Wednesday, April 6, 2011

South Beach Luxury Hotels

South Beach Luxury Hotels combine all the comforts of home with the luxury of staying in a hotel. Stretching from 1st Street to Lincoln Road, South Beach is one of the unique areas in Miami Beach, encompassing some of the most famous commercial areas such as Alton Road, Collins Avenue, Collins Avenue, Espanola Way, Ocean Drive, and Washington Avenue. Its unmatched natural beauty and panoramic coastal environment make it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Florida.

South Beach Luxury Hotels include four-and five-star hotels. Delano Resort Hotel, Ritz Carlton Hotel, Shelborne Beach Resort, Shore Club Resort Hotel, The Tides Hotel, and Loews Miami Beach Hotel are among the premier luxury hotels in South Beach. Their fees generally range from $350 to $1,000 per day. Discounts are available during off-season and other special occasions.

Most of the luxury hotels in South Beach are housed within historic buildings, and are noted for their architectural splendor, reflecting art deco, garden, modern, and streamline styles. A luxury hotel in South Beach generally includes facilities such as business centers, fitness centers, pools, spas, and well-manicured gardens. Some of the amenities available in the rooms and suites of a luxury hotel are high-speed Internet access, ironing facilities, well-stocked mini bars, stylish furnishings, and quality linens. Gyms, round-the-clock room service, valet parking, and laundry and dry cleaning are among the services commonly available. Further, the restaurants within the hotels serve a wide range of mouth-watering cuisines.

Almost all South Beach Luxury Hotels organize trips, and provide opportunities to enjoy an array of activities such as fishing, golf, shopping, snorkeling, sun bathing, and walking. Further, these hotels are just a few blocks from the area’s major attractions including Collins Park, Flamingo Park, Holocaust Museum, and Opium Garden.


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Holidaying in Miami

The first thing you’ll notice about Miami is how clean, large, and lively it is. There’s barely any trash on the streets, barely any graffiti, and everywhere looks clean and relatively new. The roads are massive, the buildings big and lively in appearance, and there is a real energy about the area.

Miami has everything you could want, from the lively Oceans Drive where you’ll find a host of bars and restaurants, to the beach which is rarely packed, allowing you to soak up the sun in silence, and dip into the ocean to cool off. There’s Jungle Island which hosts a variety of wildlife, as does Metro Zoo, Miami’s two main zoo’s. If you wish to relax in the warmth, you can arrange a boat tour which will show you around the town, allowing you to view the mansions owned by the many celebrities who live locally, as well as the spectacular views of the region.

There are many famous shops on the road that link off Ocean’s drive for those looking to do a bit of shopping, some of the famous stores include Ralph Lauren and Armani. Even the clubbers are catered for, thanks to Washington Avenue which hosts Miami South Beach’s major clubs. Collins Avenue is also another street which is worth a mention, due to it’s many popular shops making it a great area in which to find a great purchase. Whatever you wish for, whether to relax, party, eat, or sight see, Miami has everything in abundance. Whatever you wish to do in Miami, take care, and make sure you wear your sunscreen.


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5 Best Nightclubs to Visit in Miami, Florida

Some of the best nightclubs in America can be found in the city of Miami. The city’s bustling nightlife hotspots are famous for great music, dancing and all-night parties. Here are some of the best nightclubs in Miami.

1. Mansion – Mansion is situated in a refurbished art deco theatre on Miami’s Washington Avenue. This multilevel club boasts numerous dance areas, VIP areas and excellent bars. Mansion is considered to be the best place to go to spot famous hip-hop personalities and models.

2. Cameo – Cameo is one of the most well known clubs in the South Beach area. This modern nightclub is known for hosting a variety of events including rock concerts and dance parties featuring famous DJs from around the world. Cameo is located on Washington Avenue, Miami.

3. Nikki Beach – Nikki Beach is an outdoor club situated directly by the sea. The establishment is a top-notch restaurant by day and a busy dance club by night. Located on Miami’s Ocean Drive, Nikki Beach is a beautiful venue for dance parties and concerts.

4. Mynt Lounge – Mynt Lounge is a popular hangout for celebrities, models, rock stars, actors and TV personalities. This establishment is one of the most exclusive nightclubs in the city. Mynt Lounge has a bar that serves almost every conceivable beverage and a dance floor that is usually filled with enthusiastic and fun-loving partygoers.

5. Nocturnal – Nocturnal is a nightclub located in Miami’s 11th Street. This establishment is a multi-level nightclub with three floors full of ultra-modern rooms, dance floors and bars. The club is also known for using the very latest in club technology featuring high-tech audio and video systems. Nocturnal is also a popular venue for DJ performances and parties.

A lot of people also forget about Fort Lauderdale which is another fantastic location for nightclubbing in the Miami and Metro Dade area. The sea front at Fort Lauderdale has been rejuvenated in recent years and there are a number of excellent places to hang out on the waterfront and on the Intra Coastal waterway. Fort Lauderdale is roughly 10 Km’s North of Miami.

If you are just looking for a drink and some life music then the Coconut Grove area and also Collins Avenue area of Miami are also worth considering if you want to have a few drinks before heading to the Miami nightclubs for a good night.


