Hey everybody!

A friend of mine is thinking of heading down to Miami for a few days with two other friends. She'd like to stay in South Beach. Just curious if anyone has been lately and has any recommendations. I traveled there last year and enjoyed my stay at The National---wondering what other options you'd recommend...

Thanks!

I am happy to hear you liked The National, because I'm staying there next week for 2 nights in one of the cabana rooms.

Lots of people recommend The Raleigh, and the rates are not as high as Delano/Shore Club. The pool is supposedly amazing, and the location is perfect.

We are headed there in May and have reserved at The Hotel Astor. It gets raves on Trip Advisor. Although it has no pool and isn't on the beach, they do have a beach location of their own with loungers and towels, etc. for guests. We're booked at a rate of $158. A young, hip friend of ours who lives in Miami Beach writes to me the following:

Hotel Astor is a really nice place that's been around and has a great reputation - BEST location as well in terms of being able to walk everywhere on South Beach. It's kind of an oasis admidst all the chaos of Washington Ave. It's right on Washington 2 blks from the beach. All the shopping on Washington is unfortuntately NOT very nice - it's all clubs, bars and lower end retail. Fortuntately you can walk approx 7 blocks north to Lincoln Rd where all the higher end shopping and restaurants are. You'll probably spend 99% of your time dining, people-watching and shopping on Lincoln Rd - it's not to be missed. Also walk one block east from the Astor is Collins ave where there is more nice shopping and the art deco hotels. The famous ocean drive is 1 block east of Collins. Also, Espanola Way is 5 blocks north of the Astor off of Washington - cute restaurants and art galleries.

www.hotelastor.com

I'll check out Hotel Astor--looks good.

Becky-- I did enjoy "The National". I was there last January and liked how low-key it felt though who knows what it might be like in April. I remember thinking the bar was kind of cool, but no one was ever sitting in it. The pool, as you're probably aware, is pretty amazing--- I believe it's Florida's longest.

I believe I was also in a cabana room...it was along the inside on the second floor overlooking the pool. Spacious rooms.

Overall, the location was the best part; I liked that it wasn't at all a "scene" but it was in the middle of everything. We saved a little staying there and walked down to some of the fancier hotels for a drink...and a dinner at Nobu. Not sure Nobu was worth it to be honest, but I really liked the lychee martini I had at the bar outside of Nobu waiting for our table. So I would recommend handing back there for something light to eat and a good drink. Hope you have a great trip.

Any other recommendations?

I stayed at Hotel Astor before a Christmas Cruise at the end of 2007. It was my second time at that hotel. Both times I thought that the hallway carpeting needed replacing, but both times the size and condition of my room overshadowed the condition of the hallways. The location is excellent, and the rooms are very nice and modern. I would stay there again in a heartbeat!

The walk to Lincoln Road is a long one, but totally doable.

Good to know.. must be a popular spot because they appear to be booked. Was considering suggesting that my friend use priceline---good advice for Miami or no?

Sorry...no experience with Priceline.

Another one to consider is Hotel Impala. My parents stayed at Impala while I was at Astor, but I was lucky enough to get to take a nap in their hotel room prior to my check-in time. The Impala is also what I would consider a boutique hotel. Location is just a few short blocks from Astor, so very comparable.

The latest reviews on TripAdvisor are not very positive for it. The only negative from my room experience there was that I was located very near the lobby which could be loud (due to all marble interior which was echo-y). Other than that, no complaints from me. It was another huge room with a gigantic closet.

The Hotel Astor lists several "sister" properties nearby. They are:

Sagamore Hotel
1671 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 535-8088 F(305) 535-8185
www.sagamorehotel.com

The Strand Ocean Drive Hotel
1052 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 538-9830 F (305) 538-9831
www.thestrandoceandrive.com

Hotel St. Augustine
347 Washington Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 532-0570 F (305) 532-8493
www.hotelstaugustine.com

Circa 39 Hotel
3900 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33140
(305) 538-4900 F(305) 538-4998
www.circa39.com

Wave Hotel
350 Ocean Drive Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-0401 F(305) 531-9385
www.wavehotel.com

This is great info as I am currently planning my holiday to Miami in early Sept.
I have seen that the larger hotels have private parts of the beaches so you are roped into paying for being serviced which I do not want. I really hate these private hotel beaches.

Can anyone recommend similiar nice boutique hotels in Key West and near Clearwater/ surrounding area so I can progress my planning?
Many thanks

We loved the Cardoza and Loewes. They were both affordable because I got a great internet deal on each, but that can be hit or miss.

The Cardoza was owned by Gloria Estefan , I don't know if it still is.

Looks like she still does:
http://www.cardozohotel.com/

The National sounds like just what we were hoping for - thanks for the information! I'll be sure to post a report after the trip

Another vote for the Cardoza. I spent Christmas there a couple of years ago and loved it. IT's not too expensive, and is in a great location, right across from the beach.

Sorry to hear the Astor is booked, Katie. My husband and I totally enjoyed our stay. Convenient to everything, yet you can get a good night's sleep.

The best part was just grabbing our beach towels in the AM and walking across the street to their kiosk where our chairs would be set up for us. No worry about "getting" a chair etc., and close enough to go back to the room if needed etc.

Our favorite spot is Hotel Impala. Great location and a good value. Close to everything.

www.hotelimpalamiamibeach.com

I have stayed at the Casa Grande on Ocean Blvd. Great location, in the heart of South Beach. Rooms include kitchettes, saves money and hassle of going to a restaurant for every meal.