browniegirl

What is the distance from port to Maya Chan?

Hi there, I am not totally sure, I do not think it is more than 15-20 minutes.

Leah

I received a nice email response from Loews customer service which stated that construction may still be happening by end of September, October, but hopefully will be minimal intrusion. They have quoted me some rates which aren't too bad.

Where would be good places to eat with our girls in South beach that isn't too crazy expensive - breakfast close by and dinner?? Or get drinks that aren't too crazy expensive lol? We expect to pay - it is South Beach after all - but would like to find some semi-reasonable yet fun places to take the girls!

Leah

I think the Residence Inn is on Alton Road right off the causeway so the location is bad in that it is not walkable to anything.

 

I'm pretty sure the WPH is in the middle of all the nightclubs on Washington. I would probably skip it.

 

The Loews isn't really a party hotel unless you are there for Ultra, Winter Music Fest, or Urban Beach Week. Otherwise it is a very reserved, laid back hotel. They don't really 'host' parties in the South Beach sense.

 

You are going to be here right before season hits so it will be either dead or filled with convention attendees. There will not be many people at all in South Beach.

 

I really wouldn't worry about wild pool parties.

 

Also, call the hotel and voice your concerns about construction.

Thank you! I will definitely call them and touch base with them about that prior to booking!!! The hotel looks absolutely beautiful!

Leah

Yes, the Loews looks fun, just worried about that construction while we are there and would be so bummed if it impacted our stay and the pool time...a couple of the last tripadvisor reviews are a little worrisome as it seemed like it the pool area was a huge party place with some inappropriate behavior that isn't good for kids and I'm not sure my 10 and 13 year old daughter would need that lol....but I am so tempted!!!!

Thanks BlueHeron for tip on the Anglers, yes, a suite hotel which is nice with the four of us, what about the Washington Park Hotel, seems like another popular one? We do not have to be right on the beach...There is a new Residence Inn in South beach also looks promising.....gawd...too many choices for this little brain hahaha!!!

Leah

This isn't even close!

 

THE LOEWS!!

 

It is one of the nicest resorts in Florida. Gorgeous pool, great rooms, right in the middle of South Beach. It is on the beach which is actually a rarity in South Beach.

 

Do not wait, book this hotel!!!!

 

The rest on your list are around 2-3 stars and The Loews is a 4-5 star.

 

Edited to add that the Viceroy would be a close second because of the coolest pool in Miami but the pool is down for the next ten months or so.

 

What is your car situation?

 

Parking a car downtown will be very expensive and traffic in and out of downtown is extremely stressful and heavy if you aren't used to it.

 

Also, if you drive to downtown, you are going to pay another $20-$40 to park.

 

Carolyn can clue you in about driving.

Hi, no car.....will be cabbing it or ubering or metromover, that kind of thing! Your enthusiasm for the Loews is good lol!!!

What about the Anglers in South Beach, has very good reviews, looks really cute and nice big rooms, AAA rates are quite decent? $241 us a night.

The Loews is not a bad rate either $229 for ocean view with a balcony but smaller room.

I am narrowing it down, yay!!!

Leah

My kids have been going to South Beach for years and love it. We've stayed all over the place - about 5 times at the Eden Roc is our FAVORITE, a couple times at the Courtyard on Collins (around 40th) and 3 or 4 times at the Marriott Stanton. My suggestion is to forgo the touristy stuff and put that money in your hotel budget, too much running around, then you'll need money to get there too, When you have the beach and people watching, you don't need to see another zoo. LOL

Thank you! I checked out the Eden Roc - looks nice but a little bit pricey......when we are there in October, but hmm..... What is the Courtyard like? Some reviews on tripadvisor are iffy but some are great....?

Leah

Hi l again, did some checking on some hotels and wanted advice for you Miami beach and south beach people.....

Which hotel would be best for 2 adults, 2 girls 10 and 13 - who will probs go do the usual touristy stuff, zoo, jungle island, aquarium etc.... Most south beach hotels are for 2 queens or 2 doubles, separate rooms are pricey!

1. Washington Park Hotel in South Beach

2. Loews Miami Beach Hotel - little pricier but not too bad for city view double room

3. Rui Plaza Miami Beach Hotel

4. Four Points by Sheraton Miami Beach

5. Holiday Inn Miami Beach

6. Best Western Atlantic Resort

7. Residence Inn Miami beach South Beach - newer

Or there are the downtown choices to be central - probably wont be at hotel a lot!

