The Updated Sonesta Miami Airport Is a Perfect Pre- or Post-Cruise Hotel Stay

Aptly named the “Magic City,” Miami is not only a popular destination unto itself but also a busy jumping-off point for cruises and air travel around Central and South America. Travelers on either end of their cruise trips, or those looking to rest up during a long layover, now have better options than languishing in the airport endlessly. The laid-back but trendy Miami lifestyle can be found at the Sonesta Miami Airport hotel, located just a mile and a half from Miami International Airport and not far from the PortMiami cruise terminals.

Renovations at Sonesta Miami Airport

The Sonesta Miami Airport recently completed a five-month, multimillion-dollar renovation that turned the serviceable hotel into a traveler’s sanctuary. The renovation was carried out with the idea of fusing chic design with authentic Miami elements to bring the essence of the vibrant city to travelers from around the world. This modern, trendy culture shines through in the hotel’s bright, tropical ambiance in both the rooms and public outdoor spaces.

Room Details

Renovated guest rooms feel modern and clean, with small details that lend an air of relaxed luxury. Each room is appointed with rich brown leather headboards, while the walls offer soothing neutral tones, accented by colorful, modern art pieces to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Family groups will appreciate that 117 of the hotel’s 309 guest rooms offer connecting options (king rooms linking to double rooms). Each king room is outfitted with a modern walk-in shower, while all double rooms feature bathtubs. Both business and leisure travelers will find the room amenities welcoming and very serviceable.

Dining

One of the brightest highlights to emerge from the renovation is the Tailwinds Restaurant, which offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner service, as well as curated wine, beer, and cocktail menus. The globally inspired menu leans into Miami’s food scene, with fresh ingredients, quality seafood options, and favorite local dishes with Latin inspiration. The vivid colors and elegant space feel more suited to downtown Miami than an airport hotel, making Tailwinds a decided victory for the hotel.

Menu favorites include the Guava Burger (a unique recipe from hotel GM Alex Alvarez’s own father), Cuban Sandwich, Fried Yuca Sticks with Cilantro Sauce, Peruvian Fried Rice, Churrasco Steak, and Guacamole with Pork Rinds. I dined on the pollo asado, which was served with perfectly cooked rice, black beans, and crispy plantains. It was an excellent meal in a relaxing, boutique environment that certainly didn’t feel like an airport hotel—largely due to the attentive, friendly, and warm service provided by host Jorge.

For an added bit of novelty, room service orders are fulfilled by the hotel’s personal robot, Sonny.

Hotel Amenities

The hotel’s public spaces and amenities have also been fully transformed to provide an atmosphere perfect for both relaxation and socializing. The rooftop pool is still undergoing permitting as of mid-May 2025 but will soon be complete with a spacious sundeck featuring chaise lounge chairs and new private cabanas—a welcome refuge after a long travel day. The 24/7 gym also doesn’t disappoint; it is spotlessly clean and stocked with the latest cardio and strength training equipment—including leg weight machines, a functional trainer system, and free weights. A large outdoor patio makes for a perfect morning or evening workspace, and throughout the property, playful pink hallway doors and gold hardware give a nod to Miami’s classic art deco design.

The hotel is also ready to accommodate large groups or small conferences. More than 7,400 square feet of versatile spaces can hold anything from weddings to birthdays, as well as other corporate or social events. The Front Room, formerly a restaurant, now offers 2,100 square feet of space with abundant natural lighting, a bar, refrigerator, and multiple TVs—creating an inviting environment for gatherings.

Two 320-square-foot boardrooms are ideal for smaller, private functions. Five other meeting rooms are equipped with built-in sound systems to provide a seamless audio experience for events, and the 3,300-square-foot Royal Palm Ballroom accommodates up to 160 guests and can be converted into three separate meeting rooms, allowing for greater flexibility.

Who Will Enjoy

Travelers transiting through Miami for onward flights or for cruises will appreciate the hotel’s airport shuttle and will find the Sonesta Miami Airport a welcome respite from long travel days. The hotel’s airport shuttles run every 20 minutes, and it’s easy to track their progress via a web link—so there’s no endless guessing how long until the shuttle arrives after an arduous day of flying. The drivers are courteous and careful.

Sleep in, get a big breakfast at Tailwinds, and lounge by the pool before traveling onward. Spend some quality time working on your mind and body in the gym. Or indulge in an evening cocktail before getting a good night’s sleep prior to tomorrow’s adventures. Laden with vibrant colors, authentic local flavors, and Miami spirit, this is a prime choice for a break in one’s travels.