SOUTH BEACH
 

Any info on the National Hotel? Going to SOBE in January and I'm between there and the Delano. Please HELP!!

I envy your dilemma-- I'd KILL to have to choose between the National and the Delano!

Quickly: The National is one of the nicest tall hotels on Collins in South Beach. It's been lovingly restored to Deco splendor, the pool area is lovely, it's chic and beautiful. The Delano is Alice Through the Looking Glass time-- all High Style, High Concept, Schrager Hotel opulence and over-the-top drama.

If this is your first trip to South Beach, I'd go with the Delano. Next time, you can stay at the National (which is a better deal but a less-spectacular experience).

Thank you. I think I'm gonna go with The National...got a great deal of $199 per night! DO you have any suggestions for restaurants? I heard Wish and Pearl were good.

I've posted my faves a few other times, but some that come to mind:

-- Front Porch Café, Penguin Hotel (on Ocean). Best breakfasts in South Beach, and good at any time of day. Not expensive, either.

-- Puerto Sagua, Collins Ave. Absolutely no-atmosphere Cuban diner, serving absolutely wonderful Cuban food.

-- Larios on the Beach, Ocean Ave. Also Cuban. Nicer room than Puerto Sagua, but food's about the same in quality (more expensive). Killer mojitos.

-- Cardozo Café, Cardozo Hotel. New chef, new menu, same wonderful views off the veranda. Food's good and getting better and better every time I go.

-- Carnevale or Tiramesu, Lincoln Road. Both sturdy Italian joints, great people-watching from the sidewalk tables.

-- A Fish Called Avalon, Avalon Hotel, Ocean Ave. Best seafood for the money in South Beach.

-- La Sandwichérie, Collins (behind the Amoco). Wonderful sandwiches, served in an alley storefront next to a tattoo parlor. Seriously good, and the clientèle are, well, interesting.

I'm a huge fan of Wish-- had two most romantic dinners there on my last trip to South Beach. Great food, good wine list, wonderful servers. I think you'll like it.

That is a good deal at The National. I like both places, although I'll admit I like the pool at Delano better.... better "star gazing"...be sure to vist Delano's bar or have dinner at The Blue Door....by the way, if you are not a guest, ytou can not get to the pool...sorry

Don't miss:

Touch: on Lincoln Road, awesome atmosphere and food.

Mark's South Beach: Some of the best food I've ever had

Pacific Time: Very inventive and cool decor..

Have fun.. I love SB

I second the recommendations of Lario's and Tiramesu. There's also a great sushi place on Lincoln (at the end away from Collins), but the name escapes me...

aquaman: Do you mean Doraku? That's on Lincoln Road about a block east of Alton Road. Chic sushi joint.