1. Courtyard Miami/Brickell

2. Hampton Miami/Brickell

3. Hyatt Regency Miami

4. Intercontinental Miami

5. Viceroy Miami Hotel

6. Holiday Inn Port of Miami

7. Marriott Biscayne Bay

Has anyone stayed at any of these, likes dislikes? Prices are all in the $200 to $300 range.

Thanks in Advance!!! I am clearly having a hard time deciding lol....I have stayed at the Intercontinental and Marriott Bayside before and liked them both but that was 3 years ago and without kids.

Leah

We ended up booking Maya Chan :) Looked more geared towards our family.....can't wait!!!!

Leah

Hi all, thanks for the great tips!!!

I will definitely look at those sites!

Coral Gables - no, haven't looked in that area. I will check it out for sure!!!

So basically south beach or Miami beach close to south beach would be best for girls and us? Not downtown. Okay. We will focus on those areas and maybe coral gables?

Leah

Leah, late September, early October is still our summer. High heat and humidity. Daily highs will range from upper 80s to low 90s.

 

I would not stay downtown that time of year for three nights. It will still be very hot. Summer hot.

 

Stay on the beach, I can't believe those two hotels are your only choices. The constant breeze will cool down the air and make it much more pleasant.

 

That time of year should be inexpensive and you should find lots of properties inside your range.

 

Look at Mid Beach and North Beach.

Hi there, thanks for the tips. How far is north beach from downtown? Is there good shopping restaurants in that area? We want to keep the girls busy those 3 days and do not want to be too far away from anything as we won't have a car.

I will definitely keep looking - most prices I found were around $300 a night at that time - especially if we want a separate bedroom, in the Miami beach area. Is the Grand Beach hotel any good? reviews on tripadvisor are mixed....

Leah

I love Almaplena. But kids may be bored as it's small, quiet, low key, with very few people there each day. If you want a lazy day at the beach it's great. Do your girls like being in the water or snorkeling?

 

I have a review under my signature.

Hi, yes, they love the water!! I will check out your review for sure, thanks!!

Almaplena does look serene for sure.....but Maya Chan maybe better for kids?

Leah

Hi again - I have gotten decent rates at the following Miami beach hotels -

any ideas if they are decent or not??

Residence Inn Miami Beach South Beach - paying between $194 and 204 a night for a 2 queen room - would have preferred a separate bedroom but is very expensive....

Grand Hotel Miami Beach - approx. $200 a night.

Not having stayed there, does anyone know?

Thanks kindly!

Torn between Miami Beach and staying downtown with our two daughters, somewhere central close to good restaurants and some shopping with maybe a tour to the zoo/jungle Island - there for 3 days.

Courtyard Miami downtown Brickell - good rate for 1 bdrm sutie

Miami Marriott Biscayne bay - 2 doubles ?? decent rate

Hampton Brickell - small room but reasonable rate

Holiday Inn on the Port - suite with view half decent rate

Hyatt Regency Miami - decent rate for club level 2 doubles.

Oh the tough decisions lol!! Suggestions?

Thanks in advance!!!

Leah

Hi all! We are in Costa Maya in October with our two daughters, 10 and 13. We are torn between these two resorts, both look great for the day.

Does anyone have a preference and why?

Thanks in advance!!!

Leah

HI we did this tour with Coral Breezes before and enjoyed the snorkelling and day at the caye, the only thing we didn't like was the ride there and back as it was super crowded and barely and room to sit comfortably, had to pretty much sit sideways to make room for everyone and it was quite a long boat ride. Not sure I would do that again....

Leah

Okay, super jealous here lol!!!!!

The only place I'm going in two days is my house to keep packing lol......yuck!

Have fantastic trips to everyone leaving in a couple days for paradise.......enjoy the heck out of yourselves!!!!

Leah

HI all. We are going to be in Miami 3 nights prior to our cruise in October 2016. It is a tough call of where to stay as we have 2 girls with us, 10 and 13 and want to keep them occupied and happy :). A nice pool is a must. Having been to Bayside, would like to take them there but not sure where best place to stay would be as we have 3 nights and 2 full days to fill. I heard the Holiday Inn has been sold and shutting down at some point, so am very wary of keeping that booking....

We want a nice hotel and coming from Canada, our dollar is rather crappy so we are looking up to about $250 US a night. Also, does anyone know of any decent hotels that would have a separate bedroom?

Thanks all!

