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 HolidayDate
New Year’s DayJanuary 1, 2009
Martin Luther King Jr's BirthdayJanuary 19, 2009
President's DayFebruary 16, 2009
Ash Wednesday February 25, 2009
St. Patrick's DayMarch 17, 2009
Passover April 8, 2009
Good FridayApril 10, 2009
EasterApril 12, 2009
Mother's DayMay 10, 2009
Memorial DayMay 25, 2009
Father's DayJune 21, 2009
Independence DayJuly 4, 2009
Labor DaySeptember 7, 2009
Rosh HashanahSeptember 18, 2009
Yom KippurSeptember 27, 2009
Columbus DayOctober 12, 2009
Veteran's DayNovember 11, 2009
Thanksgiving DayNovember 26, 2009
Christmas DayDecember 25, 2009

Local Events

EventsDateEvents Details
Miami Wine & Food FestivalFebruary 19-22, 2009Useful Link Icon• Useful link
Winter Party WeekFebruary 25-March 2, 2009Useful Link Icon• Useful link
Miami International Film FestivalMarch 6-15, 2009Useful Link Icon• Useful link
Calle Ocho FestivalMarch 15, 2009Useful Link Icon• Useful link
2009 World Golf Championship at DoralMarch 10-15, 2009Useful Link Icon• Useful link
Fashion Week MiamiMarch 19-22, 2009Useful Link Icon• Useful link
Winter Music ConferenceMarch 24-28, 2009Useful Link Icon• Useful link
Sony Ericsson OpenMarch 25-April 5, 2009Useful Link Icon• Useful link
Ford Championship WeekendNovember 20-22, 2009Useful Link Icon• Useful link
Art Basel Miami BeachDecember 3-6, 2009Useful Link Icon• Useful link