The last time I actually stayed in South Beach, I was about 7 years old. I have fond memories of the Eden Roc and my dad wearing a gold dinner jacket looking like Mack the Knife! Well, my dad hasn't changed all that much-he's still a dapper dresser and he still loves to party. Miami, however, has changed significantly. I had the opportunity to explore for a few days recently and here are some suggestions if you are visiting. Five days is plenty!
Take a walk up and down Collins Avenue. Stop in at these hotels for a peek in their lobbies and go around back to check out their pools.
Loew's-which has a pretty fishtank in its lobby. That's the extent of what is nice.
Delano-pretty seedy in my estimation. Stuck in the 70's look. Needs revamping. Lunch at Bianco was
fair, but a pretty setting overlooking the pool. Nighttime-you cannot get into the club unless you
are famous or know someone at the door.
Settai- by far the nicest hotel I have seen in a while. Check out the courtyard filled with water and
trees-you are transported to another country at night. The decor of the bar and the ceiling of the
restaurant is beyond amazing. Rooms start around $900/night. Go for drinks!
Fountainbleau- loved the lobby. They have kept this hotel's original shell and updated everything. The
bar in the lobby is amazing. The club "Liv" is fabulous. The restaurant, Hakkasan, is the
best Asian restaurant in Miami. And the pool is such a fun scene. This is where I would
want to stay without children OR with grandchildren! So many restaurants and things to
do for everyone.
Eden Roc-also has been redone and has a lovely lobby. didn't explore there.
Claridge-looked charming from the outside and a bit more reserved/and smaller than the others.
Perry Street- used to be the Gansevoort but became Perry Street. this is hip and cool, like the Delano.
Walk back along the boardwalk which is so scenic along the ocean.
Talk a walk on Lincoln Road. The first half closer to Collins Ave is honky tonk and horrid. Go down a
few blocks and there are lovely stores and courtyard restaurants. It's commercial, but fun for a few
hours of shopping and eating.
FYI-if you need a hair salon, at 1674 Meridian Ave.(off Lincoln Road), there is a salon called seandonaldson hair which will discount 20% on your first visit. They were very good.
Espanola Way-gorgeous street with flowering vines and restaurant. so much nicer than Lincoln Road and you feel transported to Positano for a moment!
Take a cab to the Design Area. It is around 40th Street and NE 2nd Ave.
The stores are magnificent. Each store is a feast for your eyes. Furniture, tile,lighting, and accessories are exquisite-the manner they display their merchandise is scintillating.....Each store is like a gallery filled with fine pieces,usually quite modern. Interspersed are lovely little restaurants and stores. Check out a men's store called Duncan Quinn and ask for Grady. There is a branch also in NYC-it is absolutely beautiful! This is located at 4040 NE 2nd Ave.
Then for the women-hit Tommy Turchin jewelry at 130 NE 40th St. It is beautiful bead and stone creations, antique prayer boxes, lariats, rings, etc. The designers are a husband and wife team-worth a look. very pretty things...
Have a dinner at Barton G's on West Street. Food is good, but presentation is spectacular. You eyeball everything that passes you by and want to try it all. Another really fun spot for kids or adults. Then check out the Versace Mansion that Barton G's has taken over as an event space-it is supposedly very cool!
Finally-for a quarter, you can ride the Washington Street bus all the way down to the pier. Rent bikes
or walk along the water. You can see Fisher Island, the cruise ships, beautiful parks to relax in, and have a drink at Smith and Wollensky by the water. Or, ride your bikes into town and stop at News Cafe
for a snack-always a happening spot.
And if you are still hungry at 3am, stop in at Washington Diner on 11th Street for fresh roasted turkey sandwich-they roast their turkey all day and they are open 24 hours! If you like diners-this is a must!
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