Betsy Ross or Blue Moon in Miami?

[CruzinSouth]

I'm looking into booking either the Betsy Ross Hotel or the Blue Moon in Miami for a 2-night pre-stay. I'd appreciate any recommendations on either of these places. We've never been in the South Beach area so is one location better than the other; and what about the rooms? Thanks!

[mnsawyer]

I've never been to either hotel but can give you my experience on SB. We stayed at the Hliday Inn SB which is a mile or more from Ocean Drive which is the "heart" of SB. There were some restaurants and shops within walking distance but the closer you get to Ocean Drive, the closer you are to the "action" if that is your thing. While we thought SB was nice, it is extremely expensive and I typically don't complain about vacation costs. Hotels are older and small and if you want a "nice" room, expect to pay $250+ per night. Parking rates are expensive and cabs too. We went out to dinner one evening to a place that wasn't within walking distance and the cab fare was $40. Some compare it to NY and that is probably correct. It was a great experience for us but for one night, we would stay in downtown near Bayside. Since you are having a 2-night stay, it probably makes sense to stay on SB. Have heard that the Winterhaven is a good, clean, reasonable stay as well.

[BlueHerons]

I'm looking into booking either the Betsy Ross Hotel or the Blue Moon in Miami for a 2-night pre-stay. I'd appreciate any recommendations on either of these places. We've never been in the South Beach area so is one location better than the other; and what about the rooms? Thanks!

 

Firstly, the Holiday Inn isn't a mile from Ocean drive but around six blocks.

 

I think the Betsy Ross is superior to the Blue Moon. Nicer, better rooms, better location, better pool.

[mnsawyer]

We stayed at the HI and it seemed a lot longer than six blocks!

[BlueHerons]

We stayed at the HI and it seemed a lot longer than six blocks!

 

In the heat it does seem like a long way! The Holiday Inn is on 21st and Ocean Drive starts on 15th. The blocks from 20th-21st and 15th-16th Streets are only half blocks.

[CruzinSouth]

Thank you so much for your replies. Since we've never been to South Beach, I really didn't know which would be the better location. I really liked the looks of both of them so I appreciate your thoughts. I started being torn between booking one of them or staying at the Holiday Inn at Bayside, but we've been there before so I wanted to do something different and a little special. So it looks like the Betsy Ross is it! :)

[BlueHerons]

Thank you so much for your replies. Since we've never been to South Beach, I really didn't know which would be the better location. I really liked the looks of both of them so I appreciate your thoughts. I started being torn between booking one of them or staying at the Holiday Inn at Bayside, but we've been there before so I wanted to do something different and a little special. So it looks like the Betsy Ross is it! :)

 

I've walked by the Betsy Ross it seems like a million times before I ever went inside. I was expecting colonial frou frou and was completely thrown off kilter by the gorgeous sleek design.

 

I think you'll be happy.