Honeymoon Miami
 

Hi, <BR>My fiancee and I from Jordan are spending 6 nights in Miami along with Key West & St. Barths and we were wondering about Hotel recommendations for Miami...we would like to be in the action at South Beach and price is not an issue! <BR> <BR>Thanks a lot, <BR>Naim

Cabana room at Delano if price is no object...

or try the National.

Stay at Delano.period. <BR>Try Thon-Thon at Blue Door. Thank me later...

The Tides. Rooms are pricey...several years ago they were $400 a night for a junior suite, but they overlook the beach, come equipped with telescopes for "beach watching" and apparently are larger than the Delano. (I've never seen the Delano rooms, so this is only hearsay) I'm curious where you're staying in Key West because I've spent lots more time there.

Hi, <BR>Thanks for everyones answers. <BR> <BR>Susan: We were thinking Pier House resort??? <BR> <BR>Gail/Kevin: I've heard the Delano's rooms are STARK white?? sounds a bit unappealing <BR> <BR>THM: I'm trying to look up the National <BR> <BR>Thanks a lot guys! <BR> <BR>Naim <BR> <BR>

Naim - The Pier House gets very spotty reviews. It's a big rambling place with lots of rooms that overlook a parking lot rather than the Gulf. I'd advise you to investigate the Ocean Key House, which is only a few doors down from the Pier House. Both are in superb locations on Front Street, but the Ocean Key House has recently been remodeled. It used to be an all-suite hotel, but I think that during the renovation they divided many of the suites into single rooms. They have a web site you could check out. On the matter of the Delano, the information I had was that the rooms were very small and - as you say - all white.

Hi Niam! In October my husband and I flew to Miami, rented a car (covertible, of course!) and drove to Key West. Stayed at Pier House in the Carribean Spa wing. First room did overlook the parking lot, but we asked for and received another room with a garden view. Great room, huge jacuzzi, very large private patio on first floor. Beautiful garden. I would have preferred a water view, but that building and those rooms looked more like a conventional motel, and a couple we met said they weren't impressive. Ocean Key next door seems to have all water view, but they look pretty run of the mill too. Pier House does have a small beach though, with a bar and live music all day. Ocean Key has only a pool deck. We walked over to Ocean Key one morning for breakfast, but all was in shade and it was a little chilly. We liked the terrce at Pier House better for breakfast outside. Try The American Bar on Front Street, right across from the hotel. Wonderful food and atmosphere. Stayed three nights, drove to Miami, played Doral and then checked into Delano for three nights- We had a small room, but it was very inexpensive (for Delano) Got a great rate over the internet. Yes, the rooms are all white, with the exception of an apple, replaced daily, over a plaque that reads "an apple a day keeps the doctor away". But the all white means a white orchid, fabulous white sheets, great white towels and a white cashmere throw over the chaise. Very sexy! If money truly is no object, the cabanas are poolside and are two story. Very tight security to access the cabanas at night.. Ahhh, the pool. Absolutely beautiful, with very attentive pool staff, including icey cloths brought around when the sun gets too hot. We were there a couple of years ago and they had music piped in under water, but I don't think they had that in Oct. Susan is very knowlegable, and I've taken her advice often- Unknown to her! Thanks Susan! National and Tides have great reputations, but the atmosphere at Delano, from lobby to wild elevators, is definitly a great experience. Wherever you end up, have a fabulous time!!

Niam- P.S. While in SB, wherever you stay, you need to check out Tantra (fresh sod on the floor, all foods said to be aprodisiacs) and Bed, where you can actually get a full massage during dinner, staff all in P.J.'s. (we never made it there) If there on Sunday, check out Penrod's beach party. I put e-mail address above, write if any questions!

Hi there, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the advice gail and you are right it sounds like susan knows what she's talking about...which leads me to the slightly perplexing conclusion that there doesn't seem to be any real standout places in key west??????? <BR> <BR>regards, <BR>Naim <BR> <BR>

I can understand the confusion about deciding on the BEST place in Key West, as there really is no one place that has the best of everything. If you want a view of the Gulf, I still suggest the Ocean Key House, which has recently been bought by Noble House and renovated. The exterior is nothing special at all, and it has no grounds to speak of, but it DOES have suites overlooking the water. You can get a glimpse of them by doing a simple web search. If you don't require a water view, the Marquesa Hotel has absolutely the best reputation in Key West. They also have suites and you can check out their web site, too. If you're looking for something absolutely spectacular and are prepared to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,000 a day, you should look into Little Palm Island (also owned by Noble House), which is near Key West.