My wife and I have scheduled a trip to South Beach in mid January and are desparately looking to get out of the Connecticut winter. We are staying at the Tides and haven't been to Miami before. We haven't booked a rental car and I am wondering if it is necessary. We don't plan on having a very active itinerary as we only have a few days. I did get tickets for a Heat game, so I'm not sure if it is worth renting a car just for that. Also, looking for any good tips on good eats near our hotel.

Parking is a real hassle in SoBe.IMHO, dont wrestle with the car.The Tides is very very cool.Too often I think overlooked by the Delano crowd.It just doesnt get the publicity and glitz that some of the others do.I havent stayed there my budget is much more limited.

John, my husband and I are going to South Beach on the 16th, also to escape the CT winter. I posted a thread looking for dining recommendations a few weeks ago and got quite a few suggestions. I'll see if I can top the thread.

I wouldn't bother with a car - you'll have to pay for parking on top of the rental charge. The taxi fare to the arena where the Heat plays is $18 one way from South Beach.

When are you going John?

If you look at the thread "National Hotel in South Beach" you'll read some restaurant recommendations.

We are going down on the 15th and returning on the 19th-- gotta love a 3 hour direct flight. I hope the weather holds out-- it seems like every time we go on vaca in January, the weather is cold.

I'll check the other listings-- also looking at Chowhound.com

We're returning the 19th as well. WE have had flight problems in winter out of Bradley in the past, so we're flying out of Laguardia. For us it's actually a bit closer than Bradley anyway.

I'll be hoping for no snowstorms then either!

Thanks so much for the info-- we can't wait!

Hub and I are gonna be in South Beach Jan 10-15th and in our forties...still gonna try to party...we'll be the oldest one in the clubs...IF we get in...or else having a drink at the bar at the Delano looking dejected...lol..from NJ maybe we can all hook up one day