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3 things you need to know about Miami's June 1 reopening plan

May 22, 2020
7 min read
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Remember that trip to Miami you had to cancel back in April? You may be able to reschedule it for this summer.

This news comes on the heels of the Florida Keys' announcement it would reopen to tourists next week. While there are still a lot of details to be worked out, here's what we know so far about Miami's reopening.

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When is Miami Beach reopening?

The Miami Beach commission just voted to reopen hotels and beaches on June 1, the Miami Herald reported. The mayor of Miami-Dade County, Carlos Giménez, said the county will follow suit, adding that it's a "target date."

Restaurants in the city will begin to reopen on May 27, the Herald added.

Tourism is a significant part of Miami's economy — so it's no surprise people are eager to see it reopen. In 2018 alone, 23 million tourists brought in $18 billion to the local economy, according to the South Florida Business Journal.

Related: Miami Airport 101: Where to sleep near MIA

Restrictions in Miami Beach

The decision to reopen does not come without headaches.

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Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber said, "We have to exercise some measure of caution because there is a natural tension between crowds and physical distancing," according to the Herald.

While it's not exactly clear what guidelines will be in place to ensure safety at beaches and hotels, a group of medical experts will be meeting with Giménez on Tuesday to solidify a plan. City manager Jimmy Morales noted that masks probably won't be required, but beachgoers may be asked to respect social distancing guidelines and avoid groups.

If there's any indication from tourist hotspots that are planning to open up soon, such as Greece and Italy, expect limited capacity at beaches, restaurants, hotels and more.

For example, managers at the Boucher Brothers beach concession stands will place chairs and umbrellas six feet apart, and "Beach Ambassadors" will tell beachgoers when they're too close, or have too many people in a group, the Herald reported.

To limit capacity and foot traffic, many small bars and restaurants around the world are insisting that customers make reservations in advance.

Related: Why you'll need to prebook all your fun this summer

Also, Florida still technically requires travelers from areas hard-hit by the virus, such as New York and New Jersey, to self-quarantine for 14 days, USA Today confirmed. Travelers from certain high-risk areas are supposed to complete a form with the traveler’s history, contact information and trip details. There could be consequences for not completing the form or abiding by the quarantine.

Hotel and flight availability

While the results of reopening countries and economies remain to be seen, optimistic travelers have found themselves cautiously looking at the prospect of booking future travel. Many, of course, are still opting to err on the side of caution and avoid travel.

Philip Goldfarb, the CEO of Fontainebleau Development, which owns the famed hotel in Miami Beach, for example, is only expecting "a fraction" of the visitors he'd usually see this time of year, according to the Herald.

Unsurprisingly, hotel availability is plentiful at many of the city's popular points hotels. For example, at the Cadillac Hotel and Beach Club, a Category 6 Marriott Autograph Collection property, rates start at $156, or just 35,000 points thanks to Marriott's PointSaver promotion, throughout the month of June.

The Miami Beach Edition is also available starting June 12. In fact, some June dates are pricing lower than normal: only 65,000 points per night again with the PointSaver promotion, or from $322.

And at the aforementioned Fontainebleau Miami Beach, travelers can expect to pay about $150 per night in June — rates that are just about average.

At the Confidante Miami Beach, rooms are available starting June 1 for 15,000 Hyatt points per night (or a Category 1 to 4 certificate). Cash rates start at $139 per night. Keep in mind that Hyatt is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards and you can transfer your Chase points to Hyatt at 1:1 ratio.

Related: The best ways to use your hotel points in Miami

Nonstop flights are extremely limited though, especially from New York City. In fact, on June 1, there are only three one-way nonstop itineraries from the New York area to Miami International (MIA). New York, of course, is a global hotspot for the virus, leading many airlines to slash flight capacity and frequency in the last few weeks.

The JFK to MIA route, occasionally operated with a Boeing 767 or Boeing 777, is now operating with a Boeing 737 instead — meaning no-lie flat seats if you're looking to travel in business class.

(Screenshot courtesy of Google Flights.)

Saver award availability was also fairly limited, based on an ExpertFlyer search (also owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures), although there's solid availability on June 7. That said, we'd recommend saving your points for a better redemption down the line, especially if you're planning to fly in business class.

(Screenshot courtesy of ExpertFlyer.)

If you're flying in from Los Angeles (LAX), flight options are similarly limited, although one-way flight prices are solid. Notably, all of the options are on American Airlines, as other airlines have dramatically reduced their schedules.

(Screenshot courtesy of Google Flights.)
(Screenshot courtesy of Google Flights.)

Bottom line

Only you can make the extremely personal decision to travel as states and countries begin to open up. But before you book your trip to Miami — or anywhere, for that matter — we recommend you talk to your doctor, follow the guidance of health and government officials and research local travel restrictions. Also, the CDC is still recommending against all nonessential travel.

If you do decide to book, you'll want to be mindful of hotel and airline cancellation and rebooking policies. Many airlines will temporarily allow you to book new flights now and cancel for a refund or credit later. You'll also often have the ability to make changes throughout the year and even into next.

As always, make your summer plans with a credit card that earns you bonus points on travel, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x) the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x) and, if you prefer Membership Rewards points, the American Express® Green Card (3x).

The information for the Amex Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

ExpertFlyer is owned by TPG's parent company, Red Ventures.

Featured image by Getty Images
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
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  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
2X2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

    Earn 125,000 points
    75,000 points
  • Annual Fee

    $125
  • Recommended Credit
    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.