay
- Check-in is at 3:00 PM. If you show up at noon, don't be shocked if your room isn't ready. This place stays booked.
- Request a higher floor. It doesn't totally block out the airport noise, but it helps with the street noise from LeJeune Road.
- The Pool is "Seasonal." It’s an outdoor pool. In Miami, "seasonal" usually means "whenever it's not being cleaned," but don't count on a midnight swim—hours are typically 7 AM to 7 PM.
- Wi-Fi is "Verified." This is Red Roof’s way of saying it’s fast enough to stream Netflix. It’s generally better than your average budget hotel internet.
The Red Roof Inn Miami isn't trying to be a boutique South Beach hotel. It’s a utility stay. It’s for the person who has a 6 AM flight and doesn't want to fight traffic from Fort Lauderdale. It’s for the cruiser who spent all their money on the balcony suite on the ship and just needs a clean place to crash the night before embarkation.
If you go in with the mindset that you’re paying for convenience and a pet-friendly policy, you’ll probably have a perfectly fine stay. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with a view of the skyline... maybe keep looking.
Actionable Next Steps
- Confirm your shuttle: If you're arriving late, call the front desk at (305) 871-4221 to see if the airport shuttle is still running or if you need to grab an Uber.
- Book the "Premium" room: If the price difference is less than $20, do it. Having the fridge and microwave in a high-traffic airport area saves you a fortune on overpriced airport snacks.
- Download a white noise app: Even if you aren't a light sleeper, the hum of the AC and the planes can be unpredictable. A little digital rain sound goes a long way.