This one:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels...miami-airport-south/

It's a long story, but late Nov we plan to fly into MIA, rent a car, visit Homestead AFB, spend the night at the hotel, tour the Nike site (see link below), and then drive to Key West for a week.

https://www.nps.gov/ever/plany...ke-missile-tours.htm

On the way back, we would stay at that hotel one night before catching a flight home. Neither stay would have us spending much time at the hotel.

Is the Fairfield MIA South in a decent area?

Yes, stayed there when I've worked down there. It's next to a bunch of other Marriott hotels.

Gas station with drinks and snacks next door, seafood restaurant across Lejeune Rd, and a nice Cuban place a short walk South through a residential neighborhood.

It is Miami though so be aware, but I have not felt unsafe in that area.

Ha, smart question! I travel a decent amount, but mostly to tame places where that isn't really an issue.

I went to a Simunition instructor course in Fresno a couple years back, I was the only non-cop there. Stayed at a chain hotel selected for location and price. On arrival, it seemed like a good candidate for the show "Hotel Impossible" where they try to save failing hotels. When the cops heard where I was staying they gave me a look like I was nuts.

I paid close attention, I didn't get any un-safe there will be violence vibes...just run down sleazy truckers take their hookers there vibes.

Yeah it's safe.

In Key West you have to eat at Blue Heaven, their surf and turf for dinner is outstanding and so are the breakfast items. Louis backyard is also an excellent restaurant.

You should be fine. Spanish is spoken in that area!

Thanks fore that Nike link. I didnt know you could tour it. I told my wife and we are.going to go sometime.
Some Miami and Ft Lauderdale hotels off the beaten path are a crap shoot. That one should be safe. I've stayed at some in S Florida where I slept with my shoes on.

Thanks for all the replies. The trip is now delayed until Feb or later, as I just called NPS and learned Nike site tours will not begin until around Christmas.

Current early Dec plan is to visit Tucson and THIS missile site:

http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/