Mademoiselle

Hello,
My friend and I are heading to Miami (and possibly the Keys/other cool suggestions) for one week next month before departing on a cruise for the Caribbean, then have 2 days before returning, and seek thy advice =-)

My original plan was to stay in the South Beach area from Monday-Sunday, then go on our cruise, then once we return from the cruise, head over to the Keys for a day and a half before heading back home, but maybe that's not the best use of time.

We'll be arriving at Miami international on a Monday evening, so maybe renting a car and going into the Keys (or other cool destination) for a few days would be better? Then we can go to South Beach Thurs-Sunday to take advantage of the night life and the Deco district for a few days before hopping on our cruise? Once we get back from the cruise, maybe hang out in the downtown Miami area, or go somewhere not too far away for 1.5 days?

Any suggestions on itinerary? We're both young and like to go dancing, dining, shopping, beaches, museums and the like. We prefer smaller, locally owned businesses as opposed to large chains (will gladly sit in a mom and pop coffee houses before chain shops any day).

I've started narrowing down the boutique hotels for the South Beach if we do stay there Thurs-Sunday, but am waiting to finalize a plan before booking any hotels.

Suggestions welcome, thanks!

Cimbrone

I think that doing the keys and south beach prior to your cruise is the better plan. A day and a half for the keys after you return will be rushing it.

I don't know about downtown Miami after the cruise. It's not really a distinct destination from South Beach. Worth seeing, but not really worth staying in if that makes sense. Perhaps for a day and a half, you could stay in Coral Gables--the Biltmore if you want a splurge--and go to the Venetian Pool, Little Havana (just to eat), and Vizcaya, none of which is not too far.

Cimbrone

I mean, "none of which is too far"!

Mademoiselle

Hi Cimbrone,
Thank you for the advice. The Venetian pool sounds great (I think the largest hotel pool distinction?) but we're not used to posh accommodations just yet, one day we shall, but not there yet =-/

Ideally the lodging budget would be around $225 per room/night or less if possible. We're splitting the room, so it doesn't seem too expensive, but maybe Coral Gables is a bit posh for us? I think I like the beach area better than the downtown like you're saying, so possibly that Coral Gables is it since it isn't too far to return to the airport to fly home?

Thanks again for all of your advice.

Cimbrone

Coral Gables is close to the airport, but not that close to the beach. Venetian Pool is a historic Venice-themed pool converted from an old rock quarry. The Biltmore Hotel has a pool that is (or was?) the largest swimming pool anywhere. In any case, it's huge. No, I don't think Coral Gables is too posh. It's mainly a charming residential neighborhood with historic, mediterranean style homes. Miracle Mile is the shopping street. Another option, if the Biltmore is too expensive, is the Hyatt. I've been in the lobby, and it's very nice.

Another non-beach neighborhood is Coconut Grove. Also very close to Vizcaya. Lots of shopping. Some adjacent neighborhoods are not so good. You could stay at the Doubletree, a nice highrise with a rooftop pool. The Chart House restaurant, with its beautiful setting, is nearby. I recommend it, although it's a bit pricey.

If you want the beach, it doesn't get better than South Beach.

Jaya

We recently stayed at The Angler's Resort in South Beach - an upscale, boutique hotel. Great service and we really liked the location for getting around South Beach.

garyt22

There is no reason to stay anywhere away from South Beach when you are there... the range of prices and accomodations can put you right near the action for your price... as for the keys, head down to Key west and stay in Old Town... most places have summer rates so if you like the heat, you can stay almost anywhere... with time in Key West and South Beach, you will see that the cruise probably ranks third in terms of overall fun and value...

msteacher

You will definitley want to spend a few days in Key West. It is very laid back, so a much different vibe than South Beach, but I'm sure you'll love it. You will need a rental car to get to KW, and it takes a good 3 hours or so to drive there from Miami; I'd suggest spending 3 or 4 days in Key West. There are a variety of hotels and price ranges... just stay someplace in Old Town. I really enjoyed Almond Tree Inn, which may be in your pice range, though I haven't checked prices there recently.

Ackislander

The Hampton Inn in Coral Gables is convenient and more upscale than most. A nice property for the <$200 customer.

I would agree about staying in South Beach for the other part of your trip.

AmySabato

Just a reminder, South Beach is usually quite crowded. Traffic is bumper to bumper or at a standstill from Friday through Sunday (on Ocean Drive). Not a whole lot of parking - without some walking. Just bear that in mind.

South Beach (Ocean Drive area), is pretty quiet on Mondays. Just my personal experience.

Enjoy! It's beautiful there!

Debi

I would get to Miami, go straight to Key West, stay a few days there, then drive back to South Beach. I was there a few weeks ago and stayed at the National. I think it's exactly what you're looking for. I got a Corporate rate (not sure who you work for - but worth asking for) that was about $129 during the week - it goes up over the weekend. It was charming, and right next to that fancy Madonna hotel..... (where Samantha Brown stayed during her Weekend Getaway in South Beach)....

Mademoiselle

Hello All,
Thank you so much for the wonderful recommendations, they are well appreciated.

Old Town in Key West sounds great, looking forward to it, and I'm looking into availabilities for the hotels suggested. I'll be sure to write a trip report, thanks again.