Miami - Advice Please

[ali-ali-oh]

We have never been to Miami and as we are in the area are considering our options post cruise.

 

We are having a few days in Orlando pre cruise and then driving to Fort Lauderdale (where we've cruised from and stayed before). I am considering booking a ship's tour that drops us at Miami airport and picking up a hire car from there, overnight somewhere in Miami and then drive to Orlando the following day to catch our flight home that night.

 

So... my question is.. recommendations for the best area/hotel to stay for a "Miami" experience and where's good to eat (not fish/seafood)? Obviously I don't want to break the bank but would like somewhere nice - there are only 2 of us (no kids).

 

The alternative is just to drive back to Orlando and overnight there, but it seems to be such a waste of an opportunity of seeing somewhere new and different.

 

Any suggestions please??

[JohninDC]

Don't get the car until you are ready to leave Miami - most downtown hotels charge $$ for parking; I was at the Doubletree last year and it was valet only, for $29 per day. Airport area hotels offer free parking, but you are a long way from Southbeach and Bayside, and you'll need to pay to park when you get there. Taxis are a better option for 1-2 days in Miami. Check these boards and Trip advisor for hotel reviews. You'll probably want to stay either downtown or in Southbeach for the most fun and entertainment options. Good luck!

[BlueHerons]

Good lord don't stay downtown! I would stay in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables unless you want to stay on the beach. In that case look at Key Biscayne or Miami Beach.

 

Taxis are not a good idea in Miami because the town is so spread out and you'll spend a fortune! Yes you do need a car. Miami is a lot more than downtown and Bayside.

[floridacruiser63]

Good lord don't stay downtown! I would stay in Coconut Grove or Coral Gables unless you want to stay on the beach. In that case look at Key Biscayne or Miami Beach.

 

Taxis are not a good idea in Miami because the town is so spread out and you'll spend a fortune! Yes you do need a car. Miami is a lot more than downtown and Bayside.

 

I fully agree with BlueHerons. Coconut Grove, Coral Gables or Miami Beach (South Beach is pretty nice). You do need a rental car, as taxis will be pretty expensive if you want to see different places in Miami.

[ali-ali-oh]

Thank you so much for your replies.

 

After doing a little more research, I think we will probably look at staying on/near the beach as that seems (to us at least) to be what Miami is famous for. Are there any hotels that I should particularly look at/avoid in this area?

 

Obviously you read about these places of the world but never really know what they are like until you get there - unless you seek the advice of others - which these boards are invaluable for. Everything I seem to look at seems to centre around nearest hotel to airport/cruise terminal which is understandable for most but I know here in the UK there are very often places within only a short distance that should be avoided - hence my request for assistance.

 

Finally, any suggestions for a decent steak?

 

Thank you in advance - I do appreciate you taking the time.

[BlueHerons]

Thank you so much for your replies.

 

After doing a little more research, I think we will probably look at staying on/near the beach as that seems (to us at least) to be what Miami is famous for. Are there any hotels that I should particularly look at/avoid in this area?

 

Obviously you read about these places of the world but never really know what they are like until you get there - unless you seek the advice of others - which these boards are invaluable for. Everything I seem to look at seems to centre around nearest hotel to airport/cruise terminal which is understandable for most but I know here in the UK there are very often places within only a short distance that should be avoided - hence my request for assistance.

 

Finally, any suggestions for a decent steak?

 

Thank you in advance - I do appreciate you taking the time.

 

Yes, many cruisers like to stay in the downtown area to be close to the port which is something I don't understand.

 

South Beach is great if you don't want to rent a car.

 

My favorite steakhouse is Prime 112 in South Beach or even better The Forge in Mid Beach. The Forge is a really cool Miami Beach institution dating back to the 1920s and the mafia. It also has a super hip club attached and I think Wednesday night is the hot night there.

 

Lastly, Smith and Wollensky in South Beach is known for their steaks.

 

I have sentimental reasons why I love The Forge (got engaged there, my sisters rehearsal dinner there) so it is always my first choice.

 

http://www.theforge.com/

 

http://www.smithandwollensky.com/

 

http://www.prime112.com/

 

As far as hotels go, in South Beach The Doubletree Surfcomber, The Shelbourne, The South Seas, and The Marseilles are good moderate hotels in an excellent location. I'm not a fan of Ocean Drive hotels because I like staying on the beach in the Lincoln Road Area.

 

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/MIAOFDT-Doubletree-Surfcomber-Hotel-Miami-South-Beach-Florida/index.do

 

http://www.shelborne.com/

 

http://www.southseashotel.com/

 

http://www.marseilleshotel.com/

 

http://www.lincolnroad.org/