MIAMI HOTEL (SOUTH BEACH / TRANSPORTATION
 

Flying from Seattle the week following Easter. Considering public transport from the airport and a $200 a night hotel- very nice , quiet , pool, within 3-4 blocks from nice beach. Also suggestions for "cafe type" breakfast then lunch then another for light very interesting dinner . We are frequent travelers primarily in Europe on a reasonable budget - we don't pay $200. in Europe.What to see in South Beach,best beaches for people watching,nice sand but not loud and busy.We are a married couple, middle aged and not looking for "night life" Up early- bed before midnight.

South Beach is very expensive. There are a few hotels I can think of that might be under $200, but usually with the cheaper hotels, you get a lot of young partiers. Do a search on expedia or something and look for hotels either on Collins Ave or Ocean Drive. The Collins Ave hotels will be right on the beach, Ocean Drive hotels are across the street.

Two cafe type places that are good for breakfast or lunch are the Front Porch Cafe on Ocean Drive and Van Dyke on Lincoln Road.

Stay north of 5th St for the beach. I particularly like the area around Collins and 17th St, there's a nice stretch in front of a lot of upscale hotels where you can rent chairs and umbrellas. There's a lunch truck on the beach called the Love Food cafe that has surprisingly good food.

For transportation between Airport and South Beach , taxis have a flat rate that usually is better for two persons that the option of the SuperShuttle ( blue vans).the flat taxi rate I believe to South Beach is
$28.Not bad.
The Super Shuttles vans( blue) are right at the airport and they drop you at the door of your hotel.
I would not recommend local transportation it is very slow in Miami, but you can call 305-770 3131 www.miami-dade.fl.us/transit and get all the information.
There is a South Beach Local bus that provides public transportation with many stops in SB
for 25.
Transportation fares are

Metrobus & Metrorail: $1.25
Express Bus: $1.50
Shuttle Bus: $.25
Metromover: Free

While South Beach is a good place to be if you're not renting a car, the places I think are worthwhile to see are not really in walking distance. Vizcaya is breathtaking. http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/ The aquarium in right nearby and it's also near Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. There's also Fairchild Gardens. http://www.fairchildgarden.org/ Have you looked through the Fodors destination guide? http://www.fodors.com/world/north-am...ch/sights.html

I didn't realize you were also asking about a hotel. I think you'll struggle to find a quiet, clean place with a pool at that time of year for under $200/night.

Following Easter is a good time to visit Miami. Because Easter week is high season, the following week offers many possibilities.
I live in Miami, and frankly I would say that by far the best place to be without a car is South Beach, you can walk to may places, there are two art museums, a great number of restaurants and cafes, countless night clubs and many many shops. THe beach is great there. Sitting in any place be it a cafe or a bench people watching is in itself worth it. From South Beach you can use public transportation to other destinations, not far there are now some attractions like Parrot Jungle
(bus needed but close) but I feel that the Best place to find the excitement of Miami without a car is South Beach .
These is the one of the very few places that you can walk on the sidewalks and that has
Pedestrian streets like Lincoln Rd.
You can rent bicycles and have a great time.
If you feel you must visit Viscaya, the Aquarium etc there are tours and as I mentioned public transportation although not the greatest might help. You can call the number of Miami Dade Transit I gave you before and they will tell you how to get to any place you might like to go by public transfer.
There is a nice hotel in South Beach, neat and charming called the Cadet you might try it or go to www.quikbook.com and see what is available.