We have provided some of the critical information you’ll need for a smooth running visit.

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Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time

GMT -5 hours

Language

English is the city’s official language. However, Miami has the largest number of Spanish speakers in the western hemisphere outside Latin America. Therefore, you will find that most residents speak English and Spanish as well.

Currency

USD is the local currency found in the following denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100. We exchange most international currency within the hotel. Exchange rates may vary.

Electrical Standard

Local voltage is 110 volts AC.

Shopping Hours

Monday to Saturday: 10:00am to 9:00pm

Sunday: 11:00am to 6:00pm

Banking Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:30am to 4:00pm

Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Local Facilities - City Center

The business center is known as Downtown Miami and is 15 minutes walk from the hotel.

Shopping

There are three main shopping areas for necessities: Bayside which is 5 minutes taxi ride, Coconut Grove and Village of Merrick Park which are both less than 15 minutes taxi ride from the hotel. For luxury brands, visit The Bal Harbour Shops.

Medical

There are two hospitals near the hotel, Mercy Hospital is a 9 minute taxi ride and Cedars Medical Center is 10 minutes taxi.

Banking

Three convenient banking facilites are located in and around the hotel.

Bank of America located at 701 Brickell Ave.

Washington Mutual located at 777 Brickell Ave.

City Bank 1401 Brickell Ave.

Tips on Tipping

For many employees tipping is counted as part of the salary, therefore service providers like waiters, bell hops, cleaning staff would all expect a tip. As a guide expect to add 10%/15% to a taxi fare, 15% at least to a restaurant bill and pay USD 2 or USD 3 to the person who carries your bag and perhaps USD 2 each day to the person cleaning your room, remembering it won’t necessarily be the same person cleaning your room the next day.

Public Holidays

Public HolidaysDate
New Year’s DayJanuary 1, 2008
Martin Luther King Jr's BirthdayJanuary 21, 2008
President’s DayFebruary 18, 2008
Ash WednesdayFebruary 6, 2008
St. Patrick's DayMarch 17, 2008
Good FridayMarch 21, 2008
EasterMarch 23, 2008
PassoverApril 20-27, 2008
Mother's DayMay 11, 2008
Memorial DayMay 26, 2008
Father's DayJune 15, 2008
Independence DayJuly 4, 2008
Labor DaySeptember 1, 2008
Yom KippurSeptember 9, 2008
Rosh HashanahSeptember 30, 2008
Columbus DayOctober 13, 2008
Veteran's DayNovember 11, 2008
Thanksgiving DayNovember 27, 2008
Christmas DayDecember 25, 2008

Local Events

EventsDateEvents Details
Miami Wine & Food FestivalFebruary 21-24, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Winter Party WeekFebruary 27-March 3, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Miami International Film FestivalFebruary 28-March 9, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Calle Ocho FestivalMarch 16, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
2008 World Golf Championship at DoralMarch 17-23, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Winter Music ConferenceMarch 25-29, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Sony Ericsson OpenMarch 26-April 6, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Fashion Week MiamiApril 9-13, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Ford Championship WeekendNovember 14-17, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link
Art Basel Miami BeachDecember 4-7, 2008Useful Link Icon· Useful link