pete

My wife and I, both 30 years old, are going to Florida in June. We will be staying three nights in SOuth Beach. I was thinking of the next four nights in either Key Biscayne (SONESTA) or Key West. Any advice??

jeannine

Key Biscayne is only a 15 minute drive from South Beach--why pack and move to go there? Key West is hours away, but worth the trip once.

susan

I agree with the above post. Key Biscayne is really just over a bridge from South Beach. For a completely different experience, why not drive on down to Key West for a few days? It's about a 4 hour drive, but I think you'd really enjoy it.

Dan

It all depends what you're lookin for. I personally would NOT return to Key West. I think it's a highly overrated "counterculture," low class sort of place! If you're looking for class and sophistication, which Key West definitely LACKS in large measure, I would opt for the new and beautiful Ritz-Carlton in Key Biscayne instead of the Sonesta. And even though it is a short drive from South Beach, they are "worlds" apart in many respects! Key Biscayne will be much more quiet and serene AFTER the hectic pace of South Beach, and with a totally different look as well! BUT -- if you're the beer swigging type who savors LOTS of T-Shirt shops, then by all means, go to Key West instead!

Larry

Certainly the Village of Key Biscayne and the city of South Miami Beach are different, but I'm not sure they are different enough to warrant the move. What do you picture yourself doing in Key Biscayne that you can't do in South Beach? Remember, as far as beaches/water goes, Key Biscayne is exactly the same as South Beach. Perhaps you are mislead by the word "Key" in Key Biscayne- it is NOT part of the Florida Keys, and has a completely different feel. Key Biscayne has a very upscale international/latin flavor, while the Florida Keys/Key West has the eclectic "island redneck" feel. If your pre-impression of the Keys comes from a Jimmy Buffet song, and that's what you want out of the second leg of your vacation, by all means skip Key Biscayne and head south to Key West (or one of the other great Keys like Islamorada- but's that's a whole other debate).

Larry

Certainly the Village of Key Biscayne and the city of South Miami Beach are different, but I'm not sure they are different enough to warrant the move. What do you picture yourself doing in Key Biscayne that you can't do in South Beach? Remember, as far as beaches/water goes, Key Biscayne is exactly the same as South Beach. Perhaps you are mislead by the word "Key" in Key Biscayne- it is NOT part of the Florida Keys, and has a completely different feel. Key Biscayne has a very upscale international/latin flavor, while the Florida Keys/Key West has the eclectic "island redneck" feel. If your pre-impression of the Keys comes from a Jimmy Buffet song, and that's what you want out of the second leg of your vacation, by all means skip Key Biscayne and head south to Key West (or one of the other great Keys like Islamorada- but's that's a whole other debate).

pete

I really appreciate the input! My thoughts were that the few days at SOBE would be very active with lots and lots of alcohol. Then I figured we'd kick back and just relax at a nice resort type place. I really don't want to drive anywhere and I'm not sure if I want to pay the flight costs. ANyone know how much they are from Miami to Key West? Again, Thanks!!!

Dan

Pete, as far as "beaches/water" are concerned, they are NOT the same in certain areas of South Beach and Key Biscayne, certainly not in front of the Sonesta. The beach in front of the Sonesta is beautiful white sand and the water is more clear and calm than on South Beach. Believe me, the Sonesta will fill the bill quite nicely as it IS a very nice hotel. I simply mentioned the Ritz in case you were looking for something even more luxurious and newer. But you will really like the Sonesta! BUT -- why even bother with traveling the extra distance to Key West? Hawaii it most definitely is NOT!!

Dan

P.S. -- Believe me, you'll KICK yourself for going through all the trouble of going to Key West! As you already know yourself, you will have PLENTY of activities, nightlife, drinking, etc. in South Beach! No need to repeat all of that in Key West which you can save for another time if you so desire!!

Larry

Pete: I live in Miami Beach and work on Key Biscayne, so believe me when I tell you, you won't notice much of a difference in the water and beach between the two. If you want to really relax and lay on the beach with very very very very very very little else to do, however, you will love the Sonesta. Since you want to avoid flying and driving, Key West is out.