Lisa

Hi there,

My girlfriend and I are planning a trip to Miami in March. We are staying at the Radisson Deauville. It's basically just a quick getaway while the guys are on a golf trip. I have a few questions:

1. Has anyone stayed at the Radisson? Is it an OK hotel? How is the beach?

2. Are the clubs really that hard to get into? Are there any specific clubs that we should not miss?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Theresa

I used to live there and have been in this hotel. Several years back was was remodeled. It is right on the beach but is a distance from the Art Deco/Ocean Drive scene. You will need to take taxi's. The hotel is okay - a standard style room. Hopefully you'll get Ocean view.

Dress in all black - you shouldn't have any problems getting in clubs - I never have. Do all your talking before going in - they are quite loud.

Theresa

Cori

Hi I grew up on South Beach. I don't know where the Radisson Deauville is but the Radisson is usually a good hotel. i'm sure you will be just fine. Most importantly you must eat at Pizza Rustica on the corner of Washington Avenue and i think it is 9th Street(could be 8th or 10th). It is definitely the best slice of pizza on SoBe. Its open real late like four am or something. Try the BBQ chicken. Anyway, Liquid and Level are both good ones that should not be missed both are on Washington. What club to go to greatly depends on the crowd you want to hang with and the music you want to listen to. If you like techno in march the Ultra Beach Music Festival should be going on as well as the Winter Music Conference, both things that should not be missed because all of the great music makers/performers will be in town performing on different nights of the week at different locations. Listen it is hard to "miss" things on SoBe. As long as you walk (and there is a lot of walking) down Washington and Ocean Drive on a Friday or Saturday night you will find clubs and flyers to clubs. To plan early for the weekend go to any store particularly Uncle Sam's (on washington and 10th or 11th) during the week to find flyers advertising clubs. Also listen to the most popular local radio station (96.5 or Power 96) for the popular parties. There is a party every night of the week somewhere in Miami not just weekends. If you are looking to drink and play on the beach during the day try Penrod's on 1st street and Ocean Drive. Although you can go anywhere on Ocean Drive to swim and walk across the street to any local bar or restaurant, Penrod's is on the actual beach not across the street. Be sure to take a stroll on our walking mall, Lincoln Road Mall, it is nice during the day or at night. You are going to have a great time enjoy.

x

Dress to stop traffic.

Ask the concierge at the Radisson to get you on the club lists.

Lisa

Thanks, Theresa. Yes, we have oceanview rooms with a balcony. The plan is to hit the beach all day (where it's quiet), and then take a cab at night to where the clubs are. We're from MA and are dying for the beach.

I'll be sure to bring my black. I thought we'd have to purchase some cheesy club wear before we go anyway! If it's not that hard to get into these places, then why do some of the people on these posts make such a big deal about it?

Thanks again...

Lisa

Thanks, Cori. All great suggestions and good info. We'll need all we can get. Of course, I feel like I'll have to become a mannequin before I go just to get into places!

Can't wait, though. This vacation is LONG overdue!

Joe

bump. i am staying there in may

Dont go

nothing but euro trash in south beach

rjw_lgb_ca

The Deauville is a bit north of South Beach (although really not that far at all-- a short cab ride), in the MiMo District (everything is 50s Moderne, and there's no "scene" immediately around)-- but it looks acceptable. The beach up there is probably fine (I always stay at the Cardozo in SoBe-- the beaches there are cool too).

The club scene in SoBe is past its "Use By" date, so I don't think getting into clubs is the ordeal it used to be. Those insipid "Wild On..." shows suggest some kind of college-kid chic to be the club clothes of choice, but if you want to get into the nice clubs, be Well Put Together; heels, Little Black Dress, tasteful jewelry. Leave the Mall Hair and Clarabelle makeup at home-- simple and glowing is best. Basically, your chances improve tremendously if you exude taste and style. AND, if you get VIP passes at the hotel (the concierge usually has a bunch).

Level and Crobar are pretty cool clubs, and Tantra and B.E.D. get pretty wild too.

And to the guy who complains about the Eurotrash: Not that much any more. If anything, South Beach is suffering from a glut of tacky tourists from up north-- and they're bringing their crime with them. The last few really nasty assaults in SoBe were committed by drunk tourists from New Jersey....!

Travelnick

I checked out Radisson and its OK, but I think a far better location for comparable price is Doubletree Surfcomber - we stayed there for $99 + tax. You will get your extra room cost back through saved cab fares. Nicer pool set up as well.

ashleynona

Lisa,
First of all, to the poster that suggested Liquid--it was good about 4 years ago and is now closed. Level was good about 2 years ago and if you aren't picky about the crowd I guess that is an okay place to go. The newest hot spots are Mynt and Opium Garden is back on the rise.
I have to agree with TravelNick about the Doubletree--it is very nice for the money and has a great location.

SuzieQ

Just an interesting note about The Radisson Deauville - it is where the Ed Sullivan show was filmed, more specifically it is where the Beatles made there first American T.V. appearance. We have all seen that footage many times. The stage is even still there.

nina

Nothing but Eurotrash in South Beach? I guess I'm Eurotrash! How exciting!
Lisa, Crobar is a good dance Bar, Tantra is very cool, but pricey, and hard to get into unless you a) Look good, b)Know someone, c)Are someone (or just look like you're someone), or c). Have 'boo coo bucks to spend. It's lots of fun.

As far as clothing, less is more, so long as you have a good body, skimpy and cool will get you in. Have fun, and if the concierge is good, they'll point you in the direction of the most happening clubs, what's hip last week could be old this week.

GoTravel

My opinion, South Beach is trashy (have family there so I do spend time in South Beach). I think its star is fading a little.

Nina, it is beaucoups.

nina

GoTravel - What do you want from me, I'm just Eurotrash. And anyone who thinks South Beach (not SoBE) is trashy, obviously doesn't know where to go.

GoTravel

Nina, sorry if I offended you. That certainly wasn't my intention.

My sister and her husband are pediatricians in Miami and live in South Beach. I visit them at least once a month. I do think South Beach is trashy. Just my opinion.

nina

Gotravel, if you know me, you know it's impossible to offend me. I just go there with my husband when we want to have fun and dance the night, or nights away. Just curious, do you tell your sister you think it's trashy?

JackOneill

Oh, for crying out loud.
So much for registration limiting the amount of venom and vile.

South Beach is one of those destinations that seems to really bring out the hate it/love it crowd.

nina

Jack, relax, no vile or venom here, or on Gotravels part from what I can see. Don't worry - be happy.

JackOneill

Nina, I always get relaxed when I think of the gorgeous white beaches of South Beach.

But that's me.