South Beach Hotel Help
 

hi,
according to expedia.com, these hotels are all 3*s, and all around the same price (and, as far as I can tell, around the same location). So, how to choose? I wonder if anyone would pick one of these places over another, and why.

Also, we will have a rental car, so are hoping for something where parking in included, or reasonable. And, an ocean view wouldn't be turned down.

Here they are:

Tudor Hotel (must admit that it isn't too "deco" a name)
1111 Collins Ave.

Richmond Hotel
1757 Coillins Ave.

Leslie Hotel
1244 Ocean Dr

Cavalier
1320 Ocean Dr.

South Beach Hotel
236 21st St

Avalon Majestic
700 Ocean Dr.

many thanks, Ellen

has anyone even been to South Beach?

First observation: Expedia's hotel ratings are patently absurd. They have absolutely no basis in reality, based on my personal experience. Look on Travelocity for user comments on these hotels-- they're generally dead-accurate on hotels.

Second: Good luck finding free parking. Most places don't have lots, so you're going to pay upwards of $18 to $20 for valet. Do you absolutely HAVE to have a car? South Beach is quite compact, and cabs are plentiful.

Of the hotels you list, one is beachside (the Richmond) and three are across the street from the beach (Leslie, Cavalier, Avalon Majestic). The Tudor is one block in; and the South Beach is two blocks inland. Frankly, the Avalon Majestic is barely adequate; I wouldn't stay at any of the others.

If you're expecting typical hotel amenities at these small Deco-era hotels, you'll be sorely disappointed. On this list, a few are notably run-down (the Tudor, the Richmond) and others are simply poorly kept up (Leslie, Cavalier). The Avalon Majestic is clean, but the rooms are very basic. In its favor is its fantastic restaurant, A Fish Called Avalon. But really, that's about it.

Here is a list of far, far better hotels:

-- Park Central
-- Winterhaven
-- Cardozo
-- Blue Moon
-- Clinton (location is a minus-- it's on Washington)

Let us know if you need more help.

Thanks for your reply. Regaridng parking, I realize it was a fantasy, but doesn't hurt to ask. I'm also just in Miami for one night, and then am heading to the Gulf side (where there will be free parking.)

I will check out the places you mentioned. I'm really hoping to stay at the $100/night or less mark.

Thanks again.

We were in Miami one night last year and stayed at the Blue Moon for about $120.00. Great place. Very nice room. Depending on when you're going I've seen rooms for about $100.00. As for parking, there are a couple of self park ramps on Collins Ave. Not free, but half the price of valet parking.

I also stood in the Blue Moon hotel in July. I got a rate of $75 through quikbook.com. Very nice place, located on Collins between 9th and 10th. There was a garage a half block north that charged $10 during the week and $15 on the weekends for in and out privileges for 24 hours if you show them your room key/card. This was dead season, and you didn't state WHEN you are going, but I would check quikbook for rates on that hotel and the Winterhaven.

The Holiday Inn South Beach has free parking, is on the beach and is rated at a 3*. Also, you may be able to pick it up cheaply on priceline.

Out of your picks, for the Deco District, The Leslie and for the Lincoln Road area, The Richmond.

If you've not been to South Beach before, stay in the Deco District. If you have, stay at The Richmond.

My $.02