i am going down to miami spur of the moment on December 28. As you can imagine most stuff is booked. I am unfamiliar with the area and was wondering a couple of things.

1. Are there any areas of Miami that should be avoided due to safety?

2. Is anyone familiar with the Marco Polo ramada?

3. Can anyone recommend anything for around $213.00 a night?

4. How is north miami?

thanks Adrienne

Regarding safety, if you get out your Rand McNally Road Atlas (or any other), you'll see that Route 826, Route 836, and I-95 form a loop around a large piece of Miami and Dade County. Stay out of that loop and you should be fine. There aren't any attractions there anyway.

Also, North Miami is okay to drive through, though I wouldn't linger, but there's really no reason to go there anyway. As for hotels, I've had great luck booking hotels through Hotwire.com when I go to Florida. Last time I stayed at a Doubletree (nice, middle of the road business class hotel), for $50 a night in Coconut Grove. Of course, this was in August.

Are you asking about the Ramada around the 4000 block of Collins in Mid Beach? If so, I had a girlfriend stay there summer before last and wasn't happy with it at all.

Agree with hotwire. Have you checked rates for the Holiday Inn in South Beach? Also, the South Seas Hotel, The Marseilles, and the Doubletree Surfcomber to name of few. New Years Eve is pricey but since you are booking last minute, you should find some deals.

Have you checked Wyndham Web rates?

As far as safey goes, don't leave you things unattended on the beach, don't walk the beach alone at night, and use common sense.

I love North Miami beach areas such as Sunny Isles and Bal Harbour. Big wide beaches. Make sure you eat at the Rascal House.

Have a blast! I'm envious!

avoid Opa Locka and Liberty City.The Marco Polo Ramada is cold and sterile.It is also far north from all of the action in South Beach.North Miami is a bit boring.We have a guest house for rent directly on Biscayne Bay facing Miami Bch, the port and downtown.It is two bedrooms with the use of the pool.If you are interested E-mail me at [email protected].