ilana25841

I'll be at the Hyatt in Coral Gables Jan 10-14th for a seminar. I will have evenings on my own, but will be busy during the day till Saturday mid-day.

I am not a bar person, but will check out South Beach one night (what is the best way to get there? I wasn't planning to rent a car unless I have to) I am also looking into the Chihuly at the Fairfield Botanical for Thurs night.

Suggestions for things to do/ great restaurants (preferably in great settings) where I'd be comfortable on my own if I want?
Also- any info on the spa at the Standard Hotel? [Mandarin looks amazing but too pricey for me}

thanks!

ilana25841

correction: Fairchild Botanical Gardens.

GoTravel

The Standard is very cool and is on an island (not Starr Island and the name escapes me) and it is between downtown Miami and South Beach.

I would absolutely stay there. Checked it out one afternoon and it is very cool.

Andre Balaz who owns The Raleigh in South Beach and The Standard in LA owns this one.

I really like Coral Gables but I'm not familiar at all with the Fairfield Botanical.

ilana25841

Thanks. I have to stay at the Hyatt in Coral Gables for the seminar, but am booking spa time at the Standard. I appreciate your first hand impression.

Winkz40

You'll love the Gables. It's pedestrian friendly with loads of shops, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Visit www.greatgables.com or www.coralgables.com.

Cab rides to South Beach and Fairchild Gardens may run you about $30-40 each way. (I hear the Chihuly exhibit at night is exquisite.) If you're planning on just visiting those two places, I'd cab it! No sense paying valet fees at the hotel, plus parking where ever you go.

The Gables is chuck full of great places to eat. Some can be very pricey: Ruth's Chris, Christy's, Cafe Abracci, Ortanique on the Mile, The Palm... Others, a little less expensive: Houston's (which is right around the corner from the Hyatt and Havana Harry's, a 5-minute cab ride away. My suggestion would be to walk around the grab a bite where ever your interest strikes!

As for the spa, I truly can't say one way or the other. I normally go to the spa at the Doral Saturina.

Perhaps the spa at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables might also peak your interest.

Hope this helps!
;-)

LarryBee

GF went to Chihuly at Fairchild a couple of nights ago, said it was amazing.....

ilana25841

The return report from Coral Gables-

Chihuly at Night was (as I expected) amazingly beautiful. Dinner at Ortaniques was amazingly delicious, creative, relaxing and fun. There were so many interesting restaurants close to the hotel, I could have used a few more nights.

Visited South Beach one night and ate at Sushi Samba on Lincoln Road- fusion of japanese and brazilian- yummmy!

Checked out the Delano Hotel scene-who are all these beautiful people- what a place to see (and be seen). Another planet.

Finally- the spa at the Standard Hotel - poolside hanging out was lovely, massages were excellent (and I am picky)- mine was hot stone, but with cold stones as well- wonderful. My friend was a noodle from her regular massage. The sauna/steam room and hamam area are all co-ed (with bathing suits)- a little odd for my taste, but still really nice. A cool place to visit.

Thank you for your suggestions. Now, please do something about this ice storm here in the midwest...