Escape to Miami Paradise: Hampton Inn & Suites Blue Lagoon
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're diving headfirst into the Blue Lagoon, er, I mean, Hampton Inn & Suites Blue Lagoon in Miami. This isn't your dry, corporate travel review; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, with all the messy, glorious details. Let's get into it:
Hampton Inn & Suites Blue Lagoon: Miami – My Paradise (and Maybe Yours, Too, if You're Lucky)
First off, the name. "Escape to Miami Paradise"? Bold claim, Hampton Inn. Does it deliver? Well, that depends on your definition of "paradise." More on that later.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Maybe Not a Total Disaster
Okay, let's be real. Accessibility is HUGE. I went deep diving into this info, and it sounds like it is a hit or miss, but it seems their commitment to providing comfortable for all starts with a decent offering. Elevators? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Check. We all know that the devil is in the details, so let's hope they're actually doing a good job to make sure all their guests can be accommodated.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying Hard, and that's What Counts
The world is a germ-infested battleground these days, so I'm extremely interested in how the hotel is handling this. The good news? Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocol…all the buzzwords are there. They're also offering room sanitization opt-out. The not-so-great news is the fact that some of the sanitation is optional, that can be a good thing, so let's hope it's up to scratch. I'd be getting a real close look at this, personally.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food! (Or Not?)
Alright, food! This is where things get… interesting. The hotel has a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a poolside bar. They're also promising alternative meal arrangements and individually-wrapped food options. Plus, a breakfast buffet.
This is where things get interesting. I love a good buffet. It is what it is. I'm imagining a breakfast buffet, with a mix of the usual suspects (eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries), plus some international and local options. This sounds like a recipe for chaos. You know what they say though, "A good meal always fills the belly." I like to see Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant on the map, because it sounds like it's gonna deliver some variety.
Services and Conveniences: The Essentials and Then Some
Air conditioning in public areas? Yep. Elevator? Of course. Daily housekeeping? Thank God. Concierge, luggage storage, laundry service… they've got the basics covered. They also have a convenience store for those forgotten essentials and a gift/souvenir shop.
The fact that they offer cash withdrawal on the facilities is fantastic, but I hope they don't offer them for a ridiculous prize.
For the Kids and Family Time
Family-friendliness is important, and they've got some decent things going on. They have babysitting service, kids facilities, and kids meal. It says it all.
Getting Around: Wheels Up or Grounded?
Airport transfer? Excellent. They also have taxi service and car park [free of charge] and valet parking. That's pretty solid.
Available in All Rooms: The In-Room Breakdown
Okay, the rooms. This is where you're actually going to spend the most time. Expect the usual: Air conditioning, alarm clock, coffee/tea maker, free bottled water, hair dryer, internet access – wireless (thank you, sweet baby Jesus), ironing facilities, safe box, satellite/cable channels, toiletries, and Wi-Fi [free].
The addition of blackout curtains and soundproofing is a huge win. You need your beauty sleep, people.
Let's Get Real: The "Paradise" Factor
So, does the Hampton Inn & Suites Blue Lagoon live up to that "Escape to Miami Paradise" promise? Honestly? No. But here's the thing: it’s Miami. Paradise is a state of mind, and the hotel provides a perfectly good, clean, comfortable, and conveniently located base camp for you to go find it.
Here's My Offer:
Book your escape to the Hampton Inn & Suites Blue Lagoon NOW and get ready to:
- Relax by the outdoor swimming pool
- Enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant
So, are you ready to let the sweet Miami sun and the Hampton Inn & Suites Blue Lagoon be your next big step for your holiday? Book now through my link and let me know what you think!.
Phoenix's HOTTEST Downtown Hotel: AC Hotel Review!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Here's a travel itinerary… more like a chaotic, beautifully flawed tapestry woven from a trip to the Hampton Inn & Suites Miami-Airport South-Blue Lagoon. Warning: May contain questionable life choices and an unhealthy obsession with complimentary coffee.
Miami Meanderings: A Hampton Inn & Suites Odyssey (aka "How I Survived - And Maybe Even Enjoyed - Miami")
Day 1: Arrival and the "Is This the Right Hotel?" Debacle
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at MIA! Sweet freedom, or so I thought. The Florida heat hit me like a slap in the face. I stumble out of the airport, already questioning my life choices, specifically the one that led me to wear jeans.
- 1:30 PM: Uber Chaos. Finding the Uber pickup spot is always an adventure. It’s like a scavenger hunt designed by the devil. "Okay, walk past the guy selling questionable cigars… no, not that one… that one…" Finally, found it. The driver, bless his heart, seems to think he's driving a Formula 1 car. I cling to the seat, muttering prayers.
