I have read the pros and cons for the different hotels in South Beach. My husband and I will be in Miami for one day in mid December. I have my choices narrowed down to either the National or Blue Moon (but am open to other suggestions). We are on a budget so don't want to go over $200 a night and both of these hotels seem to fit the bill. We do want to spend the afternoon on the beach, but will be leaving the next day for Fort Lauderdale. Can anyone help us decide?
Also, any suggestions for a romantic dinner place under $100 for two with wine?
Thanks for your input.

I'm going to ask a flip question: Why bother with the South Beach hotel room when Ft. Lauderdale is maybe 45 minutes to the north of metro Miami?! You could do South Beach as a day trip from Ft. Lauderdale, frankly.

But if you just want the South Beach Experience for that night (and that's not a bad thing at all), I'd say go with the National. Beachfront, Déco-chic, a star in many music videos (ever seen Whitney Houston's "Heartbreak Hotel"?). The Blue Moon is nice, but the National is really in another class. I'm a huge fan of the Cardozo (much more intimate, and I just love the architecture and interior design), but the National is a superb choice as well.

Romantic dinner for two.... If you like seafood, Grillfish (Collins and Española Way) is excellent and unbelievably reasonable. The room is intimate, low-lit and not particularly noisy. A Fish Called Avalon (Ocean Ave in the Avalon Hotel) is also reasonable (and can be quite romantic on the patio), but you'll be right at the top of your price range with wine.

Really, if you can swing it, just splurge on Wish; it's incredibly romantic, and the food is phenomenal, but you're talking roughly $100 per person. Still, it's the kind of place where you find yourselves holding hands and smiling at each other like the first time you fell in love-- and I'm being dead serious; it's that special.

Thanks for the input - we definitely want the South Beach experience - no 45 minute drive after a late night. One hundred dollars a person for dinner is way out of our budget this trip (flying into Orlando for a wedding), and we love Italian - any recommends?

There are a few places on Lincoln Road Mall that are pretty good. Off the top of my head, I can think of Carnevale and Tiramesu that are moderately-priced and good. The latest Zagat survey lists a place on Española Way called Hosteria Romana that's supposed to be incredibly good-- I don't know it myself, and won't have an opportunity to check it myself (I live in California), but it sounds very promising. That will be a short walk from the National, as will the places on Lincoln. These places I list will come in under $100 for the two of you, including a little wine.

The National is a beautiful hotel. Their pool is one of the prettiest in South Beach.
I would recommend either Grillfish or Cafe des Arts on Collins, or Aura on Lincoln Road for dinner. We had dinner with a bottle of wine at all three for around $100. They are an easy walk from your hotel.

You cannot go wrong with the National.

rjw and seattle sue gave you excellent advice.

Well I booked the National - Cabana room - and got what I think is a good rate: $170. Now I will start checking out the restaurant suggestions. Thanks - always good advise.