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Luxury Hotels in Miami – The Best Hotels in South Beach

South Beach, known colloquially as SOBE, is like nowhere else. Trend-setting, affluent and vibrant, it has a distinct up-market Latino flavor. White sand and azure ocean beneath a cloudless sunny sky, the eclectic mix of pastel Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive, beautiful people strolling arm in arm in the latest fashions, this is what South Beach is all about. It is an escape from reality, at least for the time you are there! Once the home of drug barons and Mafioso, it is now an idyllic retreat for the rich and famous, as well as the migratory flock of snowbirds who return year in, year out.

Along with the palm-fringed beachfront, South Beach offers fabulous designer shopping from Lincoln Road to name-dropping Collins Avenue. Armani, Kenneth Cole, Benetton, Sephora, Ralph Lauren, Diesel….they can all be found here on these narrow streets. After dark, restaurants, bars and nightclubs buzz with music and you pay more for valet parking than most people would pay for cocktails, but hey, there is only one South Beach! See and be seen is the name of the game. After dining out in style at one of the many Michelin starred restaurants such as the lovely Casa Tua, or Palme d’Or, walk though romantic Lummus Park beneath the stars and then retire to your chosen luxury hotel for a nightcap in the bar.

Once again there are too many wonderful hotels to list, even on the short stretch of Ocean Drive. If you are looking for Art Deco inspiration consider the newly renovated Hotel Victor, right next door to Casa Casuarina, better known as the Versace Mansion. This delightful boutique hotel in Miami has retained some of its finest Art Deco features in the extensive lobby and bar. Right on the beach is the Raleigh, which has retained all its 1920s charm including the uniquely shaped swimming pool. With designer shops at the front, and the boardwalk and beach to the rear, everything is conveniently close by. Rather more hip and trendy but one block back from the beach is the Shore Club Miami, a true celebrity hang-out. Designer-cool rooms by British designer David Copperfield, and managed by Ian Schrager, creator of the boutique hotel genre, this contemporary style hotel is a far cry from the 1930s in which it was built. The Casa Grande is quite the opposite.This refined luxury hotel invites guests to truly relax and feel at home. Last but certainly not least, checkout the Pelican; owned by Diesel it is a temple to OTT decor and zany fashion. Wherever you choose to stay you are unlikely to be spending long within its four walls.


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A Sneak Peak at the New W South Beach – WOW

Last week I had the opportunity to get a “sneak peak” tour of the new W South Beach, which is scheduled to open on July 4th, 2009. I have a client that purchased one of the amazing beach houses, complete with a private rooftop plunge pool, outdoor shower and even an outdoor summer kitchen. He arranged a tour for me last week and asked me to snap a few photos.

Wow! It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful properties I have ever seen in Miami. In case you don’t know about this high profile project, the W South Beach is located just north of the Setai, on 22nd street and Collins Avenue. This oceanfront resort is not only a super lux hotel, but is also being sold as a condo-hotel. This means, unit owners have the option of putting their unit into the hotel program, which allows management to lease it out while you are not using it.

From the moment you walk into the lobby, you can just tell that the developers went all out. The design, furniture, artwork and even the doors are amazing. This is a full service luxury resort complete with restaurants, bars, nightclubs, spa, etc. and from just being there for a few moments, I know it is destined to be the hottest spot in town. Everything was done in the best taste and it looked very expensive…which it is.

As I walked out onto the pool deck I noticed how well everything was designed. There is a huge infinity-edge pool with great landscaping and multiple seating areas. What really stood out though, was how well the outdoor space was laid out. It didn’t seem too cramped, like you might find at some of the other resorts here in South Beach. Keep in the mind the pool furniture wasn’t set up yet, so I am basing this only on what I saw at the time. And the fact that the pool is also on the ground level, allows for easy direct beach access. This is a huge plus.

After the tour of the pool, I was allowed access into my client’s unit. The minute I opened the front door, I was impressed. White washed wood floors, oversized white spiral staircase and direct views of the Atlantic Ocean. The contrast of the white room and the turquoise water was beautiful and it had a very tropical feeling to it. The interior was a little on the small side with just over 790 sq.ft. of indoor living space. It is an oversized studio and consists of one large open living space and does not have a full size kitchen. But, it does have over 1,000 square feet of terraces and for those of you that live here, you know that we locals spend most of our time outdoors anyways.

The outdoor space was spectacular. There are two huge terraces, both of which are direct oceanfront. The downstairs terrace has an outdoor shower and designer furniture, most of which has not been delivered yet. The upstairs terrace was huge and had a small plunge pool, summer kitchen and lots of seating areas. On top of this, you looked directly over the pool so you can always see the action below.

While this may not be suitable as a long-term residence, it is perfect as a weekend getaway spot or bachelor pad. My client actually bought this unit for this exact reason.

Overall, the new W South Beach is amazing and I cannot wait to see it when it is complete. If you are interested in learning more about this property or would like to see more of my photos, please send me an email. Thanks- Josh


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Florida Hotels & Vacation Ideas For Unforgettable Getaways

With pristine beaches and the breathtaking Florida Everglades, plus thrilling theme parks and pulsing nightlife, Florida is an unforgettable vacation destination for families and grownups alike. And whether you’re looking for Florida hotels in the heart of Orlando or Miami – or a more secluded spot for quiet relaxation – you’ll find everything you’re looking for in the perfect getaway.

