Travel Destination

MIAMI

 ~Freelance Writer, A. White

What better place to have fun in the sun but Miami, Florida!     Palm trees, beautiful beaches, terrific weather, and some of the hottest people in the world.  This all adds up to an unforgettable experience if you know exactly where to go for the best dining, hotels, and entertainment.  Here is a quick guide to help you enjoy an exciting and affordable time in Miami.

 

Entertainment

Ocean Drive is the ‘heart and pulse’ of South Beach.  It’s hard not to find exciting nightlife including favorites like Wet Willies, Clevelander, and Nikki Beach Bar.  Here are three nightclubs that are not on Ocean Drive that you may want to consider.

Blue located at 222 Espanola Way (305) 534-2274 This is a fun bar to begin your night.  The atmosphere is great and their friendly bartenders aren’t stingy with the alcohol!  The bar is full of friendly people and they play great music. You can even dance on the bar top!!

BED located at 929 Washington Ave (305) 532-9070 Don’t sleep on this nightclub (pun intended)!  You guessed it…this club is full of comfortable and luxurious beds instead of traditional tables and chairs.  It’s a great place to get to know someone better in a more intimate setting.

Mansion located at 1235 Washington Ave. (305) 532-1525 If you like to roll with the ‘Big Dogs’ then this nightclub is for you.   It features three meticulously designed rooms of music as well as regular celebrity hosts.  You may run into hip hop’s elite like Lil Weezy or Fat Joe any night at this club. 

For more information about these clubs and many more in Miami, check out:    www.cooljunkie.com

 

Hotels

There are many beautiful hotels to select on Ocean Drive.  This is a good area for visitors to stay because most activities and festivals take place here.  Highly recommended hotels are:

The Winterhaven located at 1400 Ocean Drive (800) 553-7739

Most of the 70 guest rooms feature ocean views.  The hotel has an elegant full service martini bar. The bar area has a relaxing atmosphere where you can enjoy the recommended Apple Martini while listening to smooth jazz. This hotel also has a ‘secret spot’:

a rooftop sundeck with sweeping views of South Beach. The best perk of this hotel is truly its location. Because it’s at the end of the strip, it lends itself as a more secluded location.

The Loews Hotel located at 1601 Collins Ave. (305) 604-1601

If you prefer a hotel with many amenities and everything at your fingertips, then this is the place for you.  There are 790 guests rooms, 6 great restaurants and bars, Elemis Spa, and a Fitness Center right on the premises. 

TRAVEL TIP: Go to websites like www.lvhtravel.com to find affordable hotel and air packages.

Dining

If you are a sushi lover, you have to try The Hemisphere Lounge which is located inside The Loews Hotel (see location above).

They offer a nice variety of fresh and delicious sushi.  The sushi bar is open Wed.-Sun. 6-11pm.  Conversation and martinis also flow in this fashionable atmosphere.  It’s a refined place to enjoy the perfect martini.  With a list of over 240 combinations, you are sure to find a favorite one.

Another nice restaurant takes us back to Ocean Drive.  The News Café located at 800 Ocean Drive offers an extensive menu.  Open 24 hours a day, News Café has expanded to include a separate bar, full service kitchen, and sidewalk and courtyard seating all to enhance the overall experience.  The steak and eggs, and fresh fruit are highly recommended.  It’s the perfect place to enjoy an affordable meal and to “people watch”. 

We hope this guide is helpful the next time you decide to visit Miami. Enjoy and remember to splurge….because its only money!

Check back for next month’s destination:

New York City

Travel Links

Featured Link: Mad Fun Travel