Suggestions for Weekend on Miami Beach? (1 Viewer)

[satch]

Wife and I decided to plan a "weekend" (4 nights) on Miami beach within a few weeks. We're looking for a really nice, relatively modern, 4/5 star, cool yet casual "luxury" resort directly on the beach. In other words, we want to open our slider and be on the beach, or overlooking the beach from our balcony. We're looking for clean, updated rooms with well manicured surroundings and excellent service where we can relax and have drinks on the beach and by the pool. Need a nice pub/restaurant on the premises, with pool/beach bars of course. We're in our early 40's, so we'd like to avoid the young drunk party crowd scene. Doesn't have to be the most expensive resort on the beach, but definitely not looking for cheap either. Expensive is ok, but not ridiculously so.

The resort we choose would ideally be within walking distance or a short cab ride from restaurants, entertainment, attractions, shopping, etc. A nearby casino (Seminole Hard Rock?) would be nice. Would also be interested in some good blues/jazz clubs worth checking out, and any other recommended attractions, events, excursions, etc.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[fantasycurse42]

From your explanation you might want to check out North Miami/Bal Harbour/Sunny Isles...

Short cab ride to South Beach, but not that young party crowd it sounds like you want to avoid. Also closer to Seminole IIRC.

 

[satch]

From your explanation you might want to check out North Miami/Bal Harbour/Sunny Isles...

Short cab ride to South Beach, but not that young party crowd it sounds like you want to avoid. Also closer to Seminole IIRC.

Will definitely look into those areas, thanks. Just the type of advice I'm looking for.

 

[Brony]

Help Justin find true love with Kelly

 

[Arizona Ron]

From your explanation you might want to check out North Miami/Bal Harbour/Sunny Isles...

Short cab ride to South Beach, but not that young party crowd it sounds like you want to avoid. Also closer to Seminole IIRC.

Agree, avoid South Beach all together.

 

[satch]

From your explanation you might want to check out North Miami/Bal Harbour/Sunny Isles...

Short cab ride to South Beach, but not that young party crowd it sounds like you want to avoid. Also closer to Seminole IIRC.

Agree, avoid South Beach all together.

I appreciate the advice. Even the more expensive high end resorts are overrun by the young party crowd?

 

[Ilov80s]

I have to agree with the avoid SB. You won't find most of the things you are looking for.

 

[The Ref]

If you plan to avoid south beach (I would as well) Id check out hollywood beach or ft lauderdale beach.

Los Olas off of Ft Lauderdale is a real nice area. Lots of great shops and restaurants plus it's right on the beach.

 

[satch]

Looks like Miami beach is a bad idea. Maybe we'll just go back to Turks & Caicos instead. Love it there, just thougt about trying something different.

 

[Da Guru]

Looks like Miami beach is a bad idea. Maybe we'll just go back to Turks & Caicos instead. Love it there, just thougt about trying something different.

My wife and I stayed in North Miami last year. Took a cab to SB a couple of times. Great place to walk around and have a few drinks and people watch but would not want to stay there.

 

[Ilov80s]

Looks like Miami beach is a bad idea. Maybe we'll just go back to Turks & Caicos instead. Love it there, just thougt about trying something different.

There's lots of cool beaches to visit, but SB isn't what you are looking for. Have you been anywhere on the Yucatan? It's paradise and I have been blessed with amazing service everywhere.

 

[satch]

Looks like Miami beach is a bad idea. Maybe we'll just go back to Turks & Caicos instead. Love it there, just thougt about trying something different.

There's lots of cool beaches to visit, but SB isn't what you are looking for. Have you been anywhere on the Yucatan? It's paradise and I have been blessed with amazing service everywhere.

Never been on the Yucatan, will look into it, thanks.

 

[satch]

Looks like Miami beach is a bad idea. Maybe we'll just go back to Turks & Caicos instead. Love it there, just thougt about trying something different.

My wife and I stayed in North Miami last year. Took a cab to SB a couple of times. Great place to walk around and have a few drinks and people watch but would not want to stay there.

Was just looking at the Marriot on Hollywood beach. Seems perfect for what we're looking for. Any thoughts?

 

[Ilov80s]

Looks like Miami beach is a bad idea. Maybe we'll just go back to Turks & Caicos instead. Love it there, just thougt about trying something different.

There's lots of cool beaches to visit, but SB isn't what you are looking for. Have you been anywhere on the Yucatan? It's paradise and I have been blessed with amazing service everywhere.

Never been on the Yucatan, will look into it, thanks.

