Miami/South Beach

[Anonymous]

I am meeting a couple of girlfriends for a girls' weekend in the South Beach area of Miami in late February. None of us has been before and I would love suggestions for places to stay, eat and things to do while we are there.

thanks!

[Anonymous]

I went on a girls weekend to SoBe and we stayed at the Betsy Hotel. It's not cheap but very cute and boutique-y, and well located. I've stayed at the Ritz before and I like the Betsy better. I also stayed at the Gansevoort last month and do not recommend it.

[Anonymous]

Hotel Victor. Very, very cool but a bit pricey.

[Anonymous]

We stayed at the Blue Moon Hotel in the Art Deco district and loved it. It's more boutique-like in style, but modern and fun. It was just a couple blocks from the ocean and central to everything. http://www.bluemoonhotel.com/main.html

[Anonymous]

i went almost 10 years ago... can't believe it was that long ago. but stayed at the hotel chelsea which was super modern and chic. no pool, don't know if that matters.

i think some of the classic sobe things to do as we were told was to have breakfast at news cafe, eat cuban steak at lario's (owned by gloria estefan or something like that) and shop at lincoln rd. just the beach is nice and the strip of restaurants and cafes right there are great for people watching and the view but pricey. and remember it's topless at south beach!

[Anonymous]

The Sagamore hotel is fun option on Collins. Esp if you like modern art and minimalist design, zero-entry pool etc. You'll feel hip without feeling hoochy. Avoid anything on Washington Ave (sleazy street scene at night).

Foodwise, Try the Tap Tap Haitian restaurant on 5th for food or just drinks. It's got more of an Adams Morgan vibe than the touristy spots on Ocean Drive.

Real Cuban food is best from Puerto Sagua on Collins. Old school lunch counter-style. Perfect beach takeout. Or you can do fancy Cuban at Yuca on Lincoln Road.

Also on Lincoln is Sushi Samba which is "happening" Brazilian sushi. More for ambience than food. Like everything in SoBe.

In the South of Fifth (SOFI) area, we prefer Shoji Sushi.

In my old age, I'm now fan of the revamped Fontainbleau. Wow!!! Far from SoBe but great if you want more of a luxury basecamp. Oodles of pools and cute bartenders who can actually make a drink. (There. I said it.)

Hope you have a blast!

[Anonymous]

The W is brand new and fabulous!

[Anonymous]

The Richmond Hotel is a gem. Nice pool, reasonably priced, on the beach, nice rooms very central to all the restaurants and activity. Also, not expensive.

[Anonymous]

Go party at Mango!! is a great nightclub with different and awesome shows.