Questions about Miami/Miami Beach

AOX81 · #1 02-12-2003, 02:55 PM

I think our vacation spot is being moved to the Miami Beach area.

Any Miami/Miami Beach natives or regulars that can help me out???

Looking for fairly inexpensive hotel...won't be in the room most of the time so who cares. Something that is close to the beach (walking distance), and close to bars, shops, and restaurants.

What is the best location? (be as specific as possible)

Has anyone stayed at the following hotels in Miami/Miami Beach?
Dezerland Beach Hotel & Spa
The New Casablanca on the Ocean
Best Western South Beach
South Seas Hotel
Comfort Inn on the Beach
Beach Plaza Hotel South Beach
Hotel Chelsea
The Leslie Hotel
Tudor Hotel & Suites
Super 8

HELP!

ZTAMiami · #2 02-13-2003, 12:47 AM

If you want to stay in the heart of south beach and don't mind the noise, I suggest you stay between 6th and 15th streets. Ocean Drive, Collins Ave, and Washington Ave all run parallel to each other. Ocean Drive (runs fron 1st to 12th streets) is the beachside strip you always see on tv with the little art deco hotels and outdoor cafes. Hotels here are pricey and there is a lot of noise at night. At 12th street Ocean Drive ends and it spills onto Collins Ave. The Ocean side hotels are really nice and pricey. The ones across the street are low cost but a little bit roach motel-y. All you really need is a shower and a bed, though. This is a busy street traffic wise with cheesy tourist shops and fast food places. I think you should stay on Collins going no further up than 17th street at most. At the intersection of 17th and Collins is the Lincoln Road mall. Really nice with lots of boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. A nice place to start off the night. Washington Ave is where the majority of clubs, bars, lounges are. Don't stay on Washington, its too crazy, you can always walk there at night. Everything good is in walking distance so wear comfy shoes even at night.
PM me with any questions!

AOX81 · #3 02-13-2003, 10:22 PM

Thanks ZTAMiami

sororitygirl2 · #4 02-13-2003, 10:53 PM

Tell me more about South Beach... what are the absolute coolest bars and restaurants? I have a friend going in May (although I suppose what's hot then could be completely different).

AlphaSigOU · #5 02-14-2003, 12:11 AM

The scene in South Beach practically changes with the weather; there are some clubs that are tough to get in unless you are dressed to the nines.

Good restaurants: try Lario's on the Beach, owned by Gloria Estefan and family.

I'm heading down that neck of the woods on Labor Day weekend for my 20-year high school reunion.

A Random DphiE · #6 02-14-2003, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AOX81

Dezerland Beach Hotel & Spa
The New Casablanca on the Ocean
Best Western South Beach
South Seas Hotel
Comfort Inn on the Beach
Beach Plaza Hotel South Beach
Hotel Chelsea
The Leslie Hotel
Tudor Hotel & Suites
Super 8

I would heed ZTAMiami's word.... these Hotels are near the far end of the island...far, far away from what you always see in the movies...

AOX81 · #7 02-18-2003, 11:30 AM

We are going to be driving but we need a CHEAP place to stay!!!

Optimist Prime · #8 02-18-2003, 12:49 PM

Palm Beach Sucks!!!!!!!! I hate Florida!!!!!! If you need info on why PM me, otherwise take my word for it. If the world had an asshole it would be Miami, Florida, and palm beach is 7 miles up.

AlphaSigOU · #9 02-18-2003, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Optimist Prime
Palm Beach Sucks!!!!!!!! I hate Florida!!!!!! If you need info on why PM me, otherwise take my word for it. If the world had an asshole it would be Miami, Florida, and palm beach is 7 miles up.

Actually, it's about 65 miles up

I remember very well back when I was growing up in the area how Fort Lauderdale ran off the spring breakers, and then they realized they shot themselves in the foot because of lost tourism! They recovered somewhat, but relinquished the crown of 'spring break capital of the world' to Daytona Beach.

AlphaSigOU · #10 02-18-2003, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sororitygirl2
Tell me more about South Beach... what are the absolute coolest bars and restaurants? I have a friend going in May (although I suppose what's hot then could be completely different).

Recommend you get a hold of a copy of Lonely Planet's guide to Miami... pretty good information on South Beach and its varied nightlife.

Miami and The Keys (3rd Edition)
Kim Grant
Published September 2002
ISBN: 1740591836
256 pp
US$16.99 - AUS$27.5 - UK£10.99
Part of the series: City Guides

ZTAMiami · #11 02-18-2003, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AOX81
We are going to be driving but we need a CHEAP place to stay!!!

Ok, cheap. Try the Fairfax hotel. It's on 15th and Collins. I stayed there a few months ago. Walls are thin, hasn't been updated sine the 70's, has a bed and a shower and thats all you need. Walking distance everywhere!

AOX81 · #12 02-18-2003, 02:15 PM

Thanks! I'll look into it when I get home tonight.