I have really enjoyed Cancun (go every winter), Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.After re-reading what you said, Cancun is probably the best bet as it has the most to offer in the city and the hotels are all both on the beach and in the city simultaneously since Cancun is basically just one long road.

 

[The Ref]

The Marriot on Ft Lauderdale beach is really nice. One of the best pool/beach setups around.

Not sure about hollywood.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Not on the beach, but this hotel is awesome.

The Anglers - Miami Beach

I really enjoyed being in Miami Beach for 2-3 nights. Any more than that...no thanks.

 

[dal_boys_phan]

If you are considering a place in Yucatan/Playa del Carmen, I'll suggest The Royal. All-inclusive, right on the beach, just off 5th avenue, no kids allowed. Been there six times since it opened back in 2005 - just the right mix of everything you could want in a resort, although now more pricey vs. the preview pricing when it first opened. Royal also gets access to the restaurants across the street at the sister resort that allows families with kids. Only downside is that the beach is not spectacular there, but we normally chair up at the pool and walk the beach so it is a minor issue.

** Edited to add that I am not affiliated with The Royal **

The Royal on TripAdvisor

Website for The Royal

 

[SoBeDad]

If you want to stay in the States, consider Marco, Island, Naples, Ft. Myers Beach, etc. I usually stay in 2 or 3 star places, so I have no personal recommendations for you. Spring break is in progress, so you may want to wait a few weeks to avoid the spring break crowd. In addition, the the peak winter season on the west cost of Florida is Jan - April, so you may want to wait until May to get better prices and avoid the crowds. Shelling, boating, and fishing are great. Or just relaxing from your balcony watching the sunset with a drink in hand.

 

[flapgreen]

I have to agree with the avoid SB. You won't find most of the things you are looking for.

Agreed

 

[Aerial Assault]

We go to Miami every couple of years, but we stay in North Miami Beach, at the Courtyard by Marriott that used to be the Cadillac. It's about as "north" as you can get in North Miami Beach and still be on the water, it's been very recently renovated so everything is very new, the crowd there is definitely not the collection of 20s partygoers that you probably want to avoid, it's very quiet, and yet if you want any of that scene in any dose it's all about 10-15 minutes away at most by cab.

 

[gump]

If you go to Joe's, when you give your name to the maitre'd...Ed...tell him you'll take care of him on the way out and he'll seat you in 15 minutes instead of 2 hours...then give him a $20 on the way out as he waits to say goodbye.

 

[Tiger Fan]

dot

 

[Tiger Fan]

If you plan to avoid south beach (I would as well) Id check out hollywood beach or ft lauderdale beach.

Los Olas off of Ft Lauderdale is a real nice area. Lots of great shops and restaurants plus it's right on the beach.

Are the shops/restaurants w/in walking distance of the hotels. A quick look on the map suggests you might have to cab it a few minutes...which is fine, just curious.

 

[Chaka]

Going to South Beach with the SO over Memorial weekend (staying near 17th & Collins).  Yes we understand it's going to be a zoo.

I am particularly interested in exploring Cuban food.  Essentially I am looking for the Miami Beach/South Beach Cuban food equivalent of what North End Boston is for Italian food.  Is there such a thing?  What other restaurants or must have foods really jump out to you locals?  I had my first lobster roll in Boston and the best cannoli I ever ate (seriously I can't stop thinking about them).  I would love to leave Miami with a similar experience.

Obviously loud drinking parties and clubs will be easy to find but what bout lounge/piano bar type places with a full bar for pre-party gearing up or post-party decompression?

What about just walking around stuff?  Are the art deco tours worth it?  Anything else along those lines?  New World Symphony?  Bass Museum of Art?  Wolfsonian?  Jewish Museum?  Erotic Art Museum?

TIA

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Going to South Beach with the SO over Memorial weekend (staying near 17th & Collins).  Yes we understand it's going to be a zoo.

I am particularly interested in exploring Cuban food.  Essentially I am looking for the Miami Beach/South Beach Cuban food equivalent of what North End Boston is for Italian food.  Is there such a thing?  What other restaurants or must have foods really jump out to you locals?  I had my first lobster roll in Boston and the best cannoli I ever ate (seriously I can't stop thinking about them).  I would love to leave Miami with a similar experience.

Obviously loud drinking parties and clubs will be easy to find but what bout lounge/piano bar type places with a full bar for pre-party gearing up or post-party decompression?

What about just walking around stuff?  Are the art deco tours worth it?  Anything else along those lines?  New World Symphony?  Bass Museum of Art?  Wolfsonian?  Jewish Museum?  Erotic Art Museum?

