travelinwifey

Hello, I am looking to book 6 rooms for our family. Which resort would be better? Both are approx. the same price, about $120-$130 night. The Beacon offers continental breakfast. Any opinions on which is nicer or which location is better? I understand the Beacon is in the heart of South Beach whereas the Mercury is a little further from the action. Thanks for any help!

GoTravel

I think the Mercury is way done at the tip of South Beach around 1st Street. The Mercury does have a pool and is all suites.

With families, I would think a suite and pool would be important with kids.

Can't remember the location of the Beacon but I think it is across the street from the beach??

GoTravel

Forgot to add, The Mercury is always on Hotwire. Look for the kitchenette icon or go to package deals and match up the amenities.

travelinwifey

Hi Go travel, yes, that's where we came across the idea for the Mercury. There will be 2 rooms with children. I figured if I purchased the rooms through Priceline or Hotwire we would be willing to ante up for the double-bed facilites. Through the Mercury's website it is an additional $20 per night for a room with a sofa bed. Hotwire's rates arent't that discounted right now, just a few dollars less than the Mercury direct.

I know the facilities may be better at the Mercury, but I guess if the location is better Beacon would be the better choice? This is for hubby's & my 10 year anniversary. I want to be in the center of the action unless the Mercury is a much nicer hotel?

GoTravel

travelinwifey, please don't try and purchase on priceline if you are putting four in a room.

South Beach has some of the tiniest hotel rooms I've ever stayed in. The old deco hotels have super small rooms that a roll away wouldn't fit into.

I'd stay on the safe side and book Mercury direct through their website so you can guarantee four people in a room.

I'm drawing a complete blank about the Beacon. Do you have a website?

I'll be there next week and would be happy to check in out for you.

travelinwifey

That would be really sweet GoTravel! The Beacon's website is www.beaconsouthbeach.com. I noticed when I typed in 1 child for Hotwire the Mercury did not show up. I could always purchase 4 rooms through PL or Hotwire and just pay the hotel's rate for the 2 rooms with sofabeds.

If you could check it while you are there that would be wonderful. But please....don't go out of your way! Only if you happen to be close by! Thank you for even thinking of me, that was so kind.

Sincerely, Travelinwifey

GoTravel

travelinwifey, sorry it has taken me so long to get back with you but this is my take on The Beacon and The Mercury Hotel.

The Mercury: the location is at the southern tip of South Beach.

Pros: All suite, more residential, beaches aren't as crowded.

Con: the area around the Mercury is seedy if you can imagine. There is a lot of construction right around the area. Even though it is surrounded by expensive condos, it just did not feel like an okay area.

Beacon: the location is right in the middle of Ocean Drive right across from Lummus Park.

Pros: continental breakfast and it has a beautiful stunning lobby.

Cons: Even though both are across the street from the beach, the Beacon would be a longer walk and they have no pool.

Are these two your only choices?

I would venture further north to the Lincoln Road area and check out The Doubletree Surfcomber, The Holiday Inn, The South Seas, and The Mairselles. The are all mid range oceanfront hotels with pools.

If you want the suite/condo thing, the Roney Palace is a good bet.

I like the Lincoln Road area better than Ocean Drive because it is much quieter at night. At night, hotels like the Clevelander turn into outside nightclubs.

One last thing, I saw more topless bathing on the the beach last week than I've ever seen. I don't know if it was the time of year or what. If this is an issue for anyone in your family or the children, you will have to pick a hotel with a pool.

I hope this helps!

GoTravel

One last thing, the Mercury is practically on top of Nikki Beach which would mean very late night early morning party all night foot traffic.

travelinwifey

Hi Gotravel, thanks so much for getting back to me! Sorry I haven't had a chance to respond sooner, I'm on a cruise ship!

Anyways, I guess the Beacon sounds like a better choice. When I get home I can look into the South Seas and such. I'm trying to keep the room rates around $120/nt since we're footing the bill. Still no luck with Priceline which is surprising, I thought this was the low season?

Fortunately I've warned SIL about the toplessness issue, I'm not sure what they'll do as they have 2 young children. And noise is still a consideration because there is also a 2 year old. We'll see....

Thanks so much for keeping in touch and if there's any way I can ever return the favor (I'm in Las Vegas) please let me know! Thanks so much for your help and comments.

miguelgcuadra

Seems you are looking for a more family oriented location which is not the case with south beach. either go north beach (collins and 30's to 60's) or consider key biscayne.
new ritz in key biscayne is incredible, little pricey though