Miami Beach hotels for honeymoon
 

Hi all, <BR> <BR>I need help - I am surprising my fiance by taking her to the Caribbean, her dream destination, for our honeymoon next February. However, as the flights don't work out, we will need to stay overnight in Miami on the way down. To keep the surprise going, I want to stay somewhere really nice in Miami (NOT at the airport), and to tell her that this is where we will be for the honeymoon, then surprise her with a trip back to the airport the next day. I have been doing some research, and am down to a shortlist of The Tides, Delano, Loews, or the Fountainbleau Hilton. Does anyone have any experience or advice about these hotels, or about any others I should be considering? <BR> <BR>Also, can anyone recommend a decent (and reasonably priced) limo service to get us to and from the airport when we come through Miami? <BR> <BR>Thanks all for your help.

My husband works for Hyatt and as we can stay at no cost, you know where you'll find us parked, but the Delano, what a dream! Your fiance might be disappointed to find she has to leave for the Caribbean the next day. :&gt; <BR> <BR>I've only seen the lobby/pool area, but know it's a 5 star property, which is an accomplishment in itself. Have you ever been in it? It's like walking into a dream. The lobby has very high ceilings and you look straight through it to open doorways that lead to their long rectangular pool and the ocean beyond that. To minimize the vastness of the lobby area, gauzy white curtains hang from the ceilings and blow lazily with the breeze coming off the ocean through the back door. You expect Gatsby to round the corner at any moment. It's quite fantastic. <BR> <BR>Out of curiosity, I just looked at their room rate for Feb. $595/night but what a romantic first night that will be. <BR> <BR>Congrats on your wedding and do let us know what you decide. We all enjoy living vicariously every now and then.

How about the Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne or South Beach? I am going to the key biscayne ritz next month. You cant beat the ritz.

Never having seen that Ritz, but having seen and stayed in any number of others, I'm going to stick my neck out here Bob, and say that yes, the Delano will run circles around the Ritz. The Ritz will be elegant, and everything will be perfect, but they couldn't even begin to touch the ambience of the Delano. One is elegant, perfect today, the other elegant, perfect, and an era that we can only dream about.

I'm a true hotel snob and though I haven't had a chance to visit yet, the hotel which intrigues me most in the Miami area is the new Mandarin Oriental. The chain is tops in the US along with the Peninsula, and I'm betting they'll hold to form with the new hotel, which has an absolutely stunning design. <BR>BTW Grant, the Fontainebleau definitely does not belong on your list. <BR>The Delano is a unique place, nothing else in the US quite like its atmosphere and 'charisma', if you will. If you'll only be there overnight I don't know if you'll be able to get a real sense of it, as my opinion is you have to get a bit of a feel for the area before it starts to sink in, but you certainly won't go wrong there.

I would not suggest the Fontainebleu. The rooms could use renovating and it definetaly is not the same league as the others you mentioned. I second the Delano. It's a very hip hotel and there aren't many like it anywhere. The Tides is also very cool but not quite as impressive as the Delano. If you were going with friends I'd say go to the Tides, but not on your honeymoon. If you want to stay right on the beach instead of across from it try Eden Roc, which is right next to the fontainebleu but more elegant. I agree with Olive Oyl. Ritz Carltons ARE elegant with unbeatable service, but if you've seen one you've seen 'em all. Why not stay at a Hotel that is uniquely "Miami"?

Congratulations on your marriage! I am going to join the chorus of support for the Delano. That place is PHENOMENAL. If you can get a room overlooking the beach or a cabana by the pool (there are little "huts" around the pool) -- that would be great (probably pricey, but great). My second recommendation would be The Tides. Great location on Ocean Drive, would be really nice provided that you were in a very high room overlooking the ocean. <BR> <BR>I would say no to the Loews. It's lovely, but is HUGE and impersonal -- good place for big groups. I think Delano and The Tides are more special and more "Miami." My third choice would be the National, right next to the Delano and very similar in style.

The Tides for sure. Very special place. Check it out at islandoutpost.com. Have a great time!

The DELANO is very cool...rooms are all white, bathrooms are a bit small, but for 1 night it will be great. the pool is very special and the bar is very happening.

Thanks all for your suggestions - I think I will try to go with the Delano. Now, if I can just get them to offer me a special honeymoon rate...

I'm including all areas of Miami: <BR> <BR>1. Mandarin Oriental - nothing like it in Miami <BR>2. Ritz Carlton/Key Biscayne <BR>3. Tides - all rooms face the ocean and are about 400 sq feet <BR>4. Shore Club - minimal but perfect in the details <BR>5. Biltmore <BR> <BR>Delano is great for the atmosphere but I'd perfer to stay elsewhere and but go there for a drink by the pool. Service is mediocre at it's best (like all Shraeger hotels).

I second the Tides - romantic, beautiful rooms and service.

Yes, Miami Beach is certainly unique and the above recommendations are pretty accurate. But for heaven's sake, don't pick South Beach or Miami Beach for a honeymoon! The street scene and the store people are often quite rude and impersonal. I like the place as a single person but a honeymoon? Forgetaboutit.

I agree with J in Miami -- the Mandarin is great. I think it's more romantic than the Delano, plus they have an amazing spa. Go to the Delano for drinks. The Fountainbleu is definitely past its prime. Have fun!