TIA

Las Olas Cafe  is the real deal.

It is an inexpensive lunch place.

 

[gump]

Going to South Beach with the SO over Memorial weekend (staying near 17th & Collins).  Yes we understand it's going to be a zoo.

I am particularly interested in exploring Cuban food.  Essentially I am looking for the Miami Beach/South Beach Cuban food equivalent of what North End Boston is for Italian food.  Is there such a thing?  What other restaurants or must have foods really jump out to you locals?  I had my first lobster roll in Boston and the best cannoli I ever ate (seriously I can't stop thinking about them).  I would love to leave Miami with a similar experience.

Obviously loud drinking parties and clubs will be easy to find but what bout lounge/piano bar type places with a full bar for pre-party gearing up or post-party decompression?

What about just walking around stuff?  Are the art deco tours worth it?  Anything else along those lines?  New World Symphony?  Bass Museum of Art?  Wolfsonian?  Jewish Museum?  Erotic Art Museum?

You are right on Lincoln Road, which is 5-6 blocks of retail, boutiques, restaurants. bars, coffee shops, etc..running east-west.  You can spend some time strolling there.  The Van Dyke Cafe is in the middle and has a piano bar upstairs.  Also a piano bar on the ground floor of one of the Ocean Drive hotels around 7th...the Majestic or Beacon maybe?

Have a pre-drink by the pool at the Delano.

Redmond mentions the Las Olas not far from there.  Larios is on Ocean and owned by Gloria Estefan.  Stone Crab is still in season and could be the signature food of Miami Beach.  Joe's is deservedly world-famous.  Great bar to hang at while you wait for a table, but tell the Maitre D that you'll take care of him later if he can help with the wait, and he'll shave an hour off...just give him a $20 as you walk out after dinner.

As far as walking around...you can rent a 'city bike' anywhere on the beach and ride all over it.  Go south to the point where you can see Key Biscayne.  Ride north up Ocean. Don't try to go any further north though than around 24th...sidewalks disappear and traffic gets heavy and fast.

 

[Chaka]

Las Olas Cafe  is the real deal.

It is an inexpensive lunch place.

You are right on Lincoln Road, which is 5-6 blocks of retail, boutiques, restaurants. bars, coffee shops, etc..running east-west.  You can spend some time strolling there.  The Van Dyke Cafe is in the middle and has a piano bar upstairs.  Also a piano bar on the ground floor of one of the Ocean Drive hotels around 7th...the Majestic or Beacon maybe?

Have a pre-drink by the pool at the Delano.

Redmond mentions the Las Olas not far from there.  Larios is on Ocean and owned by Gloria Estefan.  Stone Crab is still in season and could be the signature food of Miami Beach.  Joe's is deservedly world-famous.  Great bar to hang at while you wait for a table, but tell the Maitre D that you'll take care of him later if he can help with the wait, and he'll shave an hour off...just give him a $20 as you walk out after dinner.

As far as walking around...you can rent a 'city bike' anywhere on the beach and ride all over it.  Go south to the point where you can see Key Biscayne.  Ride north up Ocean. Don't try to go any further north though than around 24th...sidewalks disappear and traffic gets heavy and fast.

Thanks fellas.  I appreciate it.  

Am I going to want to do serious bodily harm to the drunk 20 somethings?  Is it really all that bad, like Bourbon Street bad? Or more like "Get those darn teenagers off my lawn" bad?

 

[Judge Smails]

Rent a small dog so you'll fit in

 

[Chaka]

Las Olas Cafe  is the real deal.

It is an inexpensive lunch place.

  Sounds like a money making business opportunity.

We have two French Bulldogs, unfortunately they aren't coming with us. :(

 

[Major]

Cosign with the Delano rec.  Love the pool and atmosphere there.  Just be prepared for SoBe prices.  I remember the initial sticker shock of paying $25 for a mojito.  In Miami they charge you tax and gratuity on every drink.  

 

[Major]

Thanks fellas.  I appreciate it.  

Am I going to want to do serious bodily harm to the drunk 20 somethings?  Is it really all that bad, like Bourbon Street bad? Or more like "Get those darn teenagers off my lawn" bad?

Nothing like Bourbon St.  More reserved.  Lots of beautiful people.  Love all the latinas.  Definitely an air of arrogance that you don't have to deal with in places like Nola.  

 

[gump]

Nothing like Bourbon St.  More reserved.  Lots of beautiful people.  Love all the latinas.  Definitely an air of arrogance that you don't have to deal with in places like Nola.  

