We had never been to South Beach. This is what we found-Doubletree Surfcomber was a very comfortable, clean hotel. We had a large oceanview room for $250/night. Great room. Stayed here for the pool, too, which was too warm for lap swimming. Really hot, like a hot tub. Otherwise, hotel very good. (If a pool or oceanfront is not your thing, I would stay in a smaller hotel on Ocean Ave and walk over to the beach.) Hotel next door, Raleigh looked quietly attractive. We met people paying the same price, but for non-ocean front smaller rooms, but pool setting was especially attractive.
Meals: David's II was great Cuban food, friendly and excellent service, Pleasant but plain decor and indoor(most dining was outdoor,) but we went back. If it were local we'd be there a lot. About $40- $50. dinner for two. Wish also lived up to its upscale reputation. Outdoor dining, service overkill, but friendly, great food-about $140 for two. And Front Porch Cafe was clearly the winner for breakfasts/brunch-$25. for two and worth every penny in every way. Great French toast, omlettes, fresh orange juice, pleasant, efficient, outdoor seating.
The big surprise for us was that we could walk and walk and walk. There is a very long boardwalk-just for walking-no shops-and we walked for 1-2 hours each day. It goes on and on, as you look at the beach. You could equally well walk on the beach. You can't count on swimming in the ocean because of strong tides or sea creatures-their flag system lets you know if the ocean is calm and OK, which it was one out of the four days that we were there.
Also, I would strongly recommend the Art Deco tour sponsored by Museum on 10th and Ocean. It is worth the $20/per person.

Thank you onthego!

Great report onthego. Did you make it to the rooftop pool of The Hotel? Love Miami.

I did get to see the rooftop pool and new? bar at The Hotel during the daytime. Most places were happy to show you around their hotel. However, we missed it in action. Another place we toured during the day, (courtesy of the pleasant front desk manager) was the very beautiful suite at the Cardozo. It was the among the most exciting and tastefully decorated of any indoor environment we saw on the trip.

I've stayed in that suite at the Cardozo-- and it's so-o-o-o-o nice!! Decadent and comfy and oh-so-deserved for my 40th. Highly recommended if you have the bucks (and can deal with the disco in the lobby below on Saturday nights).

How did you find out about the Art Deco tour? I'd like to do this when I am in Miami in March. Can you give me contact info or where to find it?

The walking tours of South Beach are run by the Miami Design Preservation League. You can get more info at their website:

www.mdpl.org