I will be in Miami for a week over Memorial Day weekend. I want to be in the middle of resturants and night life, but will also need convenient, safe parking (perhaps valet) since I will be commuting from the office late in the evening for several several days. I have read so many wonderful things about South Beach, but a friend is recommending I stay in Coconut Grove (?)area which is convenient to work and play. Please help me decide what area to stay in and any specific hotel recommendation would be helpful!

It's not hard to get around down there. If it were me, I'd pick convenient to work, but head for South Beach a couple of nights for fun. I've been to Miami twice in last couple of years and have been pleasantly surprised.

Dear Denise, I live in Miami Beach and I shall be more than happy to help you with some information.
For once South Beach is the place to be for fun, but where is your office located?
If you like e mail me directly and I shall be more than happy to reply. Graziella.

Don't know where your office is, but the three places that would make sense are a) South Beach, b) Coconut Grove, and c) Coral Gables.

If the area where you'll be working is downtown, any of the three make sense as they're 20 minutes or less from Brickell Ave. or the downtown area. If where you'll be working is in the western or so southern suburbs (Dadeland, Kendall, Doral areas), scratch South Beach as you could by on the road for an hour or more.

Coral Gables has a wonderful ambience, great walking and shopping, and you'll not need valet parking to feel safe. Coconut Grove is very lively well into the evening, kind of laid back. Both areas have excellent hotels quite suitable for a single woman traveler.

If you decide to stay on South Beach and money is no object, look into The Tides. I stayed there several months ago and it's fabulous.

South Beach is great fun, Most hotels have valet parking. To find out what's available, call South Florida Hotel Network at 800-538-3616. I used them to locate a hotel in South Beach and was most satisfied with its service.

Denise, If you stay in South Beach please please go to;
Osteria del Teatro
1443 Washington Ave.
305 538 7850

You won't be disappointed!!
It is 1st class!
john