Not sure where to go for the type of experience you’re after? No problem! Just browse the vacation ideas below and start planning your stay.

Outdoor Fun
o Beaches. From the white sands of Fort Walton Beach to the wave less waters of Smathers Beach in Key West, surfing at Sebastian Inlet to shelling on Sanibel Island near Fort Myers, basking in the sun is a Florida tradition.
o Wildlife. Whether you’re visiting John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in the Florida Keys, looking for black bears in Wekiwa Springs State Park near Orlando or catching a glimpse of manatees at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, with conveniently located Florida hotels, you can plan an unforgettable wildlife adventure.
o Everglades National Park. Stretching across almost one-and-one-half million acres of South Florida wilderness, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness area in the U.S. and features hiking and canoe trails, along which you can spot alligators, turtles, rare species of birds, stunning plant life and more.
Theme Parks & Family-friendly Fun
o Theme Parks. SeaWorld, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando & Busch Gardens are all located in the Orlando area and offer everything from death-defying rides to educational experiences. And whether you’re traveling with children or just want to play like a kid again, these are great places to relax and let go.
o Lowry Park Zoo. Named “the #1 zoo in America” by both Parents magazine and Child magazine, this kid-friendly attraction features more than 2,000 animals on 56 acres of natural habitats, including Asian Gardens, the Manatee and Aquatic Center, the Native Florida Wildlife Center, and more. Plus, with rides, two water play areas and family-friendly events, it’s a great place for kids of all ages.
o Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Home to NASA’s launch headquarters, this one-of-a-kind attraction lets you embark on your own Shuttle Launch Experience, relive historic missions and even offers the chance to watch a live shuttle launch. (If you can’t get passes for the shuttle launch, many Florida hotels in the area offer outside lounge areas where you can get a peek at history in the making.
Nightlife
o South Beach, Miami. For pulsing night clubs, chic restaurants and cocktails that never end, hit Ocean Drive or Collins Avenue and discover how the other half lives.
o Key West. When the sun goes down, visitors and locals alike flock to The Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, where the evening’s merriment begins. Afterward, head to Duval Street and explore the Keys’ bar and restaurant district – which features a host of entertainment options, all within walking distance of each other.
o West Palm Beach. With a mid-century trolleybus that circles between CityPlace and Clematis Street, it’s easy to explore the dozens of restaurants, bars and clubs in the area. And with weekly events, like Clematis By Night, which offers live music and entertainment, it’s the best place in the city to kick up your heels.


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Reasons to Visit Miami, Florida This Holiday Season

Miami is a popular tourist destination known for its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and exciting nightlife. Located in the south-eastern Florida, the city’s importance in international media, arts, entertainment, commerce, and business ranks it as a “global city” along with New York, London, Hong Kong, and Moscow. Miami is also the home base of many cruise lines and the Port of Miami accommodates the biggest volume of cruise ships in the world. Here are a few reasons why you should visit Miami, Florida.

Miami is home to many art museums, and sightseers to the city will enjoy a visit to Miami’s many museums such as the Frost Art Museum, Bass Museum of Art, and Lowe Art museum to view both ancient and modern works of art. Animal lovers may go to Miami Metro Zoo, Jungle Island, and Miami Seaquarium to see animals from places such as Asia, Africa, and Australia.

The city is a haven for sun worshippers and water sports enthusiasts. Haulover Beach Park is just one of the many beaches where people can engage in surfing and windsurfing. This beach is also known for nude sunbathing.

If your budget allows, visitors may also sign up for tours around the city. The world’s first Storytelling Car and GoCar GPS Tours offer a more fun and quirky way to travel around Miami. Tourists are regaled with stories and the history of the city while travelling in an open air, two-person scooter car. Guests can determine the pace of their tours.

After learning about the rich history and experiencing the diverse culture of Miami, one may indulge in a little retail therapy. The stores that line up along Collins Avenue cater to the tastes and budget of every shopper. Vacationers may also wine and dine in the restaurants on Lincoln Road in South Beach. The city is also known for its luxurious spas, and one may visit a spa hotel such as The Standard Miami for a day of relaxation and pampering.

No trip to Miami would be complete without a visit to any of the city’s upscale hotel clubs or independent bars. Revellers must be prepared to spend some money and have the time of their lives.

Visitors may travel by plane, train, or automobile, depending on their point of origin. Miami is too large to explore by foot, and travellers may use the well-developed public transport system to see more of the city.


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Cheap South Beach Hotels

Cheap South Beach Hotels provide fantastic deals to cater to your vacation needs, offering accommodations near popular locations at discounted rates. South Beach is regarded as the most visited part of Miami Beach. It stretches from 1st street to Lincoln Road, covering some of the most vibrant commercial areas such as Alton Road, Collins Avenue, Espanola Way, Ocean Drive, and Washington Avenue. South Beach consists of an eclectic mix of boutique-style hotels, colorful shopping areas, gourmet restaurants, and historic buildings.

