Jeannie

I am hoping that you all can help me out. My husband and I are driving to South Beach from North FL to meet up with friends over a weekend in early March. We need a place to stay that will be clean and comfortable. We are not viewing this as a 'vacation' so we are hoping to keep the price down (realizing that March is high season). Friends are staying at the Riu but it is sold out now.
I have searched this site, but most threads concentrate on having a pool and being near the action. These are not necessary for us (but being near the Riu would be great), so please help us find a decent place to sleep. All suggestions are welcome!

mclaurie

Can't help with specific place, but have a look at website roomsaver.com They have amazingly cheap prices listed (no personal experience though)

GoTravel

I have used roomsaver.com coupons before and they have incredible deals. The only downside is that you cannot make reservations. The coupon is walk in only. I always call before I arrive and have never had a problem.

Jeannie

Thanks for the suggestions. Since we are looking for a room for Sat and Sun nights and for the first weeekend in March, do you think it's risky not having reservations? I'm concerned about spring break just starting for some colleges.

Tandoori_Girl

Very risky. March is Florida's biggest month for tourism. Spring breakers are not just college kids (whose breaks occur all through the month) but it's springbreak time for families with children out of school, children of all ages. On top of that, you have the snowbirds -- and the Canadians who will not leave until April 15 when they have to be back in Canada to secure their socialized health care.

Get a reservation for a hotel near your friends -- even though you have a car you will not enjoy the traffic in Florida in March, it's horrible. Anything along South Beach is most likely competetive and comparable. The area is small enough to be walkable. See what others have recommended.

As for not needing a pool, almost all hotels in Florida have pools. It's a given and your idea to do without will not necessarily save you any money. But since you will have a car, you should be sure to check on the cost and availability of parking. Your car might not leave its parking space for much of your trip, and sometimes parking can be high.

Have a great trip. Be sure to bring your sunscreen.

GoTravel

Fair warning, we spent $18 a day to park in September. We have spent as much as $40 per day for valet at the Delano.

Parking is scarce therefore expensive in South Beach.