Miami suggestions

longjohnsilver

longjohnsilver

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We will be spending a few days in Miami in May (having stayed with friends on their Nordhavn 63 in Panama for a week), yes, I know, it's going to be a tough week or two, but we're up to the challenge. Anyhow, I expect one or two of you have stayed in Miami, any hotel recommendations, preferably near the beach/marina, and any must do things whilst we're there? And any good seafood places to eat? So much choice on tripadvisor with so many contrasting reviews!
 
I've only used the Embassy Suites hotel near the airport as I usually stay with friends, but its OK for the money. Just head to South Beach to check out the 'nature', there are lots of restaurants around there. Key West is definiteløy worth a trip even if just for a day, rent yourself a convertible and enjoy the fantastic drive along the Overseas Highway, lots of good places to eat around the harbour, would rather be there than Miami IMHO having been there 10 times now. The wife will love any of the large malls if she wants to go shopping, you will probably enjoy it too when you see all the totty walking around in shorts and skimpy tops! I was there over xmas after a cruise and never tire of Florida.
 
Had a great stay at the Eden Roc Miami beach. A long story but shared the place with Massive urban music stars (the men were large too). Tattoos in quite strange places and Hummers that made my boat look tiny.

Also stayed at the Westin Colonade Coral Gables. Not so good. In the end we got the "Presidential suite" on two floors but didn't feel the love.

Coconut Grove is a good area away from Miami beach and there is a Marina there. Had my first Planet Hollywood meal there ages ago. The leather jacket is probably worth more than the trip cost :)

Airport hotels are ok but a bit anonymous and away from the action by 15-20 minutes.


Henry :)
 
Not my favourite place in Florida, but worth a visit. Bottom of South beach there is a fantastic traditional diner. I cant rememebr the name but I could walk you there from memory. But it is well known and you can be driected there. All the restaurants on the front are pretty average I found, move out a bit for good food and relaxed company. Stayed ay =t some hotel last time on the front it was fantastic, chandeliers, 4 restaurants, first class service but at a price circa £350 per night if I remember correctly
 
longjohnsilver said:
And any good seafood places to eat?
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If - like myself - you love king crabs and other similar stuff, and you don't mind eating on rough wooden tables, which you can use also as a base for breaking the claws with a hammer, then don't miss this place: www.rusticinn.com.
Btw, I will also be around FL in May, though I'll stay mainly in Key West and Tampa area.
But I would be more than happy to return to that restaurant, maybe together? If you'll have some spare time and you fancy the idea, just drop me a pm...
 
The keys is great and very laid back but quite a drive so you need a bit of time and I have to say you should go to the Miami beech just to see it even if you dont stay there. BUt its reataurants are all on the sidewalk and they try to get you to come in to eat. I just got so feb up saying no thanks I vew eaten.
 
MapisM said:
If - like myself - you love king crabs and other similar stuff, and you don't mind eating on rough wooden tables, which you can use also as a base for breaking the claws with a hammer, then don't miss this place: www.rusticinn.com.
Btw, I will also be around FL in May, though I'll stay mainly in Key West and Tampa area.
But I would be more than happy to return to that restaurant, maybe together? If you'll have some spare time and you fancy the idea, just drop me a pm...
Click to expand...

Yes I adore sea food but Ft Lauderdale will be too far for us, we've only got 3 nights before our flight home, but happy to meet if timings coincide, we are now planning a few nights in Key Largo and a night at Key West all between May 9 - 12th.
 
What he said! Ocean Drive in South Beach is great for wondering down and reserving a table for later - people watching is fantastic there with a rich variety of people passing by. I stayed in a condo for the Boat show a few years back which was relatively economical and hired a Harley for a couple of days - you must go on an airboat and see some wild alligators - Key West as Spannerman said is worth a side trip for a day and a night if you have time.
 
longjohnsilver said:
Yes I adore sea food but Ft Lauderdale will be too far for us, we've only got 3 nights before our flight home, but happy to meet if timings coincide, we are now planning a few nights in Key Largo and a night at Key West all between May 9 - 12th.
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Aha, I understood you were staying in Miami, and from there it would have been just half an hour or so by car... And well worth it, anyway!
If you're heading South, all the way to Key West, it would have been great to meet there instead.
But I'm afraid I'll be there only in the first week of May, and by the time you'll be around the Keys I'll be in the W coast of FL, near Tampa.
Oh, well, if eventually I will change the schedule, I'll try to give you a shout... Enjoy your stay, anyway.