South Beach has accommodation options ranging from luxury to budget hotels. Hotel Nash, New Clinton Hotel and Spa, Boulevard Hotel, Indian Creek Hotel, and the Clay Hotel are among the hotels providing accommodation at cheap rates. Usually, cheap South Beach hotels feature single rooms, double rooms, or family rooms, at affordable rates ranging from $70 to $250. Sometimes rates include car rental and tour packages. Air conditioning, ceiling fans, refrigerators, satellite television, and telephones with voice mail are the amenities in the hotel rooms. Guests can also enjoy facilities including business centers, dining areas, fitness centers, lounges, saunas, and ample parking spaces.

Some of the cheap South Beach hotels such as the Clay Hotel are affiliated with the Hostelling International (HI) – one of the largest networks of budget hostel accommodations in the nation. Some cheap South Beach hotels provide four to six bed dorm rooms with all amenities including air conditioning and private bathrooms.

Most of the cheap South Beach hotels are within walking distance to the area’s major attractions such as the Bass Museum of Art, Everglades Alligator Farm, Flamingo Park, Holocaust Museum, Opium Garden, Pro Player Stadium, and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.


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Spring Break – Sunbathe, Dine, and Dance the Night Away

With spring right around the corner, it’s time to put away the winter gloves and coats and dust off the suntan lotion and binoculars. To be sure, there’s nothing like being able to soak up rays and refresh in the swimming pool following one of the most intense winter seasons on record – more than 60% of the U.S. was reportedly blanketed in snow earlier this year. That being said, it’s no surprise travelers are more than ready to hit up picturesque beaches, fine restaurants and lively nightclubs in Miami, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and other spring break hot spots as the weather heats up. Read on for a taste of what awaits you at these meccas for fun, sun and much more.

Party in Miami

Known for its pearly white sand beaches and booming nightlife scene, everything about South Beach oozes fun and vibrancy. Fashion shoots and star-studded events are standard here, thus earning Miami a reputation as an oasis for the fashion forward. Shopping options are endless, from the popular Dolphin Mall in Doral to fine boutiques on Ocean Drive to a wide collection of stylish designer stores in the heart of the Collins Avenue Fashion District. Then there’s scores of chic, Art Deco hotels nestled on South Beach, each within minutes of the city’s hippest attractions. Among them are the trendy Whitelaw Hotel; Hotel Chelsea, an Art Deco fixture since 1936; the Beach Paradise Hotel, whose design was inspired by Spanish mansions of old; and the Deauville Beach Resort, which over the years has attracted the likes of celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

Let Loose in Los Angeles

I’d be remiss to discuss Los Angeles shopping and nightlife without highlighting Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. The former includes world-famous Rodeo Drive, a shopping district famous for its upscale boutiques and shops. Passing through West Hollywood is the Sunset Strip, an area where colorful and expansive billboards are easy to find, as are various restaurants, nightclubs, and – if you’re lucky enough – a celebrity or two. Like Miami, Los Angeles is a playground for beachgoers as thousands flock to Venice Beach, among the city’s other sizzling beaches, to catch some rays or hang ten. Hotel Angeleno – a Joie de Vivre Hotel – and Hotel Beverly Terrace, two boutique properties in close proximity to Beverly Hills and Hollywood, make great places to unwind after a day of non-stop action in SoCal.

Live it up in Las Vegas

Dazzling lights and an ever-festive ambiance make Las Vegas a popular vacation hot spot year year-round, and spring break is certainly no exception. With scores of famous casinos, towering hotels, fine shops and renowned restaurants, it’s no surprise the city has been dubbed “The Entertainment Capital of the World.” Most of the world-famous Strip’s best shows and attractions are found on the resort properties that line it. Take Stratosphere Casino, Hotel and Tower. Aside from boasting the largest observation tower in the United States, it proves that Florida and California are far from the only places for theme park thrills. Guests can enjoy heart-pounding rides including X-Scream and Insanity, both of which propel you anywhere from 27 to 64 feet over the edge of the Tower. Racing aficionados will love Speed – The Ride, a state-of-the-art roller coaster at Sahara Hotel and Casino’s Nascar Cafe Entertainment Center. If your idea of fun involves getting wet, guests should not miss Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, a Four-Diamond Award winner each year since 1977. The Tank is a $30 million complex featuring a shark tank, private cabanas and an exhilarating 3-story waterslide.

Tour NYC’s Stellar Attractions

Though New York City likely won’t sit atop your list of top beach destinations anytime soon, it nonetheless has enough attractions to keep travelers, no matter their age, well-entertained over the course of spring break. Catch a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, photograph the Statue of Liberty, watch a show on Broadway, tour the Museum of Modern Art, spend an afternoon unwinding at Central Park, or delight your palate at one of Chinatown’s many fine restaurants. Your options for things to do and places to see are endless. Within walking distance of these attractions is the Belvedere Hotel, an Art Deco style hotel that features a state-of-the-art fitness center and popular Rodizio-style steakhouse, Churrascaria Plataforma. Other notable properties include Affinia Shelburne at Lexington Avenue and the Eastgate Tower Hotel in Murray Hill.