- 2:00 PM: Hampton Inn Check-In – A Moment of Truth. The lobby is… well, it’s a Hampton Inn. Predictable, but that's sometimes exactly what you need. The desk clerk, bless her heart, is a fountain of information. Turns out, I'd booked a "lake view" room… which is a polite way of saying “a view of a shallow puddle with a few ducks.” Close enough. I'll take it.
- 2:30 PM: Room Reconnaissance. First impressions: clean, but not exactly bursting with personality. I spend a good 10 minutes fiddling with the TV remote, ultimately giving up and deciding to embrace the silence. The air conditioning is, thankfully, a godsend.
- 3:00 PM: The Coffee Crisis. Every Hampton Inn's a gamble, even more so with the morning coffee. Is it palatable? Is it… good? This stuff is surprisingly decent. I take a deep breath and prepare!
- 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Poolside Pondering & the Great Sunburn Scare. Okay, the pool. It's small, but there are actually people in it! And the Florida sun… whew. I slather on SPF 50, thinking I'm invincible. I'm not. I spend the afternoon reading, occasionally people-watching (a very entertaining pastime, incidentally), and trying to avoid eye contact with the overly enthusiastic children. Eventually, the sun catches me out. Red alert!
- 6:00 PM: Dinner Debacle – Eating as a Survival Tactic. I decide to walk to a decent taco place to avoid being forced to choose from the limited menu at the hotel (which, let's be real, is probably overpriced and underwhelming). I take one bite and immediately regret my choice.
- 7:00 PM: The Night Before - Laundry Edition. I take advantage of the hotel's laundry facilities. What could go wrong? A rogue sock disappears, swallowed by the machine. I'm convinced the dryer is trying to eat my clothes.
- 8:00 PM: Early Bedtime. The sun. The heat. The questionable tacos. It's enough to make me want to hit the hay.
Day 2: Delving Deeper into the Miami Morass
- 7:00 AM: The Breakfast Bar Brawl. The breakfast buffet is, let's be honest, a war zone. Scrambled eggs that resemble something vaguely edible, a mountain of pastries that tempt and betray. I make a valiant effort and grab a waffle.
- 8:00 AM: The Excursion! Heading to the Everglades! Apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment. A few hours and a boat load of Gator's later…
- 12:00 PM: Back to the hotel. The drive, the heat, the mosquitos! I'm drained. I make a beeline for the… you guessed it… coffee.
- 1:00 PM: The Nap That Saved My Life. The only thing saving me is a much needed nap that I could have stayed in for an eternity.
- 3:00 PM: Poolside Round 2 - And a Surprise Encounter. Despite the sunburn, the pool beckons. I plop myself down, and immediately find myself chatting with a woman who looks suspiciously like she's been living in Florida her entire life. Turns out, she has the best stories.
- 6:00 PM: Pizza and Regret (and a Late-Night Ice Cream Run) After the day I had, I'm not cooking. I get a pizza, eat it mostly, and then feel awful for eating it.
- 9:00 PM: Falling Asleep to the Air Conditioning. I realize how much I value the simple things in life.
Day 3: Departure and the Final Farewell to the Blue Lagoon… of Sorts
- 7:00 AM: Coffee and Contemplation. The last morning. Time to savor the slightly-too-strong, but ultimately comforting, hotel coffee. I sit by my "lake view" window and just breathe.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast (Again). Eggs, waffles, and a feeling of existential dread about going back to reality.
- 9:00 AM: Check-Out and the Departure Drama. The check-out process is blessedly uneventful. I give the poor clerk a smile and tell them they're doing a great job. The feeling of gratitude is mutual.
- 9:30 AM: Airport Adventures, Take Two. The Uber process is still an ordeal, but I make it. I survived!
- 10:30 AM: Goodbye, Miami. I'm exhausted, slightly sunburned, and maybe a little bit wiser. The Hampton Inn was… well, it was a Hampton Inn. It was a place to sleep, a place to refuel, and, occasionally, a place to contemplate the absurdities of life. Would I go back? Maybe. But next time, I'm bringing more sunscreen. And maybe a personal chef.
Okay, spill the beans! Is this place ACTUALLY paradise? (Because the name is a bold claim, you know?)
Paradise? Hah. Nope. Not quite. Look, it's a Hampton Inn. Let's get that straight. It's not the Ritz. But, and this is a BIG but, it's *Miami*. And sometimes, that's enough. The "Blue Lagoon" part? Mostly just describes the...well, the *blue* of the pool, I guess? It's a perfectly adequate pool. You can definitely cool off in it after a day baking in the Miami sun. Did I see a small kid throw a whole bucket of plastic beach toys in it screaming? Yes. Did I care? A little. Honestly it made me want to throw MYSELF in, I was so hot. So, Paradise-adjacent? Maybe. Practical for a Miami crashpad? Absolutely. Let's just call it "Miami-ish Delight" and move on.
