Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - South Beach Miami

This week I tagged along on my husband's work trip to Miami. I arrived late afternoon on Tuesday and left early Thursday, so it was quick and exhausting, but I couldn't pass up the free hotel and meals. :) It was my first visit there and I loved it!

The conference hotel was sold out, so husband reserved a basic room at the Shore Club ($615/night). Upon check-in, he was upgraded to a larger room with oceanview balcony - hooray!

It was unusually windy that day, so instead of hitting the beach/pool, we walked around Lincoln Road and had a snack at Van Dyke Cafe. We shared some ceviche and people watched, before heading back to the room to get ready for dinner.

Dinner was at the Blue Door at the Delano and was excellent! We shared fois gras appetizer which was huge, then I had lobster and he had lamb. All portions were generous and everything was delicious. Our waiter was really nice and helpful, too. Then we had drinks at the Rose Bar before heading back to our hotel, as he had an early morning. Back at the Shore Club, we had drinks on the patio at the Sky Bar, which I much preferred to the scene at the Delano. It was laid back with comfy sofas, lanterns in trees, more mellow music.

On Wednesday I was anxious to explore the area, so I woke up and walked around looking for a good breakfast spot. I settled on Les Artes Cafe which was a good choice. One thing I discovered was that 15% tip was included in my bill, which is totally fine and I'm sure is due to all of the international tourists, but its something to look out for in South Beach. After breakfast I went on the 90 minute Art Deco district tour which gave a good feel for the Ocean Drive area. I definitely recommend it for a first time visitor or history/architecture buff.

That afternoon was spent on the beach at the Shore Club, where I enjoyed their nice lounge chairs, and tolerated poor service and an overpriced chicken wrap and fries ($25).

Wednesday evening the company had a private party at Casa Casuarina (the former Versace mansion). The party was catered by Barton G and held in the lush pool/garden area. It was really beautiful and I'm so grateful to have had the experience. The only interior we were able to see were the restrooms, but everything we did was gorgeous.

After, we met friends for drinks at the Hotel Victor bar. The famous jellyfish tank was almost empty, as I learned on the Art Deco tour they keep dying this year and having to replace them. The lobby was really cool and the 2nd floor patio bar was fun. Here they include 18% gratuity, fyi. Some places tell you, some don't, so definitely look. If I were the type to spend a ton on hotels, I think I'd check this place out.

We are actually going to be back in South Beach next month for a wedding, and we'll be staying at the National. My plan for the next trip is to check out the more casual stuff and relax more.

I walked past a place called Tapas y Tinto that looked charming. Has anyone been there? If anyone has recommendations for more casual South Beach dining, I'd love to hear them. :)