Explore Europe

If you’re looking to break out of your usual routine and travel abroad for spring break this year, you’ll find a wealth of fun things to do and landmark attractions to gawk at in Europe. Among travelers’ favorites: the Louvre and always-striking Eiffel Tower in Paris, the historic Coliseum in Rome, and Museumplein, a spacious square along which four museums are set in art-rich Amsterdam. If you’d rather be doing something a bit more lively, each city hosts tons of exciting events year-round and features plenty of nightclubs, shops, restaurants and sporting venues to suit different tastes. Properties to check out include Villa Eugenie and Tonic Hotel Du Louvre, two of Paris’ finest; Hotel Savoy and the Ripa Hotel, two four-star gems in Rome; and Grand Hotel Amrath, a 5-star masterpiece nestled in the historic heart of Amsterdam.


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Wandering in Miami’s South Beach

A vacation isn’t a vacation unless one escapes the irritants of ownable life. Because really, where traveling is concerned, is that not what a temporary interlude is for? To run off to new reality and discover a hidden existence from apart from daily trifling. To discover there is more to the person than just making breakfast for the kids or working a 9 to 5 job. Traveling light is ascertaining there is MORE to life than what meets the budget or the eye.

To travel lightly has a lot of advantages, more so on the sanity of the person. It is to appreciate the beauty of the culture without literal and emotional baggage to carry around, half of which you don’t even need for a carefree jaunt. More than that, one will not be forced to take expensive accommodations because some form of protection is needed for all those material things.

The famed city of sun and sand, Miami, is a Bohemian respite. Do not expect another Soho or even a quaint San Francisco. There are no people in heels or expensive suits although this is not brought about by any lack of such whatsoever. Even if the place is one of the richest commercial beach towns, there are no airs of uptightness. Miami has energy in itself, albeit surprisingly calm amidst the cosmopolitan. South Beach is a myriad of skin, slip-ons, shorts, suntan lotion and more skin. In a place where nudity is pride, the laidback atmosphere will make a beach trip more than just visual pleasure.

South Beach is home to 7 miles of beach area where the traveler can engage in what philosophers refer to as ‘necessary boredom’. Swimming is a must, as is walking through the coastline, eating in the several seaside restaurants with access to affordable seafood, talking to pet owners or chess players, actively crisscrossing along with the thousands of bikes and rollerblades or just sitting by the coast with book and iPod ready.

If tired of the constant sunshine, go through Ocean Drive, home to the once infamous Art Deco Buildings of high crime rates. This only adds to the mysticism of the now historic area though. Don’t take a guided tour. Instead, stroll through the streets of Ocean Drive, 18th Street and Collins Avenue as if you had all the time in the world. Everywhere you go anyway, you’re sure to bound into one of the over 800 historic places in the district. The Streamline Moderne, a dominant area in the Art Deco style, is prominently evident in the Cardozo and Avalon Hotels. One can also visit the Wolfsonian-FIU museum, a fascinating display collection of the modern era.

Planning the trip on December? You might even chance upon the Art Basel Miami Beach, a display from almost 200 leading art galleries and over 1,500 artists. If not, there are still several public displays for artistic consumption whatever month you’re planning to travel.

Lincoln Road is also a great cultural sightsee even without visiting shops, boutiques and cafes. The on-street performance artists are constant wonders for tourists and locals alike. Lincoln road now reflects what architects dub as ‘MiMo’ or Miami Modern Architecture. The road itself was redesigned and is now home to concert halls, bars and restaurants but these shouldn’t be the main sightsee to a conscious traveler. Instead, go to Lincoln Theatre where a Frank-Gehry designed space can be seen. The theatre has a constant stream of upcoming artists whose performances are considered steals for such talents. For as little as $10 to $30, the traveler can now have access to Comedy Festivals, Indian Dance Festivals and Film festivals.

Even without paying, Lincoln Road can provide eye candy by going through galleries and studios for new artists at the Art Center South Florida.


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Miami All Year Round

Ranked as the nation’s healthiest city in 2002 by the Natural Health Magazine, Miami has become the most in demand recreational destination all over the world. It has a long stretch of sand beaches, clear ocean water, and a mild climate all year round.

Several of Miami attractions include the oldest surviving lighthouse in Florida, Everglades National Park, Jungle Island, and the oldest horse racing track in Hialeah Park. There’s also the Miami Beach Convention Center where the Miami Boat show is annually held, and the Historical Museum of Southern Florida.

A lot of beaches offer water activities like, parasailing, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, windsurfing, and jet skiing. They also have sports facilities for tennis and golf. You can also choose from a variety of outdoor activities that include wall and rock climbing, biking and skating.

When in Miami, don’t miss the city’s year-round events like international ballet festival, car auto show, antique show, and wine festival.

There are many affordable accommodations you can find around Miami.

Newport Beachside Hotel and Resort
Located in Collins Avenue, this 12-storey hotel in Miami has 311 non-smoking rooms, each with marble bathrooms, separate living space, tropical decor, microwaves, iron with boards, mini refrigerator, coffeemaker, hair dryer, safe boxes.

