Lexi13

I realize this is not a scientific poll, but, I've been reading this forum regarding Miami accomodations and from what I gather, people have such varying opinions about what they like in a hotel. Sometimes I think the more I read the more confused I get by the choices. Reading tripadvisor.com makes it even harder to pick a place to stay. The bottom line is this, I am traveling to the Miami area to go to the Calder race track and need a place to stay somewhere near there. I would prefer oceanfront, quiet, not too many children (leaving mine at home), maybe a little romantic, not too sterile, but clean rooms preferably with a ocean view. Pool would be nice too. I am open to any geographic area within 30 miles of Miami, and because I'm going off season, price is not an issue. I like to stay at resorts, but that is not a prerequisite. Sounds like a lot to ask I know, but my question is for all of you to tell me where you stayed that was similar to this and if you liked it or not. Like I said, opinions do vary, but I would certainly appreciate any help you could offer me. If it helps, I do like the looks of the Ritz and the Sonesta Key Biscayne but lots of people complain about spending too much and getting too little there! Even the best places can get bad reviews I guess. Anyway, tell me what you think and thanks for reading this.

Oh, one other thing, do all hotels in the Miami area charge for Parking?

maryann

I think you are looking in the wrong area.

Calder is on the Dade-Broward counties line. Going to Calder from a Dade oceanfront hotel will be a hassle.

I would look in Hollywood or Hallandale area. The best hotel near Calder- check the Diplomat Hotel, might be a Westin (not sure). Check Expedia or something.

Have fun.

Lexi13

Maryann,
Thank you for your suggestions. I am a little confused though, as I spoke to customer service at Calder and they suggested Miami Beach and Ft. Lauderdale as places to stay as they are within driving distance. Their website lists Fountainbleu as well. So I assumed staying on the ocean was an option, are you saying that is too far of a drive? I would love your input on this before I do more research. Thanks!!

mabella101

The Fountainblu Hilton is apx. 20 miles from Calder race track. Maryann is correct to say it would be a hassle going back & forth as you would need to take the turnpike, I95 & I-395 just to get to the beach. My vote would be the Westin Diplomat on Hallandale Beach or you could try the Trump International Sonesta Beach Resort on Sunny Isles, which is brand new & happens to have a great summer rate promotion going on. Can't imagine you'd go wrong with either one. Good Luck!

GoTravel

Hollywood is right between Miami Beach and Ft. Lauderdale.

While the Westin Diplomat (NOT the Diplomat Country Club) is a fantastic hotel, the beach in front of it isn't the best. On the other hand, with a pool like the one they have, who needs a beach?

The top pool is a bridge for the bottom pool with a glass see through area on the bottom to where you can see the people and the pool in the pool below you. The top pool is an infinity pool. The bottom pool is the large spread out free form pool.

The Greenbriar is wonderful and the beach there is beautiful. I think Hollywood's beaches are nicer than Miami to the South and Ft. Lauderdale to the North.

Hollywood has a 30 foot wide Broadwalk (not boardwalk) that is oceanfront and is wonderful to ride bikes, walk, or jog down. I think it stretches for about 2 1/2 miles and runs infront of restaurants, bars, and small hotels. Very quaint.

For some reason, Hollywood is cheaper than Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.

I love to go and stay at The Greenbriar and eat at Wolfie Cohen's Rascal House. Bal Harbour, Sunnyside, Aventure and Hallendale are a short trip south.

GoTravel

Forgot to add that the Greenbriar and Westin Diplomat are about 10 miles max to Calder.

Bal Harbour House would also be a nice stay in Bal Harbour. I'm not familiar with Trump's Sonesta in Sunny Isles but I'm sure it is nice.