Yea, it's more the Euro and Latin tourists that get a little annoying, but nothing like NOLA.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

You are right on Lincoln Road, which is 5-6 blocks of retail, boutiques, restaurants. bars, coffee shops, etc..running east-west.  You can spend some time strolling there.  The Van Dyke Cafe is in the middle and has a piano bar upstairs.  Also a piano bar on the ground floor of one of the Ocean Drive hotels around 7th...the Majestic or Beacon maybe?

Have a pre-drink by the pool at the Delano.

Redmond mentions the Las Olas not far from there.  Larios is on Ocean and owned by Gloria Estefan.  Stone Crab is still in season and could be the signature food of Miami Beach.  Joe's is deservedly world-famous.  Great bar to hang at while you wait for a table, but tell the Maitre D that you'll take care of him later if he can help with the wait, and he'll shave an hour off...just give him a $20 as you walk out after dinner.

As far as walking around...you can rent a 'city bike' anywhere on the beach and ride all over it.  Go south to the point where you can see Key Biscayne.  Ride north up Ocean. Don't try to go any further north though than around 24th...sidewalks disappear and traffic gets heavy and fast.

Larios was fine. I wasn't blown away by it, but it was an enjoyable enough place that we have eaten there twice. 

Havana 1957 is another good Cuban place. It is more expensive and more of a sit down place than Las Olas, but isn't on the zoo that is Ocean Drive. Espanola street is cool too.

La Parrilla Liberty isn't Cuban, it's Argentine, but it is a pretty darn good and fairly reasonably priced casual Argentine grill that is in the same neighborhood as Las Olas. 

 

[Chemical X]

stayed recently at ritz on key biscayne.  going again this year another 4 nites.  might fit The Bill.....We did The comfort you package.

 

[Chaka]

Awesome.  Thanks guys.  Keep it coming if you have anything else.

 

[gump]

Any suggestions for dinner on Lincoln Road?  Yardbird?  Cvi.Che?  Mister O1?  Huahua's?  Tiramesu?

 

[GoBirds]

Guys curious if there is any part of Miami that is good for a more laid back weekend away early March or if that doesn't exist there? It's such a convenient flight for us but the 2 times I've been I'm the only dude without a tight black shirt on and hair gel. I just want to hang on the beach/pool and cruise around in flops/boarshorts/polo and get good food and not listen to techno........any suggestions or not happening?

We usually hit Harbor Beach Marriott in Lauderdale but being 1st weekend in March I worry Spring Break creatures will be creeping out there worse than Miami. I guess driving up to West Palm also an option but that's getting close to the range of suck it up and get a connecting flight.

 

[gump]

South to Key Largo or Islamorada. It’s not far from downtown Miami really and there are some really cool spots on the east side.

 

[GoBirds]

South to Key Largo or Islamorada. It’s not far from downtown Miami really and there are some really cool spots on the east side.

The Ol Lady likes some spa time, which of those has higher end resorts or do both? I’ve only driven through to Key West. 

 

[TheWalkmen]

Guys curious if there is any part of Miami that is good for a more laid back weekend away early March or if that doesn't exist there? It's such a convenient flight for us but the 2 times I've been I'm the only dude without a tight black shirt on and hair gel. I just want to hang on the beach/pool and cruise around in flops/boarshorts/polo and get good food and not listen to techno........any suggestions or not happening?

We usually hit Harbor Beach Marriott in Lauderdale but being 1st weekend in March I worry Spring Break creatures will be creeping out there worse than Miami. I guess driving up to West Palm also an option but that's getting close to the range of suck it up and get a connecting flight.

SE FL = liberal, young, thongs on the beach, diverse, etc

SW FL = conservative, older, one piece bathing suits, very white, etc

I did stay at the diplomat in Hollywood, FL, this year, and was impressed with the hotel. Great pool areas and decent restaurants in the hotel and nearby.

 

[GoBirds]

SE FL = liberal, young, thongs on the beach, diverse, etc

SW FL = conservative, older, one piece bathing suits, very white, etc

I did stay at the diplomat in Hollywood, FL, this year, and was impressed with the hotel. Great pool areas and decent restaurants in the hotel and nearby.

Was curious about Hollywood, the one time we drove it seemed older so their are some nicer options?

 

[GoBirds]

South Beach is not for me, could anyone give a quick summary of how Mid Beach and North Beach compare and where to draw the line if looking for more of a relaxing time in March but hopefully still some restaurants nearby?

ETA thinking about Acqualina for the weekend up north in Sunny Isle Beach anyone stayed up that way?