Leah

I can say that the boutique hotel we stayed at was at a fantastic location but that was it.....and it hasn't been mentioned by name by anyone here.....I am sure those are much better choices. This place was a poor choice at the time and put is off. South Beach itself is great but we just didn't have a good experience, a terrible one, terrible service, dirty room, a lot broken in the room and they never repaired....extremely loud.......just wouldn't stay there again.

I will definitely look at some of the other suggestions you have all made!!!

Appreciate it! Would definitely like a pool for the kids!

Leah

In October, you should be able to find an accommodation that meets your budget of $200 - $250 night in Miami. October is our "shoulder" season, so low rates before and after the peak seasons.

 

I just suggested this on another thread, but maybe look into accommodations on Hollywood Beach, specifically the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. There are many mom and pop motels as well as the new Margaritaville Resort and Marriott Hollywood Beach. Lots of restaurants that are inexpensive along the Broadwalk and also across A1A along the Intracoastal. Very family friendly, lots of active things to do, and the beach is beautiful.

 

http://www.visithollywoodfl.org/hollywoodbeachbroadwalk.aspx

Thank you so much!!!! I will definitely look into that! How far is Hollywood Beach from the Miami airport or port?

Leah

We stayed in South Beach in a horrid boutique hotel, and although south beach was fun I wouldn't stay there again. We are going with kids this October and are also looking at further up Miami Beach. Be good to get some suggestions here!

Leah

We are looking for same advise lol! We are two adults, two girls, 10 and 13 in October 2016. Looking at Marriott Biscayne Bay (stayed there prev) and Grand Miami Beach Hotel, Holiday Inn Port of Miami, Hyatt downtown and Hampton Brickell......it is a super hard decision as we are coming in on Thursday and cruising Sunday as well. I have stayed in South Beach and it was SUPER expensive.....we are looking at approx. 200 to 250 a night. A suite would have been nice but harder to find for a decent price!

Would appreciate any other advice as well!!!

Leah

You probably said it straight out somewhere here, but just curious:

 

Courtyard Penthouse vs. Forward Facing Penthouse

 

The walking is NOT an issue at all. In a word, what is most important to us is "RELAXATION." What's your opinion?

Oh gosh that is a tough one.......lol.......having stayed in both forward, aft and courtyard penthouses lol..........my faves are the forward and aft and I only say that because both times we have had quite big balconies and that was PURE relaxation for us......the balconies in the courtyard are not big, HOWEVER, you do have the haven deck to enjoy which is also very relaxing.....it is a really tough decision and trust me, I second guess myself all the time hahaha.....if I didn't love the AFT so much I wouldn't keep booking it but I do love the AFT, the wake of the ship is beyond relaxing. Our forward suite was amazing as well with a big balcony and we had a huge suite. Was heavenly. The only thing about the forward suite was the wind and honestly it really didn't affect us that much, just couldn't sit in our forward balcony during at sea days without kind of hunkering down on the loungers lol.....but we also had a side balcony to enjoy too (yes, very spoiled!!!). Not a lot of wind in the AFT. We didn't really spend a lot of time on our courtyard balcony at all, it was simply quite small but we really enjoyed the haven courtyard and their deck - which we will still enjoy even though staying in an aft cabin, we will enjoy the restaurant and pool for sure with our girls, maybe not the deck as much because we have a big deck in our aft suite.

So.....it's tough, for us, the size of the balcony was what mattered, although having a 2 bdrm family courtyard suite would have been great too. Now they are just too darn expensive to upgrade lol!!!!

Leah

I think it is always a tough decision, either staying in the haven courtyard area or staying forward or aft in haven cabins......we have done both.....and I love being in the courtyard area, especially with our kids, but we are booked into a haven aft penthouse in October with 2 kids.....but I think with having the bigger balcony and aft cabin, it will be, for us, a perfect spot and we can still walk to the haven throughout the day for meals and the pool etc....the exercise will be good for us!!!! It's a personal choice, that's for sure. The cruise we are booked on is almost sold out haven wise, and prices went through the roof after I booked, so it's very doubtful we will get an upsell to the courtyard!

Leah

I just booked it thru the link for October 2016 no problem and the rate was pretty good, $170 a night. It doesn't say on confirmation about drinks and parking, so I've emailed them to confirm!

Leah

Hi, we stayed there before and it's nice and there is a grocery store about a 10-15 minute walk away, it's not too bad.

Leah

Jen.....we are staying at the Hyatt too and going to Taylor Swift. ...my 9 yr old daughter and I! No cruise yet though....have fun!!!!