Hotels in Miami Beach

Exploring Miami Beach

The sun, sea, sand and shopping hub of Miami is Miami Beach, a buzzing vacation city set on its own island running parallel to the coastline and crammed with everything for the perfect beach and nightlife break. Divided into four distinct districts, each with their own entertainment venues, hotels and spa resorts, restaurants, bars and nightclubs, Miami Beach is at its busiest during the US university Spring Break. Students set free from studying head to the city for the time of their lives, attracted by the all-night beach parties and general laissez-faire ambience.

During the remainder of the year, Miami Beach is a great place for all types of holiday, from sun, sea, and sand to eco-tourism and activity holidays. It’s also a shopaholic and people-watching dream spot, with upscale famous-name boutiques frequented by the rich and famous and bargain-basement discount factory outlets crammed with visitors maxing their cards. Design fans adore Ocean Drive, with its multicoloured Art Deco hotel strip, the world’s largest collection of buildings in this iconic style. Mid Beach is quieter and less expensive, with family motels and hotels offering comfort and service at a great price.

Sights nearby

The barrier reef offshore island of Miami Beach is given over to watery and beachside activities during the day and clubbing, pubbing and dining at night. It most famous district is the Art Deco strip just behind the main beach.

Art Deco District
Once a run-down district considered old-fashioned, Miami Beach’s now famed Art Deco District along Ocean Drive was rescued by community action and transformed into the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. Most of the stylish, multicoloured mansions are now hugely popular boutique hotels and the district is a see-and-be-seen hub for party people.

Beaches
The beaches here offer every kind of water sport imaginable along their white-sand strands and in the warm, azure waters. Beach resorts line the sands, and surfers, divers, snorkelers, windsurfers, jet skiers, yachties and more crowd the scene.

South Florida Arts Center
A public gallery featuring works by well-known South Florida artists and supporting an artist-in-residence programme involving 42 studios, this arts centre is at the forefront of contemporary art in the state.

The Holocaust Memorial
Set on Meridian Avenue, the giant bronze arm of the memorial points rears to the heavens in memory of the millions of Jews who tragically lost their lives during the Holocaust.

Eating and drinking and shopping nearby

Eating out in Miami Beach focuses on fabulous seafood and the traditional Cuban cuisine, deliciously different for those who haven’t experienced it. Restaurants and local eateries are everywhere and there’s a great choice of local and international cuisine as well as all-American favourites such as steaks, grills and ribs. Portion sizes are large or even larger, and fine dining venues are found in South Beach upscale resort hotels such as Loews Miami Beach Hotel and the Ritz-Carlton South Beach. Fast food outlets are everywhere. For fashionistas refreshing their wardrobes with the latest gear at budget prices, Miami is the place, with shoes an especially good buy as regards design and quality. Collins and Washington Avenues are the designer streets to head for, and pedestrianised Lincoln Road is one huge mall offering everything you’ll ever need.

Public transport

Overseas arrivals land at Miami International Airport, a short trip by taxi or shuttle bus from Miami Beach. Taxi travel in the city is convenient but expensive, especially late at night, making self-drive the cheapest option apart from bus travel. A fun way to travel, chosen by many holidaymakers, is by the eco-friendly electric golf carts, available to rent by the hour, day or week.