My husband and I are considering spending 4-6 weeks in Miami this winter to avoid some of our Sask. winter. We like galleries,museums,good food, shopping(one of us)and interesting architecture to be brief. We have been told that Miami may be dangerous for elderly travellers(we are experienced travellers so I dont give that much credence,but I have been wrong before!) I would like to know if the Brickell area would be a good choice(we would choose a condo)or would the condos attached to the Doubletree Grand hotel be a better choice? I will appreciate any suggestions . Thanks! vjfw

I always think of Brickell as primarily a business area which rolls up the streets at night. I like places with a lot in walking distance, and that just doesn't sound like it to me.

Not familiar with the Doubletree area, but I know there's been a lot of development around there.

I like the Bal Harbour area. It's minutes from South Beach and just across the intercoastal from the City of Miami.

Brickell has been a changing neighborhood for the passed year or 2. There are many new condos and hotels in the area with lots of people. There is Mary Brickell Village which is very new. It has shops, restaurants, etc. http://www.marybrickellvillage.com/
Staying on Brickell you have access to the MetroRail which takes you into downtown. There you will find the the Historical Museum http://www.hmsf.org/ and Art Museum http://www.miamiartmuseum.org/
Brickell is also closely located to Coral Gables which is great for shopping, restaurants, and a small theater too. http://www.shopcoralgables.com/
Brickell is on the water, but not the beach - for that you would need to travel over the causeway to with Key Biscayne (to the south) or South Beach (to the north)

You may also like staying on South Beach- which has wonderful restaurants, shopping, museums,
http://www.bassmuseum.org/
http://www.wolfsonian.org/
and some small theaters.

The Doubletree is at the north end of downtown which is being revitalized . . . the symphony, ballet, opera, and performing arts center and very close to this location. It is also on the water, but not the beach, and also close to the Metrorail.

Does any of that info help?? I cant really say which would be better. The Doubletree Grand is part of a building complex that has permanent residences, its not just a hotel, so I think it is safe. I know people who live in the building with a baby.

As to the safety issue . . .
I have lived here for most of my life, just like any where you travel ... be cautious.

thanks all,especially MiamiBeachMomma...the info is very helpful. vfjw

Miami has a beautiful new performing arts center:

http://www.arshtcenter.org/perform/

The winter is a great time to come here. Beware of the worst drivers you have ever seen in your life!

You should look into staying in Coconut Grove. Lot's of shopping, a movie theater, tons of late night dining, beautiful tree-lined streets and parks.

Bal Harbor area is ok. It is on the beach and quiet. (I live 10 blocks south of this area). But, there is not much to do if you walk out of your hotel here.

South Beach has a lot at your finger tips but is loud, fast, full of traffic and expensive to stay in a hotel.

When you go to the beach, stay north (Surfside/Halover beaches are clean and quieter).

For new shops, restaurants and a "hipper" guide to what to do around town...see DailyCandy.com