I am considering a three night stay in Miami this August. I know it may be hot but prices are right and I think it could still be fun. Any recomendations on where to stay I would love Art Deco and a happening place. Also can I get buy without renting a car as I would really rather not have to deal with that. Thanks!

It won't be that hot. You'll have gauranteed beach weather unless there is a tropical storm/hurricane. If you don't want a car you have to stay on South Beach, at least below 20th. There are tons of hotels, some new, some old, some remodeled, some posh, some basic.

Viv:

I agree w/you, the rates are cheaper. I only drove through the South Beach area. The Cleveland Hotel looks nice, supposed to be a real party place. The Beachcomber looked good too - both are aesthetically pleasing places. I'd say if you just want to stay in the South Beach area, then a car wouldn't be necessary. However, if you wanted to go to Virginia Key and Key Biscayne (right off Miami coast), then a car would be warranted. I went to Key Largo (60 miles south) and it was a really nice trip. At least rent a car for 2 days and do some side trips. There is alot to do in South Beach though.

It's always hot and humid in Miami but you'll be in air conditioning most of the time, unless you're at a beach or a park, when you want it to be hot. If you want Art Deco then South Beach is the place to go but be aware that many of the hotels are the original art deco hotels with remodeled lobbies and some renovation but they still smell like the old hotels. I can't stand going inside them but many people love these hotels. Check previous posts because there have been many hotels mentioned and they may give you some ideas. One hotel next to another could be a big difference. If you are going to South Beach and will only be hanging out there and the beach you can do without a car but we don't really have any public transportation so you'll need a car if you want to check out anything else. South Beach is very isolated and far from everything else.

It's not the heat, it's the humidity : )