Miami questions
 

A group of us (2 British, 1 American 1 Canadian) who live in Hong Kong are travelling to South America via Miami. We are planning on stopping in Miami on our way to South America, but none of us are planning on renting a car. First, we will be jet lagged from the long flight from Hong Kong to Miami and none of us drive left hand drive. Where should we stay? We are currently booked in the Mandarin Oriental. What is the hotel/area like. Is it convient to travel around from the area where the hotel is? Also, can anyone recommend a tour operator for local tours.

It is a beautiful hotel but not on the ocean. it is off Biscayne Bay , east of downtown near Brickell/Biscayne Blvd. It is not walking close to South Beach or Lincoln Road. You need to cross the Bay to get to Miami Beach. Miami's downtown is not like being in London, Chicago, or New York. it is relatively small and there is nothing too see. Also, if you stray too far off the beaten path you could get yourself in trouble. Think about staying at a hotel in Maimi Beach or near south beach. You can then walk around to good restaurants and bars and enjoy the feel and flavor of Miami. You don't need a tour operator.

How many nights are you staying? The reason I ask is because if you are only on a layover for one night, I would think your primary focus would be on sleep.

If you are staying more than one night, I would head over to South Beach. Shopping, dining, hotels, and beach are all in a twenty block area. South Beach is very walkable.

The downside to South Beach is that if you get a room at one of the deco hotels facing Ocean Drive, you will not get much sleep. They can be very noisy.

I like The Delano, The Shore Club, The Tides, Casa Grande, The Hotel, Crown Plaza, and opening December 11th, the Ritz-Carlton South Beach.

Thanks for the replies we will be in Miami for three nights. Only one of us has been to Miami before and we would like to do some sightseeing.

I agree with the suggestion to stay on Miami Beach. The Mandarin Oriental, though lovely with a wonderful spa, is not within walking distance of anything other than office buildings.

South Beach is great, but so is Coconut Grove. A smaller scale SoBe. It has clubs and bars, dining, improv comedy, shopping and outdoor entertainment. If you just in Miami for the night, you can do a lot in the Grove without having to take a cab, rent a car, etc. Plenty of hotels walking distance inside the Grove. . Have fun!