This hotel features water sports area, a beauty salon, fitness center, beach playground, children’s activity center, business center and meeting rooms, as well as a hot tub and golf course. They also let you bring your pets.

This hotel is near Miami and Ft. Lauderdale International Airports as well as business establishments like Bal Harbour Shops and Aventura Mall. This is also close to the Miami Convention Center and Miami Arena.

Newport Beachside hotel has dining options for you to choose from namely Ocean reef cafe, Coconuts pools bar, Cappuccinos’ Cuisine and the hotel’s very own Kitchen 305.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Miami Lakes
This is located at 7925 NW 154th Street Miami Lakes, Florida. This newly renovated hotel has 97 rooms, 5 suites and is housed in a 4- storey building. Room amenities include a microwave, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, refrigerator, coffee maker, phones, and cable television with Nintendo games.

It also features a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, and meeting facilities with internet.

This is near the Miami international airport and has an easy access to shopping malls like Pembroke Pines Mall, Westland Mall, Aventura, Dolphin, and the Okeechobee Flea Market.

You can make arrangements with their cordial staffs to have a city tour. Tourists can visit Pro Player Stadium, Hialeah Race Track, and the Miami Seaquarium, Monkey Jungle nearby. It is also near the famous north and south Miami beaches.

La Quinta Inn also provides dining options like Tony Roma’s, Outback Steakhouse, Latin American Grill, and Brothers of Brooklyn.

Indian Creek Hotel
This hotel is at 2727 Indian Creek Drive, Miami Beach, Florida. It features 61 air-conditioned rooms with 6 suites. They are newly furnished, with hardwood floors, comfortable beddings, Wi-Fi wireless broadband Internet access, cable television, telephone and hair dryers, as well as CD players, and refrigerator. Tourists get to enjoy the hotel’s outdoor pool.

This hotel is centrally located and is only few miles away from the city’s business, recreation, and art district. Some of these well-known places include Art Deco, Jungle Island, Bass Museum of Art, Miami Seaquarium, South Beach, Biscayne National Underwater Park, and the Metrozoo.

The hotel also has nightlife treats. They have nearby clubs, comedy bars and theaters for performing arts.


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Miami Beach Real Estate – A Review of Current Condo Market Inventories

The city of Miami Beach is one of the United States’ most fashionable and one of the truly coveted destinations.

The city is a famous tourist, fashion and entertainment, film, fine dining and premier arts and culture destination. However, nothing best defines the city’s characteristic more than the unique, highly artistic, architectural landscape being painted by Miami Beach condos and South Beach condos.

Miami Beach is known as an International Mecca for travel, business and to establish a home. From its small hotels with unique designs that line up along lower Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive, to its major upmarket hotel chains along the beach.

The City Has Had Its Fair Share Of Condo Boom Times

The area’s extensive redevelopment has catapulted it into the higher levels of real estate in South Florida and the US as well, more so with the place being a well-known bastion of consumerism and all-out hedonism, with it’s thriving party, celebrity scene, and entertainment scene.

The city’s real estate investment options include ready for occupancy condominiums, and are setting the benchmarks when it comes to the building of elegant, sophisticated and amenity-filled condo developments. The area’s most prolific developers, renowned architects and hippest designers are making their mark on the city’s eclectic lifestyle, one that best describes the art of indulgence and opulence.

Current Condo Prices For The City

According to local real estate analysts, the average condo prices based on October, 2007 levels for each of the city’s districts are the following: Miami Beach – $496,000; West Avenue – $463,060; Star, Palm and Hibiscus Islands – $2,788,143; Downtown Miami – $555,590; Biscayne Corridor and Wynwood, Edgewater – $448,487.

Local property analysts further noted that during the month of November, 2007, the average time needed to sell a condo in Miami Beach was 153 days.

Have Condo Supply Levels Dropped?

From a more wider perspective, the city of Miami Beach saw a 19 percent slide in its condominium levels since last month. Miami Beach did not come close to experiencing the level of development that we recently saw in Miami.

Most of overseas and out-of-state home buyers are also more likely to purchase a condo unit in this city than they are somewhere in the Miami-Dade area. Many think that the city will continue to see an increasing gap between the Miami and Miami Beach condo supply figures in the months ahead.

Over the years, tourism has been the city’s major economic driving force; however today, the area’s economy is diverse today. In recent years, it has expanded way beyond its traditional tourism-based cash cow, and has reinvented itself to become a multi-faceted real estate, entertainment, culture, health care and tourism center. This is an area where nearly 95,000 residents live, work, shop, go to school, have fun and go dining, and do many leisure activities.

The city’s cultural scene is diverse, and takes pride itself in having the Miami City Ballet and the New World Symphony. Though the city’s geographic borders are set, its economic growth is booming, and many public works investments, like the proposed Baylink project, that is expected to create a mass transit connection between Miami Beach and the mainland Miami area, continues to reinvigorate the area.


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Top 10 Restaurants in South Beach

Miami restaurants are renowned for their ability to artfully combine fabulous food with even more fabulous atmosphere. If you are visiting, book any of the lovely Miami hotels that you like, but there’s no need to eat at the hotel too!

