Upon arriving at Miami International Airport after a pleasant Delta flight, I was amazed by the seamless and effortless experience that awaited me. From the moment I stepped off the plane, it felt as if I were gliding through the airport.
Despite sitting in a regular seat towards the front of the aircraft, I believe my experience would have been the same even if I were seated farther back. Carrying only a backpack, I made my way through the secure corridors that directed international passengers to the United States Immigration checkpoint. Since I have Global Entry status, I followed the signs to the electronic kiosk, which I easily located with no waiting involved.
Typically, the kiosk would prompt me to scan my passport and take my photo. However, this time I received a message instructing me to proceed to the immigration counter. As I approached the counter, I noticed an immigration officer attending to someone else. To my surprise, 
I heard him call out my name, still focused on the documents in his hand. I confirmed my identity and he simply said, “You’re good to go.” Without hesitation, I moved past the person in front of me and headed towards the baggage claim area, without even a passport stamp.
Miami Airport impressed me with its renovated and clean facilities, adorned with captivating artwork, including the beautiful terrazzo floors and abundant natural light. Finding the baggage carousel was a breeze, and within minutes, my suitcase arrived. I can confidently say that in less than five minutes, I had my luggage and was making my way to the ground transportation section.
To my surprise, there were no further customs checks or inspections. There was no one present to inspect bags for items like Cuban cigars or Havana Club rum. It’s possible that the bags were screened behind the scenes, but if so, it was done quickly and efficiently.
Overall, my arrival experience at Miami Airport was exceptional, leaving me impressed with the speed, efficiency, and pleasant atmosphere throughout the entire process.
As I made my way towards the resort, following the well-marked signs to ground transportation on the appropriate level, my smooth journey continued. The inner road at Miami Airport offered a pleasant mix of shade and sunshine. While waiting, I took the opportunity to call the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon and inquire about the shuttle service.
Surprisingly, I didn’t mind hearing a recorded greeting this time. The first option was to press #1 for shuttle information, and upon doing so, I received an immediate recorded message that put my mind at ease:
“Our complimentary shuttle runs approximately every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Head to the lower level where the hotel shuttles are located. There’s no need to speak to anyone. If you have any questions, feel free to text us at (786) 528 6177.”
The hotel’s thoughtful efficiency impressed me once again. The message delivery was not impersonal; instead, it anticipated the needs of guests like myself and provided the necessary information without the need for a time-consuming conversation. Undoubtedly, this approach allowed the hotel’s front desk staff to focus on ensuring a speedy check-in process for arriving guests.
And that’s exactly what happened next.
Miami Beach, famous worldwide, was waiting just around the corner.
Touching down and ready to explore, I didn’t have to wait long for the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon shuttle. During the brief wait, I enjoyed the fresh air and caught up on my emails. The hotel was just a short 3.7-mile ride away, located beyond the airfield boundary and freeway.
Speaking with Jean Armas, the friendly and accommodating hotel general manager, I learned about the unique charm of the location. “It’s a beautiful spot—a resort right next to the runway,” Armas shared. “Once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’re in an oasis, far removed from the airport.”
The shuttle driver, who was helpful and welcoming, dropped me off conveniently at the Hilton’s covered valet entrance, just a few steps away from the front desk. The check-in process was so swift that Armas almost missed greeting me before I made my way to my room.
“We strive to make the check-in process as prompt as possible for our guests,” Armas explained. “Our shuttle drivers inform us of the number of passengers, so we’re prepared to assist them quickly. Once guests settle into their rooms, they tend to forget about any travel fatigue and are eager to explore the hotel and the city. They drop off their bags, feel refreshed, and head out to enjoy their surroundings.”
At the Hilton and in the Miami area, there are countless reasons to step out of your room and experience the vibrant surroundings. A quick 14-mile ride to the east will take you to the lively South Beach, easily accessible via affordable rideshare services. Closer by, you can immerse yourself in the music, culture, and cuisine of Little Havana or catch a game at the Miami Marlins baseball park. These activities are worthwhile, even if you’re staying for just one night before embarking on a cruise or connecting to an international flight to South America or Europe. On weekends, the hotel also offers $13 transfers to the Port of Miami for cruisers.
If venturing out into Miami isn’t feasible, the Hilton Blue Lagoon ensures that Miami’s essence comes to you. Armas shared, “We want our guests to experience some of the culture and vibe of Miami. On Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., we have Cuban performers who entertain with salsa and merengue music. We also serve delectable Cuban offerings like pork empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, mojitos, and Cuba Libres, providing our guests with a taste of Cuba.”
With a view that embraces the essence of a resort, the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon offers a delightful and immersive experience for guests.
Relaxing During Your Layover:
If you’re enticed to stay within the hotel grounds, the Hilton Miami Airport Blue Lagoon offers a serene setting for relaxation, recreation, and professional meetings and events. Rest assured, you won’t feel confined or restless. The corner suites feature a comfortable living area with a refrigerator and a curved, screened patio that provides a captivating view of the airport, pool, surrounding lagoons, and the downtown Miami skyline.
According to Armas, the hotel’s general manager, “You can witness the sunrise over the skyline from the guestrooms or the pool. The sky paints Miami with vibrant colors, creating a breathtaking view.” Personally, I found the nighttime view of downtown Miami and the captivating takeoffs and landings at the international airport equally mesmerizing.
One of the remarkable aspects of staying here is that you won’t hear or feel the airplanes taking off or landing from your room. This feature is particularly appreciated by pilots and flight attendants who choose to stay with us, as our rooms provide a peaceful atmosphere, allowing them to rest well. We prioritize the well-being of pilots for the sake of safe travel,” emphasized Armas.
While you might be returning from a night of experiencing Miami’s legendary nightlife, you’ll also notice numerous airline staff on the 5 a.m. shuttle heading to the airport. If your idea of a delightful evening involves staying in and enjoying convenience, you’ll appreciate the thoughtfully located Herb n’ Kitchen walk-in convenience kiosk and gift shop in the center of the lobby. Skilled baristas are ready to brew up specialty coffees, and the counter offers a variety of artisanal sandwiches, flatbreads, salads, breakfast sandwiches, and parfaits. Additionally, you can find a selection of craft beer and wine for takeaway, as well as high-end room snacks such as kettle chips, pastries, and delectable chocolate chip cookies.
Feeling at Home at the Hilton:
Armas, who previously worked at Ritz Carlton, joined the Hilton team in 2019 and relocated with his family from Texas to Miami.
While reflecting on his move, Armas shared, “They say, ‘Don’t mess with Texas,’ but I have also grown to love Miami. It has provided my family – my wife and two children – with a wonderful quality of life. There is stability and excellent schools. I am truly proud to call Miami home now. Working for Hilton has been an exceptional experience.”
During our conversation, I mentioned my incredible experience at Miami Airport, where it felt like I smoothly sailed through immigration and customs. Armas revealed that Hilton employs similar techniques to ensure a seamless experience for its guests.
“As a Hilton Honors member, specifically at the gold and diamond levels, you enjoy certain privileges, such as checking in through the app and bypassing the line. Hilton provides you with a virtual key on your smartphone, allowing you to open your room. Additionally, you have the option to select your preferred room and receive an automatic upgrade,” explained Armas.