Jibboo

Hi there, my cousin is getting married on South Beach at the end of March.

Can anyone recommend some cheap accomodations near the beach, hopefully for $100 or less?

rjw_lgb_ca

March is High Season in South Beach. Spring Break, Canadian snowbird invasion, etc.

$100 is unrealistically low for anything livable near the beach. Without using Priceline. And maybe even with.

Some of the old Déco era hotels might skirt around that rate, but a lot of them are pretty gnarly. Having said that, here are reliable, reasonably-priced small hotels (but always check to make sure they're open and not being renovated):

-- Park Central
-- Cardozo (my personal favorite)
-- Doubletree Surfcomber
-- Winter Haven

GoTravel

rjw, the Doubletree Surfcomber is flat out expensive in season. More like $300 per night.

Cheap will be the Days Inn and you should be able to get this hotel for around $129 per night peak season.

It is a pretty dismal hotel but you probably will not find anything cheaper that includes a private bath.

karameli

The Clinton *sometimes* has low rates ($125 range), sometimes much higher. Stayed there and really liked it -- it was clean, boutique-y, and two easy blocks to the beach. The Kent seems to have consistenly low rates ($100 or less) and gets pretty good reviews on tripadvisor.

Jibboo

Thanks, dismal is ok. I'll really only be sleeping there and as long as it's clean I really don't care what it looks like.

rjw_lgb_ca

Go, that is true. I know the Surfcomber hosts a lot of parties during those winter "Events" that take place in South Beach. But if you want "Nice" (and if you're in South Beach, why bother if you won't go for "nice"?!), $300 a night in high season is a small price to pay for your comfort.

Jibboo, that Days Inn Go mentions is pretty bleak. But it's better than a kick in the head. If you don't mind a youth hostel, the Clay Hotel is a possibility I forgot to mention. Cheap and a bit of a zoo, but clean. The Clinton is pretty nice too.

The Penguin Hotel on Ocean seems to have gone through a pretty serious rehab recently-- the latest Tripadvisor reviews are surprisingly positive. It might be a possibility (but ask for a Deluxe room only). And the Front Porch Café is wonderful for breakfast.

GoTravel

rjw, I think being the host hotel for the MTV Music Awards has gone to the Doubletree's head. The hotel is positively unrecognizable during that August weekend.

For photos check this out:

http://tinyurl.com/ogtkw

rjw_lgb_ca

Go: Well, since I can't stand "Diddy" (or whatever that moron calls himself this year), I won't be staying there for the VMAs....

I'll put in a bit more of a reco for the Cardozo while I'm here. Leave aside the famous owners (Gloria and Emilio Estefan). This property is one of the best renovations of an old Déco-era hotel existing today, and the décor is sexy and elegant at the same time. Rooms are generally cozy and dimly lit, bathrooms are small and walls are thin-- and these are the only drawbacks. Suites are vast, however. The hotel's staff are the best on South Beach-- professional and very friendly. If you can get it and afford it-- get a room here.

GoTravel

He's changed his name again.

Now he is is using the moniker: Puff.

Just Puff.

No Diddy, no Daddy, no P.

Puff.

rjw_lgb_ca

Change it to "Putz" and it's more appropriate...! )

Shalott

I had found this information on using Priceline to bid on Miami Beach hotels

http://p104.ezboard.com/feuropetogof...icID=161.topic

Good luck.