LOCAL ESSENTIALS

LOCAL CULTURE

DIRECTIONS TO INTERCONTINENTAL MIAMI DOWNTOWN

Directions To The InterContinental Miami Hotel:----- From Miami International Airport: Take 836 East to I-95 South to Biscayne Boulevard (Exit 2A). Take the ramp down through two red lights. Turn left at the stop sign (get in the far right lane). Turn right at first red light (one half-block). The InterContinental Miami is on your right.--------------- From Kendall, Homestead, or Key West: Take U.S. 1 North to I-95. Exit at Biscayne Boulevard (Exit 2A). Take the ramp down through two red lights. Turn left at the stop sign (get in the far right lane). Turn right at first red light (one half-block). The InterContinental Miami is on your right. -------------From Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, or Pompano: Take I-95 South to Biscayne Boulevard (Exit 2A). Take the ramp down through two red lights. Turn left at the stop sign (get in the far right lane). Turn right at the first red light (one half-block). The InterContinental Miami is on your right.

DRIVING YOURSELF AROUND TOWN

There are many one-way streets in downtown Miami. A GPS is highly recommended. You are now able to pay by phone at any of the City of Miami traffic meters by simply registering your vehicle tag and payment information via the internet or using your smart phone. Interstate I-95 in Miami-Dade County has opened dedicated Express Lanes to take travelers in and out of Downtown Miami faster through traffic. The toll rate varies depending on traffic congestion and is posted prior to being able to access the Express Lanes. Tolls are charged through via the vehicles license plate. Check with your rental car provider for more information.

PACKING

Make sure you wear light clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses. During the summer we recommend wearing a hat. Must pack: camera and beachwear. Nightlife as well as most restaurants prefer chic and elegant casual attire.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS: GETTING AROUND

When you arrive at the hotel come to the concierge desk to find out about how the Metro Rail, Metro Mover, and Public Bus lines work. Or you can plan ahead by going online to: http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/

Tipping Restaurants & Services

It is customary to tip individuals at your discretion. The average tip is 15% - 18% percent at restaurants. However in some places the tip is already included in the bill ( especially when you are in larger groups).

DID YOU KNOW ?

El Credito Cigar Factory

Customize & ship cigars to anywhere in the world.Located in the heart of Little Havana.

Everglades National Park

These are America's largest saw grass prairies and deepest mangrove swamps.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park

In Key Largo which is the diving capital of the world, you may enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride.

Port of Miami

Miami is the Cruise Capital of the World!