Hi there. Heading to Miami in October and needing suggestions as to which area to stay in. South Beach is popular and there is lots to do within walking distance of hotels. Is this the same for other areas? Or is South Beach the place to stay. We are not into the club scene but want to be able to check out shops and go for coffee, have a nice dinner, all within walking distance of our hotel.

Cate

I'm not into the club scene either, but from what you say, yes, I'd say that South Beach is the best area for you, especially if you want a lot in walking distance. And in October there should be some "good" deals on hotels.

Definitely 100% stay near South Beach. A nice spot would be a block North of South beach. Most of the hotels on South Beach are across the street from the beach. A block north and you will be on the beach yet still an easy walk from some great restaurants and shops. There a few spots to have a coffee or a drink and people watch. This is great at night when the money comes out. You will see some cars drive by that you only see on t.v. It is a lot of fun and the beach itself is great. Not sure what type of activities or age range you are in but if you post that I may have some fun recommendations. Have a great trip and the weather should be perfect in October.

Ok, so South Beach it is. When you say North of South Beach, is there an address? Some hotels you know about? As for activities, a bit of beach, shopping, checking out the architecture......anything you want to recommend blueeeyes03?

check out this hotel: Royal Palm south beach. It is on 1545 Collins Ave. Your best bet is to go to hotels.com and search south beach. Sort distance by landmark. Stay as close to this hotel as possible. Look carefully b/c some of these hotels are bare bones with just a room (no pool, etc.) The royal palms is nice. It just depends on your price range. also search for the Biscayne mall. Nice area with lots do to around there. Also if you have a vehicle the area around the Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood is fun. My opinion is catch some rays and find a cheap sandwich shop and get an authentic Cuban sandwich. Great food and cheap...

I was just in South Beach and stayed at a boutique hotel called The Angler's Resort. It's just a few blocks (easy to walk) from Ocean Blvd. but away from the traffic jams.
They have one restuarant with a bar, but we're vegetarian and didn't eat there although it seemed like a popular place for dinner.
Each room has a porch or terrace to sit outside on.
This place is on a small scale. It's not a large hotel like many in the area. The staff is super helpful and the rooms are very comfortable and spotless. All of the bath items are from Aveda.
Their website is theanglersresort.com.

South Beach is narrow but long. Some places you may want to drive or take a taxi. You can rent bikes and mopeds if you're into that.

If possible, drive about 10 minutes north of South Beach to another neighborhood call Bal Harbour. Go the the Bal Harbour Shops and have your lunch or dinner at Carpaccio (all Italian food). Don't be surprised if you go back just to eat there again the next day. Very good restaurant!

Go to Lincoln Road (17th Street) - shopping and eating galore.
We ended up going there each day for breakfast at Paul Maison (French bakery/cafe). We ate there and a few shops down was a Starbucks, so we were all set to start our day happy.

Depending on how long you will be there will determine how much you can do both in South Beach and outside of South Beach.

Reply if you have any questions.

Lincoln road is great...Don't stress...It is a very easy area to enjoy...There is a lot to do in a 3 mile radius...

If you want less touristy but still walking distance to a lot of things both Coconut Grove and Coral Gables are wonderful neighborhoods with lots to do.

The downside is distance to beaches.

I love the beaches of Miami but there is a lot more to Miami than just South Beach.

Also, Key Biscayne is fabulous.

That's true, but read the original post. South Beach is certainly way above any of the other areas for what is apparently a first trip to Miami and somewhere "to be able to check out shops and go for coffee, have a nice dinner, all within walking distance of our hotel." Sorry, that doesn't sound like Key Biscayne where I'd definitely want a car unless I was content staying at one "on premises" resort. After many trips to Miami, I'd personally usually opt for Coral Gables or Coconut Grove -- but that's NOT what I'd recommend based on cate144's request.

Depending on your price range you have many options, and as noted, you can get some good deals in October. My favorite place to stay is the Ritz carlton, which is on lincoln rd, which is great for shopping, dining, coffee. It's also walking distance from Ocean drive, which is fun people watching. Around that area is the Lowes, which i personally will not stay at again, as i was very disappointed with it and thought it too busy and crowded. The royal palms, as mentioned is less expensive, but i think they have quite mixed reviews. that general area though is really as good as it gets.

I agree with NeoPatrick and Blueseyes...stay in South Beach. You will have many hotel choices:
The Delano
Shore Club
The National
The Chelsea
Lowes
Royal Palm
The Tides
Marriott (South of 5th)
Great restaurants,cafes, and people watching on Lincoln Road. Stroll down Espanola Way in the evening...very charming street. Enjoy!!!

Check out the Mandarin Oriental.

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/

Oh, but Andrew, there is NOTHING within easy walking distance of the Mandarin Oriental -- beautiful hotel to veg out at -- or go out by car --but not what cate144 is asking for.

I didn't see that you wanted to be within walking distance of shops,etc.
I guess it's South Beach or Bal Harbor.

just read Bal Harbour