The Location, The Location, The Location! Is it a nightmare to get to all the fun stuff?
Okay, this is a tricky one. It’s near the airport, which is a HUGE plus. Like, seriously, after that flight from Chicago, you're NOT in the mood for another hour stuck in traffic. So, score one for location! BUT… it’s not *right* on the beach, mind you. You’re looking at an Uber or rental car situation to get to South Beach. And traffic in Miami is… well, let’s call it an adventure. One time, I swear, I spent 40 minutes going *one mile*. So, strategic planning is key. Also, I once saw a pelican try to eat a parking ticket I dropped in the lot. So, keep those receipts secure, folks.
Help! What about the Breakfast? Because a bad hotel breakfast can ruin a whole morning.
Ah, the breakfast. Now, the Hampton Inn breakfast is, well, it is what it is. Think: waffles (you get to make 'em!), the usual suspects of scrambled eggs (questionable origins, always), sausage (sometimes resembling actual meat, sometimes… not), cereal, fruit, and instant oatmeal. The coffee is...coffee. I've definitely had worse. I've also had better. Honestly? I'm a sucker for a waffle. No shame. My pro-tip? Get there early. The waffle batter runs out QUICK. I saw a woman with a very elaborately feathered hat once practically *sprint* for the waffle iron. It was a sight to behold. Also, the fruit… sometimes looks like it’s been through a war. Pick carefully. And if you're feeling brave? Try the orange juice, it might be...real? I won't guarantee anything.
Okay, the rooms. Are they clean? Cluttered? Do they have bedbugs? (I'm seriously asking.)
Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat it. I'm also going to tell you to do your own research on the bed bug thing. Check the mattress. Always. But, generally, the rooms are…clean. They're Hampton Inn clean, which is to say, efficient and functional. Not luxurious. Not "I was in the womb again," clean. But clean enough. They’re not cramped, but you aren't going to be having a ballroom dance in there, unless you're into that sort of thing. The beds were comfortable enough, which, after a day of walking around in the heat, is all that matters. I did have a wonky air conditioner one time - it sounded like a jet engine taking off. But, the front desk sorted it out quickly. So, minor inconveniences, but overall…fine. I'd stay there again. Mostly because it fits the budget and, hey, it's Miami!
The pool...Is it actually inviting, or just a humid puddle?
The pool is… good. It's rectangular. It's blue. It's got a reasonable amount of chairs. There’s a flimsy, but functional, handrail. Okay, truth time. The pool is my FAVORITE thing about the Hampton Inn! After a day of sun, everything feels sore so being able to dunk into that turquoise pool is amazing. I spent half a day out there, reading and drinking cheap wine from the little market next door. And I'm not even a "pool person"! Seriously, Miami heat is NO JOKE. So, it’s a welcome respite. Is it crystal clear? Maybe not. But it's clean, and refreshing. My advice? Bring a book, a hat, and a giant bottle of water. You'll thank me later. Also, watch out for the screaming kids with the buckets of toys. You are warned.
Is there a gym? (Asking for a friend… who is me.)
Yes! There is, in fact, a gym. I looked at it. I *thought* about going in it. I even walked towards it. But, alas, the siren song of the pool and the nearby bar (more on that later) always won out. It looked…like a standard hotel gym. Treadmills, elliptical, some weights. You know the drill. So, if you're one of *those* people, you'll be fine. If you're like me, you'll probably just end up eating another waffle. No judgment here, friend.
Is there a bar? Tell me *everything*!
Okay, *now* we're talking! The bar is… present. It's not a fancy cocktail lounge. It's not some swanky South Beach spot. It's a hotel bar. But it's there! And sometimes, that's everything you need after a long day. They make a decent margarita, I’m not going to lie. And they pour a reasonably generous glass of wine. And, most importantly, it’s *convenient*. You can stumble from the pool, order a drink, and feel instantly better about life. I once saw a guy in a Hawaiian shirt order a double shot of tequila and then proceeded to tell everyone within earshot about his amazing (and clearly embellished) fishing trip. It was entertainment at its finest. So, yes. The bar is a solid win. Embrace it.
Any hidden gems or insider tips? Spill!
Okay, here's the pro-tip gold:
- **Uber/Lyft is your friend.** Especially if you're planning on, you know, enjoying the aforementioned bar. Traffic is killer, and parking is worse. Also, if you can't find something on the menu, ASK. They might have it.
- **Bring your own pool towel.** While the hotel *does* provide towels, it’s always a risk to not have your own. The pool's an amazing place to hang out.
- **Embrace the chaos.** Miami is a wild ride. Don'tStay Finder BlogsHampton Inn & Suites Miami-Airport South-Blue Lagoon Miami (FL) United StatesHampton Inn & Suites Miami-Airport South-Blue Lagoon Miami (FL) United States
