KayF

Hi, can you give me a 3 word description of
1. Miami
2. Hollywood
3. Fort Lauderdale

Are they seedy, glitzy, laidback, quiet, historic, touristy etc etc?

We have never been and are planning on 4 nights somewhere in this area plus 4 nights in Key West in late Jan/early Feb. We are a couple in our 40's.

Thanks
Kay

egret

They can be a little of each (not too much on the historic side) but Miami and Ft Lauderdale have a nice, tropical feel. It all depends on where you stay. I would highly recommend staying on Collins Ave. in Miami.

mclaurie

Each of these areas has different parts to it so, as egret says, there's a little of each in all of them. Of the 3 areas, Miami has the most glitz but it also has some great historic areas and some good sightseeing options

Vizcayamuseum.org
http://www.venetianpool.com/History.html

http://www.mdpl.org/Art%20Deco/historicdistrict.html

I also like Miami Beach b/c you have good food options including some great ethnic food. Just a heads up that downtown Miami is very different from Miami Beach/South Beach.

Ft. Lauderdale & Hollywood are more typical resort areas. If you're looking to just relax on a beach and do nothing either of those would be fine too. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a popular low key, laid back area. What are YOU looking for?

KayF

Hi, thanks for the help. We are not lying on the beach type people, the closest we'll probably get is a walk along the boardwalk. We like historic buildings, sitting in cafes people-watching, browsing the shops (cheaper shops not expensive), doing lots of walking as we explore, bookshops. The only thing in Miami that we really want to see is the Art Deco architecture and a relative who visited years ago said Miami had an undercurrent of violence which has really put us off staying there. It's difficult knowing which area to choose to stay in. We prefer low-rise small hotels to the big-name chains with hundreds of rooms.

These places are not that far apart so maybe it will make no difference which area we stay in?

Kay

MikeT

You don't need to worry about violence in South Beach or most of Miami Beach. As long as you stay near there, you won't have any troubles. Miami has crime, like everywhere else in America. It's not likely to impact tourists.

mclaurie

For historic buildings, sitting in cafes and people watching, South Beach is the place to be. You'll be IN the art deco district. There are plenty of low-rise smaller hotels there. Have a look at the Park Central
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...h_Florida.html

If you want fancier bathrooms, the Bentley is good.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...h_Florida.html

I wouldn't worry about crime in South Beach in the areas where you'd be.

ilovetotravel29

I have only been to Hollywood, and my three words are :

1.Plastic, Unrealistic, Tacky

Stephanie

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL, stay here you'll love it. Nice walking town.

bagsarepacked

After spending a week in Kw we went to Miami.
After being so realaxed in the Keys I found Miami to sort of be "in my Face". Too fast past etc.
My opinion would be to send you to FL.

Winkz40

I would definately choose to stay in Miami Beach, as oppose to the Hollywood area (which is part of Ft. Lauderdale).

Even if you're not going to lay on the beach, you can people watch from one of the many outside cafe's on Ocean Drive, partake in the Art Deco tour, visit the Vizcaya Museum, Parrot Jungle, take a stroll around Bayside and then hop on one of fun party boats and visit the Cape Florida Lighthouse. All within reason of Miami Beach.

You could also take a stroll at CocoWalk in Coconut Grove after visiting Vizcaya Museum. I believe The Barnacle House is also the Grove. FRIDAY night happy hour at Monty's Raw Bar in great! Stick around for the Reggae Band at 8:00PM.

Can't think of any events going on in late January/early February. But you could look into theater tickets for new Carnival Performing Arts Center.

You will definately need a car and a GOOD map of Miami.

Hope this helps!
;-)

KayF

Thanks for all the suggestions, still trying to decide where to stay. All this info really helps.

Kay

GoTravel

Hollywood is not plastic, unreal, and tacky.

Miami is the cultural capitol of Florida and a melting pot of cultures. It is also the banking capitol of Latin America and about 80% of Miami's residents first language is Spanish. It is a vibrant sexy wonderful town. Miami also has many many historical areas.

Hollywood and Hollywood Beach are two of South Florida's must unsuspecting areas. Most people pass them by on their way to and from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.

Hollywood Beach is my favorite beach in South Florida. Hollywood is also the most reasonable of the three for accommodations and real estate but probably not for much longer. The Hollywood Broadwalk (not boardwalk) is oceanfront and a great place to stroll, bike, and run. Lots of attractions, hotels, restaurants, and shopping.

Ft. Lauderdale is a playground for the very rich (I'm overgeneralizing here and hope I'm not offending those that live there). In the tourist areas you will see thousands of million dollar yachts parked in front of million dollar homes.

Gorgeous beaches and fantastic shopping and dining. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is the most quaint beach area that is lined with lovely three story mom and pop motels and great restaurants.

ilovetotravel29

My mistake, I wasn't aware that there were 2 Hollywoods! I was thinking of Hollywood, CA....I do apologize.

GoTravel

That's what I was wondering.

espinach1

When in Ft. Lauderdale make sure to visit Las Olas Blvd. for shopping, eating and people watching. You will really enjoy that street. We live in South Florida and go there as a special treat. It always makes me feel like I'm on vacation.