In the meantime, I must second Deleted User request: a stay in Panama on a N63 and no pics?!?
 
MapisM said:
Aha, I understood you were staying in Miami, and from there it would have been just half an hour or so by car... And well worth it, anyway!
If you're heading South, all the way to Key West, it would have been great to meet there instead.
But I'm afraid I'll be there only in the first week of May, and by the time you'll be around the Keys I'll be in the W coast of FL, near Tampa.
Oh, well, if eventually I will change the schedule, I'll try to give you a shout... Enjoy your stay, anyway.

In the meantime, I must second Deleted User request: a stay in Panama on a N63 and no pics?!?
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I expect we'll take a few pics, might even get to transit the canal depending on timings.

Have a great time there too, is Tampa worth a visit? Only asking in case we decide to return some time...........
 
Oops, I understood you had already been onboard that N63.
After re-reading your OP, I see that you'll go there first, before heading to FL.
Sounds like a great plan indeed - including the canal transit!
Looking forward to a memorable report...

Re. Tampa area, I will tell you more after my trip.
I only drove along that coast once in the past, and at a glance it seemed at least as nice as the E coast, if not nicer...
 
MapisM said:
Oops, I understood you had already been onboard that N63.
After re-reading your OP, I see that you'll go there first, before heading to FL.
Sounds like a great plan indeed - including the canal transit!
Looking forward to a memorable report...

Re. Tampa area, I will tell you more after my trip.
I only drove along that coast once in the past, and at a glance it seemed at least as nice as the E coast, if not nicer...
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HI,
You really should go to have a look round Naples, just a bit further south and off the everglades. Great place well laid out, nice beach even a pier. I go there every year just before Christmas. Love it
 
Yep, I drove through Naples the first time I've been there, but as I said I only drove along that coast and didn't have much time to explore.
Actually, while driving there from Miami, I also made a short diversion to have a look at Marco Island, but I didn't see much more than that.

@ LJS: yep, sorry, I meant as nice (or nicer) than the Eastern coast of FL.
Naples, Tampa, etc. are along the W coast of FL, not of the whole US of course.
Which does make a difference, btw.
Being more a night than an early morning animal, I don't appreciate the sunrise as much as it maybe deserves.
And of course you can only enjoy a drink in front of an ocean sunset if you are along a western coast... :)
 
MapisM said:
Yep, I drove through Naples the first time I've been there, but as I said I only drove along that coast and didn't have much time to explore.
Actually, while driving there from Miami, I also made a short diversion to have a look at Marco Island, but I didn't see much more than that.

@ LJS: yep, sorry, I meant as nice (or nicer) than the Eastern coast of FL.
Naples, Tampa, etc. are along the W coast of FL, not of the whole US of course.
Which does make a difference, btw.
Being more a night than an early morning animal, I don't appreciate the sunrise as much as it maybe deserves.
And of course you can only enjoy a drink in front of an ocean sunset if you are along a western coast... :)
Click to expand...

Bugg@r, seems we're going to the wrong coast!! ;);)
 
LOL, no worries LJS, if you'll go to the Keys you'll enjoy the opportunity to be surrounded by the sea anyway...
In fact, in Key West there's one place along the pier (can't remember the name, but impossible to miss) which is particularly famous for drinks at sunset.
Just walk towards west when you'll be there, that's the last place before a boat is needed to go further... :)
 
Stayed at the Ritz-Carlton, Miami South Beach on Monday. Good location on the corner of Lincoln and 17th St. Has a very nice pool area and it's own beach bar/restaurant. A bit pricey but that's Miami full stop!. This week is Spring Break so full of young adults strutting their stuff. Food and drink on Ocean Drive is expensive for what it is...........better to walk a block or two in from the front to get vfm. If you want to have a laugh do the "Duck" tour........and you will get to see Tiger Woods boat amongst many others. Some awesome vessels moored there currently.
 
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