I flew out of Jacksonville, Florida on Southwest Airlines Sat, Oct 13th. I’ve driven to south Florida many times, but for $80 one way (I’m riding with a friend of mine back to Jax) it sure beats a 6 hour drive.
The Jacksonville Airport is very clean, efficient and the people are friendly.
I flew to Ft Lauderdale and took the Go Shuttle from Ft Lauderdale to the Sofitel Hotel in Miami.
I was concerned I would be waiting a while, but after 30 minutes, the attendant pointed me to a Lincoln Towncar for the ride to Miami. If you choose the Towncar (private car) option, the cost is $70, but if you choose the shared-ride (van) option, the cost $21. I chose the shared-ride, however I guess the van was running late so I got the free upgrade! I rode with a couple that had been away from their home in Texas for 6 weeks. They went to Norway for a month and then they went on the Oasis of the Seas.
When I arrived at the Sofitel Hotel, I was greeted by Raul. He opened the front door, took my bags and escorted me to the front desk. He asked if I wanted a cold bottle of water. Those are the memories that make a vacation great.
The rooms at the Sofitel Hotel are incredible. Free wi-fi (if you choose the basic package), hair dryer in the bathroom, flat screen tv with a ton of channels and very soft bedding!
The restaurant is 5 star (along with the prices) but I can understand it.
The hotel has a nice fitness area and an incredible swimming pool with a huge fountain.
I’m looking forward to catching the shuttle from the Sofitel ($10.00 charge) and heading over to the Blake Shelton Cruise on the NCL Pearl at about noon.
Stay tuned for more updates and pictures. Be sure to follow me on Twitter @scottlara1961 and on YouTube at slara1961.
For more details on the Sofitel Miami Hotel, here’s the link:
http://www.sofitel.com/gb/hotel-0889-sofitel-miami/index.shtml
Peace!
Scott Lara