Get out and explore some of Miami’s best. Here are ten to start with:

1. The Forge
This is the place where Miami’s social elite come together. From their Fresh Russian Beluga Caviar to their Lobster Thermidor, every thing is done to perfection. Be sure to take a tour of their wine seller. It will leave you wide eyed. The Forge is located at 432 41st St. in Miami Beach FL, 33139. Phone: (305) 538-8533

2. DeVito
Classic Italian fare in a welcoming and trendy atmosphere is what you will find at DeVito. You will be amazed at the flavors and presentation. DeVito is located at 150 Ocean Dr. in Miami Beach FL, 33139. Phone: (305) 531-0911

3. Barton G.
Wonderful food and dramatic presentations make this a unique dining experience. From the Calamari Frito to the Twisted Lamb Tagine, every dish is an innovative interpretation of traditional American culinary fare with a dramatic presentation. The Orchid Garden at Barton G. is one of the most romantic spaces to dine in all of South Florida. Barton G. is located at 1427 West Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. Phone: (305) 672-8881

4. China Grill
A modern and stylish atmosphere combined with amazing food make China Grill a must visit when you are in Miami. Flavorful dishes like Lobster Pancakes and Dry-Aged Szechuan Beef will keep you coming back for more. China Grill is located at 404 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. Phone: (305) 534-2211

5. Santo
Guests will tell you that Santo is the best club in South Beach. It has it all; great food, far fresh atmosphere and beautiful people. Santo is located at 430 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach, FL 33139. Phone: (305) 532-2882

6. Tantra
An absolute experience! Come for dinner and stay for dancing after. From the Moroccan Spiced Lamb with Mint and Mango to the Grilled Filet Mignon with Cuban Coffee Sauce to the coffee mousse in the shape of a Cappuccino cup, you will be delighted. Tantra is located at 1445 Pennsylvania Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. Phone: (305) 672-4765

7. Prime
The meat is aged to perfection and the side dishes are the best you will ever have. From the Traditional Escargot to the Soy Marinated Sea Bass, everything on the menu is fabulous. Prime is located at 112 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139. Phone: (305) 532-8112

8. Blue Door
Every dish is unique and leaves you with a taste for more. A truly extraordinary experience from their Oysters Bi… (Six northern Atlantic oysters with spicy gazpacho and lemon thousand herbs sauce, celery leaves) to their Les Crevettes Crisp (Pan seared shrimp served with tempura leeks, sweet and sour pomegranate sauce). The Blue Door is located at 1685 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139. Phone: (305) 674-6400

9. 510 Ocean
The palm trees and candle light on the patio make you feel like you are on a tropical island. From their Panko-Crusted Goat Cheese to their Grilled Colorado Lamb T-Bones to their Banana Walnut Sushi Roll, your taste buds will be humming. 510 Ocean is located at 510 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach, FL 33139. Phone: (305) 531-1788

10. Mango’s Tropical Cafe
A total getaway from reality is what Mango’s restaurant is. You have to see it to believe it. When you arrive you will be surrounded by sexy music, sexy dancers and exotic drinks. Mango’s is located at 900 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139. Phone: (305) 673-4422


Fontainbleau Miami

Where to Eat in Miami

Often called a melting pot of cultures, Miami is known for being culturally diverse. In Miami, you can expect the dishes to be as diverse as the people in it. Aside from the usual American favorites like hotdogs, fries, and pizza, why not enjoy something new during your stay? Miami offers Cuban cuisine and other dishes that are certain to please even the choosiest palate.

Below are some of the restaurants and the dishes they serve that you should not miss when you and your family travel to Miami.

o Joe’s Stone Crabs. If you find yourself in Miami during October 15 – May 15, also known as the stone crab season, drop by Joe’s Stone Crabs. The place has been open since 1913 and serves the delicious stone crabs with their signature mustard sauce. The only disadvantage in dining at this restaurant is that the wait time is excessively long and they do not accept reservations. If you don’t want to fall in line and wait, you can order takeout right next to the restaurant.

o Emeril’s Miami Beach. Emeril’s Miami Beach is located on 1601 Collins Avenue and people who have eaten there often have good words for the restaurant. Emeril Lagasse is one of the chefs who has his own show on The Food Network and the restaurant combines a fine dining experience with equally good food. The restaurant is perfect for sharing a meal with a special someone or a meeting with business partners.

o Porcao. The Porcao is often regarded as the best meat place in the whole of Miami. “Vegetarians Beware!” is the slogan of Porcao, and is basically a Brazilian steakhouse. A lot of user reviews praise the Feijoada dish which is served on Saturday nights, so don’t forget to stop by!


Fontainbleau Miami

Location, Location, Location – Different Amenities in Different Areas

It goes without saying that, businesses today are competitive. This has never been truer than it is today in the lodging industry. In large cities, there may be as many as 20 hotels in a 1 square mile area. On Miami Beach, for example, there are so many hotels that if you walk down Collins Avenue, you are in front of a new hotel with every 60 paces you walk. On the other hand, if you’re in one small town in north western Wisconsin, there is one 2-story hotel that effectively serves a 100-mile radius. Every hotel makes the most of its budget and amenities in the hopes of pleasing their guests and maintaining or increasing their occupancy rates.

