Hi, we are coming to Miami in a month for our honeymoon. we have booked to stay at the Roney Palace - does anyone have anything good to say about it ? We read all the rants & raves beore we booked....also, I am keen to go to the outlet malls, can anyone suggest the best nearby one ? I have heard of sawgrass. And, any advice on inexpensive, groovy, romantic restuarants would be great. Thanks ! Oh yes, keen to try rollerblading - anywhere we can have lessons, hire kit etc ?

Sawgrass is about 300 miles from Miami. It is in the Jacksonville area. I'd enjoy the beach instead of going inland shopping. There is some fabulous shopping on Collins, Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road.

Sawgrass Mills mall is in Sunrise, Florida. If you are on the beach, the closer outlet mall would be the Dolphin Mall. Do a search for the address, or if you need it, let me know and we can do the mileage online so you can get from the beach there. It's NOT 300 miles. More like 30-40 MAX.

Why would you go to South Beach to go outlet shopping?

Hi Sarah:

If you want to go to an outlet mall, I'd choose Sawgrass instead of the Dolphin, even though it is farther away. It is much bigger and in the Dolphin, there are a lot of empty stores. Also, tou can spend the whole day there, as there are restaurants, movie theaters, etc. For regular malls, try Dadeland or Aventura.

Hi, thanks for your replies about the shopping. To Dee Dee who asked why I want to shop, it's because we live the UK & don't have your fab outlet malls.
I am confused, how far away is Sawgrass ? Can we catch a coach ? We did this when we stayed in NY & went to Premium Outlets you see...
Also, any info about the restaurants & rollerblading ? Thanks !

Hi Sarah:

I know some hotels offer buses to Sawgrass. I don't know their cost, but you can arrange it on arrival to Miami. At the worst, you can rent a car for the day and have the freedom to go and come back as you please.

Rollerblading, I think there are a few places that rent them on the beach. Maybe the hotel does as well, but if not, walk down Ocean Dr. and you should find them. You'll probably have to go to 13th St. and South though (you'll be on the 23rd).

There are many restaurants of every cuisine and cost in South Beach. However, most tend to be on the expensive side. Try Larios on the Beach for cuban food, Milano's for Italian. Or check any restaurant guide (Zagats, etc.) and the local newspapers (herald.com, sunsentinel.com). They have a lot of restaurant reviews.

Don't worry, the Sawgrass you're talking about is not 300 miles away. It's about 40.

For good, inexpensive Cuban food find the nearest Latin America cafe near your hotel. South Beach is nice but I can put up with all the pretension and wannabes for about a day. Depending on how much time you have, I'd also rent a car and drive down the Florida Keys.

Congratulations. I wish you a long, happy marriage.