We are planning on staying in Miami over the Thanksgiving holiday and need a hotel recommendation. We are stopping in Miami more for the large city experience than the beach and I was wondering if there are any hotels with views of the city? We are a family of 5 and would prefer to keep costs under $200 a night and prefer not to be in South Beach but somewhere quieter.

Check out the Hyatt in Coral Gables. Were you also looking at the Mutiny? What made you decide to not go there?

Most tourists go to Miami at least partyly for the beaches and stay on Miami Beach (but not necessarily in South Beach). Downtown Miami (vs. Miami beach) has lots of hotels, but they tend to be more business oriented or for those leaving on a cruise out of the port.

What do you plan to do while there? Do you plan on renting a car? That will affect the location you pick.

I agree that Coral Gables is a good location option if you're not interested in beach.

I was very interested in the Mutiny Hotel but the rooms for 5 people were expensive.

We would like to walk through Little Havana, tour Vizcaya, some beach would be great. We are coming to Miami from the Keys so we will have already had several days of water fun.

We will have a rental car. We are from a more rural area outside a small town so the kids enjoy touring a large city. (My daughters love NYC) We have stayed in downtown Philadelphia, PA and know that a city at night can be beautiful.

Look at the David William Hotel in Coral Gables. I think (but am not certain) that it has a relationship with the Biltmore Hotel (which has something like the largest pool in a hotel in the US). I would call the hotel give that you need to sleep 5. Coral Gables would be a great location for what you are planning.

Where did you decide to stay in the Keys?

We have a 2 bedroom cottage at Conch Key Cottages in Marathon. It satisfied my desire for quiet and restful and gave us plenty of room since we will be there for 5 nights. Any suggestions about renting a small sailboat so my 17 yo daughter can learn? Any restaurant suggestions? Thanks

Try the Intercontinental or Hyatt on priceline (of course get two rooms) for Miami city views.

I love the Doubletree Coconut Grove. Ask for a room on a high floor and you'll have a view.

The Sonesta Key Biscayne should have views but it is on the beach.