Anyone have some good scoop on a off-the-beaten-path South Beach hotel that isn't over $200 a night? We're leaving the kids with the in-laws and are anxious for a little get away. We don't mind a walk to the sights and would rather spend our money on food and drink. This is for mid-week, late April.

It's still High Season, and the Deco-era hotels in the District tend to be loud. Your price point is kinda tight, but here goes:

-- The Winterhaven (Ocean at 14th) is a South Beach bargain, in the "quiet" part of Ocean Drive.

-- The Park Central (Ocean between 6th and 7th) is on the southern edge of the "hot" part of Ocean, but it's a sweet old hotel, nicely restored.

-- The Cardozo (Ocean at 13th) is lovely, with great staff and a sexy vibe, but it may be a little loud (hardwood floors, doors that can slam). My personal favorite in South Beach, however.

-- The Blue Moon (Collins between 9th and 10th) is a nice property that flies under a lot of tourists' radar. Subtly chic and service-oriented.

You may have to head to a Collins Park-area place like the Abbey (21st between Collins and Washington) for a little more peace and quiet. But it may be just right vis-à-vis room rate, so....

A thousand thanks, rjw_lgb_ca! Any chance you know anything about the Hotel Nash, or the Kenmore?

Of the two, the Nash, hands-down. I haven't stayed there, but it's got a pretty good reputation as a good renovation-- stylish and comfortable. The Kenmore is part of the Best Western Miami Beach complex, and I hear they are not maintaining the hotels well.

Late April is the begining of the end/end of high tourist season.

My suggestion would be to book a cancelable backup now and start stalking websites.

If you go late enough in April, there is a good chance you could score an excellent hotel like the Delano for under $200.

You will not find out about these deals until the last minute so book with a place that allows you to cancel up until the day of arrival (Holiday Inn).

How about the Essex (Collins and 10th) - not really off the beaten track but a block away from Ocean Drive so may be a bit quieter?

I can't compare it to the others mentioned so far but I am sure the South beach regulars will be able to help with that.

Dave, are you sure the Essex isn't a little further north on Collins? I thought it was around 14th but of course I could be wrong.

The Essex House is a typical redone deco hotel. While I haven't seen the rooms, the lobby is very nice deco redone minimalism. The location (either 10th or 14th) is also very good.

No such thing as "off the beaten path" in South Beach, where all the hotels, restaurants and clubs are pretty much on top of each other. Your best bet would be either the north end hotels (north of 17th Street) or to just find a quiet hotel in the middle of the action.

I've been to the Blue Moon and can vouch for it and would highly recommend it, just don't expect any great views. Mine was of the hotel next door, but who cares when you're in South Beach and have a great comfortable well decorated room and a staff that aims to please?

Yes the Essex was on 10th, I remember it being diagonally across from the Blue Moon.

missjanna, that is so funny that you bring up the subject of 'hotel room view' in South Beach.

The only view I've ever had in any hotel was of the building next door. Any view at all will cost $$$$.

Damn, and I thought it was just my hotel that had no view whatsoever! LOL
I only say that also because when I was checking in, the night manager was trying to help me finding the "perfect room" and out of 8 that we saw, only 1 had a view, and it was of the small pool!!

Should also mention you don't need a car in South Beach, but if you do decide on one, expect to pay no less than $10-20 a night on parking.

I will be in Miami myself the last week of April (22 - 25) but I opted for Coral Gables / Coconut Grove instead of South Beach because I like the clubs there and the beach on Key Biscayne a lot better! LOL