Miami is a wonderful destination in Florida with pristine waters, tons of nightlife, and plenty of hotels to choose from. You can stay on the waterfront or near the airport and still get superior accommodations. Biscayne Bay has lots of water activities while Miami Beach and South Beach are loaded with luxury hotels, top restaurants, and all the bars and hip clubs you could want. Which hotels are the best? Every year the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami gets great reviews. It's located on Brickell Key and works well for business travelers and leisure vacationers. The spa overlooks the key and will definitely relax you while the award-winning restaurants deliver some of the tastiest cuisine around. Rooms start at $250/night and go up to $1000+ (for suites). The location is what makes the Mandarin such a special spot - you are near American Airlines Arena for sporting events, Bayside Market Place, and Miamarina Bayfront park. The Hyatt is just around the corner and is an excellent alternative is you don't have to be right on the water.
Moving on to Miami Beach area, the Loews Miami Beach Hotel is right in the heart of South Beach. Enjoy the beach, pool, cuisine, etc. Loews Miami Beach hotel has modernly furnished guestrooms and suites and many have incredible views overlooking the beaches and water. Room rates are $300+/night but the views and hospitality are worth it. If you would rather be closer to the Miami International Airport, then consider the Hampton Inn & Suites - Miami Airport/Blue Lagoon or the Summerfield Suites - Miami Airport. Both are great options for that early morning flight out of Miami so you don't have to worry about getting to the airport on time. The Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay is a high end hotel in the heart of downtown right on Biscayne Bay. The waterfront accommodations put you footsteps from the Art Deco District and only a few miles from South Beach. There are 580 rooms and 21 suites to choose from (the views of downtown Miami and the water are gorgeous). The Sonesta Bayfront Hotel Coconut Grove is spectacular and has some great bargains compared to the other hotels already mentioned. You can book a room for about $120/night (check their specials).
Miami Vacation Tips, Recommendations, and Advice: Suggestions for a better Trip!:
Miami is a happening city with a notorious nightlife that will keep even the sleepiest of out-of-towners awake until 3 AM with nonstop activities and entertainment. Although some clubs in South Beach are pretty hard to get into, venture out to the streets and people watch. The restaurants offers excellent food (many are expensive) and there are dozens of bars or lounges to get that after dinner drink and relax to the views of the water or city lights. If you have the time, we really suggest trying the Miami Seaquarium, the Miami Duck Tours, an Everglades Tour, or checking out the Miami Art Museum. Gomiamicard.com has some sample itineraries that will guide you through the attractions and let you get in as much as possible without overdoing it. I once drove from Miami down to Key West (just for the day), but it was worth it. Key West is about 4 hours from Miami and it will require a full days trip if you want to see it. The drive is amazing over clear waters and bridges that seem to go on forever.
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