Where to stay in South Beach
 

I am planning on coming to Miami from Jan. 20 to Jan. 23, and am looking to stay in South Beach. My friend and i are 23 and do not want to have to rent a car, so we heard that South Beach is the place to be to be able to walk everywhere and go out at night. The best deal i can find on a hotel is at the Essex House or the President. Anyone have any insight on either of those? Or a suggestion to one we might not have discovered? Absolute max we are willing to pay is about $175 a night, would prefer under 150. Thank you!

The Essex House is much nicer but the President is closer to the beach (by half a block) and has a pool.

I'd probably go with the Essex House.

As far as location, the President faces Collins but backs up to its sister hotel, The Penguin which fronts Ocean Drive.

We got a rate of $117/night at the Clinton Hotel last year. I believe it was on 8th and Washington, two blocks from the beach. I usually insist on being beachfront, but the hotel was clean, fairly big for Miami, friendly, and close to the nightlife. For me, I'd rather walk 3 minutes to the beach and have less walking to do at night.

kara, that time of year they'll be lucky to find anything under $175. They only thing going for $117 will be a student hostel.

Hotel rooms in South Beach can fluctuate in price $250 for the same room in different seasons.

my friends and i first went to miami 3 years ago we opted not to spend that much for hotel and chose the president. it was disgusting!!! the worst hotel experience i've ever had in my life. i don't know how essex is like but you really get what you paid for.
in miami, hotels are either crappy or nice. there's really no midway.
if i were you, i would spend alittle more into a hotel and enjoy the experience in miami.
my friends and i stay at the sagamore last time and it was great. trendy, great pool, private beach, even the night scene at the bar was great.
spend 75 more a night and you'll have a totally different experience. TRUST ME!

Actually, the rates for a classic queen for 1/20-1/23 are $143 a night for 2 adults. I stayed in August, but the premium for a winter stay is not that much higher. And the Clinton is hardly a hostel -- it's a cute boutique hotel with a nice bar...and even a teeny tiny pool!

stayed at the hotel nash a few weeks ago. very nice and in the 140-$150 range. i selected this place based on the good reviews on trip advisor. it's located around collins and 11th st.......not ON the beach but only a 1 minute walk.

I just looked into Indian Creek hotel, it got a good recommendation on the USA Today website. Anyone know about that hotel? Thank you for all the helpful responses!!