South Beach in May?
 

I'm heading to Miami with a large group of people in mid-May and was looking for recommendations for hotels and great places to go. We're late 20s, and we're looking for a hotel with a pool and beach access, not to mention close to all the fun bars and restaurants. We are considering the Roney Palace but I've been hearing good and bad things. Help!

It all depends on how much you want to spend...want to really indulge than the Tides is the way to go! For slightly more of a budget, try the Marriot--it is very nice and doesn't feel like a Marriot. It is about 3rd and Ocean, you will be just around the corner from the Penrod Complex which houses Pearl and Nikki Beach two of the top spots on the Beach. Most everything will be a short walk away or if you don't want to walk all the way up to 17th to check out the Delano your cab might cost five bucks.

I was surprised to read comments on Roney Palace which suggested you had to rent the fridge and there was no cutlery or crockery (even though there is a kitchen) so I contacted them, and it was all true! (I think the fridge costs $30 per day). So although rooms looked good and I suspect some of the comments on poor quality were on rooms that have now been done up, but how can a place put in a kitchen and then you are expected to bring the knives and forks.<BR>Stayed in the end at Doubletree Surfcomber, much better location than Roney Palace - 2doors down from Delanos. Has good pool and right on beach - $99 per night + tax, is one of the best value places. But they do not have a mini bar - ice at the end of the corridor.

We are looking to spend between $100-200 a night.

Has anyone heard anythong about the Ritz Plaza or the Shelborne?

Regarding your hotel choices: Stay away from the Ritz Plaza-- all indications are that it's in bad need of renovation and management change (it's supposed to be in the process of being taken over by W Hotels, but it hasn't happened yet). The Shelborne is a hotel/condo property, but I hear it too needs a good freshening-up. The Loews, the National and the Royal Palm Crowne Plaza would probably be more suitable for your needs (i.e., able to handle large group). An offbeat choice, but it might work as well, is the Park Central on Ocean Drive-- classic Deco, sweet boutique property, moderately priced, across the street from the beach. By the way: Given that the beach is close by and rather wonderful, why do you require a pool at all?<BR><BR>SoBe is Nightlife Central, but the scene changes almost nightly. A lot of Happening Clubs have closed, re-tooled and re-opened within the last few months; check with the concierge at your hotel. The scene is pretty frenetic, and the hottest clubs have the loudest music and wildest &quot;shows&quot;, so make sure you work Disco Naps into your schedule.<BR><BR>There are some good eateries in the area-- at a price. Expect to drop some serious Benjamins for a memorable meal.<BR><BR>But you should have a great time. Have fun!