Hotels with exceptional competition go above and beyond the expected amenities and hotel supplies to please their guests and earn their repeat business. What might distinguish one hotel from another in some areas of the country may not in large, hotel heavy cities or other areas with many hotels concentrated in one area, hotels must distinguish themselves from their competition in other areas. For example, some hotels will offer more hotel supplies such as a complimentary snack bar, a laundry bag or slippers while others provide complimentary toiletries daily and glass drinking glasses. As they are competing with many hotels in a small area to earn your business and maintain their occupancy rates, offering new or different hotel supplies is one way to get ahead of the competition.

Many lodges are in a unique position in that they have little or no competition. When they’re making decisions about which hotel supplies to purchase or offer, they’re only hoping to please their guests. Generally speaking hotel chains build in the middle of nowhere, in small towns or in obscure places because there’s a need or demand. The lack of competition allows them to customize hotel supplies because they’re not forced to offer the same hotel supplies as the competition. Complimentary toiletries, absorbent bath mats and towels, heavy duty luggage racks and quality coffee pots, cups and coffee are all wonderful, appreciated hotel supplies and amenities. In the end, even if hotels have a monopoly on a geographic area, the core principle of every hotel is the same: make every guest happy.

Between hotels in super-saturated and motels in remote areas lie the rest of the inns in the country. Most of these are budget hotels and motels which offer a variety of amenities including the basics like irons, in room coffee service and information binders. In addition to the standard amenities and hotel supplies, many of these hotels offer hair dryers, bowed shower curtain rods, breathable shower curtains and, in many cases, small seating areas. Work areas, free Wi-Fi or Ethernet, microwaves and mini-refrigerators are among the extra hotel supplies many hotels include as amenities. Of course the intention with these hotels is to balance their budgetary constraints with guest needs while remaining competitive.

Hotels, motels and motor inns, regardless of where they’re located or who their guests might be, share many commonalities, guest needs and amenities among them. Members of the traveling public expect to find certain basics no matter where they stay and most hotel managers realize this so they offer extra hotel supplies in addition to basic amenities in hopes of attracting and retaining guest business. Location is irrelevant if hotel supplies are geared toward satisfying guests.


Fontainbleau Miami

Where to Stay in Miami on a Budget

Miami is home to the best beaches in the US, along with a great nightlife, various activities, and plenty of sights to see. Even if you don’t have that much money, just enough for a cheap flight to Miami, a cheap hotel, money for food, and enough to rent a car, you can still make your trip to Miami worthwhile.

First of all, in order to get the best deals in Miami as possible, you should book your flight in advance, like months ahead. Also, choose the off peak season for tourists in Miami so that you can get discounts on air fare, hotels, and even car rentals.

Always remember to shop around for you to get the best prices out there. Don’t settle for the first travel agency or website that you see which offers cheap flights to Miami. During off peak seasons, travel agencies compete for tourists by offering the lowest prices possible. So it is best to look around first before paying for anything.

You can still make the most out of your stay in Miami even if you’re on a budget. By going for cheap Miami flights and hotels, you have more to spend on shopping, souvenirs, food, and admission fees to different sights and attractions.

Some of the hotels you can stay in Miami if you’re on a budget are the following:

• Jazz on South beach Hostel in Miami. The hotel was formerly called the Hotel Atlantica. This hotel can be found on 321 Collins Avenue and offers free breakfasts, security 24 hours a day, a lounge with a TV, wireless internet on the lobby, air conditioning, ATM, no curfew, and internet kiosks. This hotel offers $19-$35 per night in the dorm rooms or $70-$120 for private rooms.

• The Loft Hotel. The Loft Hotel is located on 952 Collins Avenue and has a total of 57 rooms. The rooms on The Loft Hotel come with air conditioning, a TV and VCR, a clock radio, as well as a kitchen. Rooms in The Loft Hotel start at $99 per night.

• Miami Beach International Travelers Hostel. The Miami Beach International Travelers Hostel can be found on 236 9th Street, and the hostel has a total of 100 rooms. There are dorm rooms with a total of 4 beds available which is great for a family or a group of friends traveling to Miami, and there are also private rooms available. A kitchen, internet access, and a video rental library are also available for tourists. Rates are $13-$15 per night on the dorm rooms, while regular rooms during the off peak season are at rates of $32-$59, and $49-$89 on peak seasons.

• Rodeway Inn Miami Airport. The Rodeway Inn Miami Airport can be found on 1050 Northwest 14th Street and has a total of 208 rooms. The inn has amenities like room service, pool, spa, salon, car rentals, a fitness center, massage center, free parking, security 24 hours a day, and a shuttle service you can use if you call in advance. The rooms of the Rodeway Inn Miami Airport come with cable TV, a microwave, a fridge, coffeemakers, safes, and dataports. Rates at the Rodeway Inn Miami Airport are $71 per night for the regular rooms.

Think of things this way – you’re in Miami to see Miami, not to stay in the best hotel there is, right? So don’t feel bad if you’re staying at the cheaper hotels – at least you’ll have more money to spend on fare in getting around Miami, right?


Fontainbleau Miami