Florida - Suggestions in the Miami area for a few nights R&R

Hello,

We recently took advantage of the very reasonably priced J-class sale ex-London to go to Miami for 12 days/11 nights over the end August/start September. We have to be there anyway for a 40th birthday party and I was holding out for the usual June sale. Needless to say we were thrilled with the good price when it came along. We have upgraded to F on the outbound, using miles and have nice 62 seats upstairs on the return.

Now, I need some advice on one aspect of the trip. We are a late 30s couple (gay, FWIW), we've been to the US loads (I used to live there) and to South Beach once before. We are thinking of having 3 nights on arrival at one of the closer Keys (e.g. Islamorada) then we have the middle 4 nights booked in South Beach for a 40th birthday party with others joining us.

The question is what to do for the last three nights. We'd probably prefer not to get on another plane or drive very far. I like being near the beach, but its not essential. We will have partied our socks off in SoBe and probably be looking for a quieter, more secluded (and less extravagant) end to our holiday.

We don't require 5 star accommodation (we will have had that in SoBe) but we d probably prefer something independent over a chain. Again, not essential. The problem is, I don't know this area at all and don't know where a good place to head would be.

If anyone has any thoughts or advice to share, it would be received with much gratitude.

Many thanks
LF

How about a jaunt down Highway 1 to Key West - lots to see and do, plus it's a totally different atmosphere than 'mainland' Florida. This drive in itself is quite amazing with the network of interconnecting bridges. I have fond memories of listening to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville on Duval Street as well as some good scuba diving on the Looe Key Marine Sanctuary. :cool:

I'd suggest Fort Lauderdale (I have a house there). No more than an hours drive. It's no so 'full on' as South Beach, has quite a gay vibe and some great restaurants.

I'd suggest Fort Lauderdale (I have a house there). No more than an hours drive. It's no so 'full on' as South Beach, has quite a gay vibe and some great restaurants.

I'll second that. Love Miami, especially SoBo, but we have spent an increasing amount of time in Fort Lauderdale and love it. Have a look at the Alhambra Beach Resort, we have stayed here a couple of times, right next to the beach, bars and restaurants but far enough away not to be bothered by the buzz in FLL in the evening. There are also loads of good hotels along the strip but this year I've found them to be really expensive.

Good luck in your search, hope you find something that suits you both.

You might also consider Hollywood/Hollywood Beach, halfway between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. There are plenty of small, independent hotels and Hollywood Blvd has a wide range of great restaurants and bars, several of which feature live music. I would heartily recommend at least one visit to Chocolada on Hollywood Blvd for coffee and dessert.

I would heartily recommend at least one visit to Chocolada on Hollywood Blvd for coffee and dessert.

Mmmm, that's just been pencilled in for September!!! ;)

Stayed at Marquesa hotel in key west, very nice place, Pisces is a great seafood restaurant - they do a great lobster 'tango mango' dish! You also have palm beach, wasn't really my cup of tea, but there is a great breakfast place called John Gs & good Italian place called Paradiso. Not so much destination recommendations as foodie ones!

Another vote for Fort Lauderdale. Not as full on as Miami but still offering a great beach, active nightlife, and a vibrant gay community, especially in the Wilton Manors part of town.

A good gay friend often stays at Pineapple Point which is an upmarket gay resort in Victoria Park, about 5 minutes from the beach. Victoria Park is gorgeous, very quaint, key west style homes.

I used to live there so PM me if I can help further.

The drive down to Key West in an open top convertible is great.
Once there you can stay in some lovely properties, like kind of very up market B&Bs in beautiful old wooden villas with verandas and slatted window blinds, all have pools and lovely hosts, who provide drinks and snacks early evening before you go out to eat. ( I think quite a few are run by gay couples)

The Art Deco area of Miami Beach is fun and you can stay in some lovely Art Deco niche hotels.

I think you will have a great time.

You can still stay in SoBe and not be in the heart of the action. From 12th and up it's quieter than the main section. The Winterhaven is a favourite of mine. Not a chain or 5 star, but an art deco hotel that's been almost knocked down and rebuilt in the time I've been going. Beachview room is worth the price.

I 've done Key West twice, once as a day trip from Miami and last time as a stay for a few days. It's pretty, but expensive and I got bored with it very fast. Try to find where the locals eat as the main places along Duval(?) were pricey. We had a convertible the first time we drove down and ended up with the roof up most of the way as it was too hot in the sun - and this was in their winter!

I've not stayed in Fort Laurderdale, but it's probably were we'll go next time. SoBe has changed, a bit like Soho in London, it's become more commercial. I do like Lincoln Rd though. But are friends are saying the Fort has a relaxed atmosphere without the attitude of SoBe.

What ever you do, I'm sure you'll have fun.

You might also consider Hollywood/Hollywood Beach, halfway between Miami and Ft. Lauderdale. There are plenty of small, independent hotels and Hollywood Blvd has a wide range of great restaurants and bars, several of which feature live music. I would heartily recommend at least one visit to Chocolada on Hollywood Blvd for coffee and dessert.

The Westin Diplomat is a superb hotel right on Hollywood Beach. I've been there 3 times and have never been disappointed.

I'll throw in the 3rd or 4th vote for Ft. Lauderdale. My sis lives there and I visit often. Love the place. I second the mention of Victoria Park... nice area. One of her best friends lives there with his husband (yes, they're gay also).

You can pick and choose what type of night you'd like to have in Ft. Lauderdale... A relaxing evening at a nice restaurant and quiet drinks afterwards or head on down to the end of Las Olas Blvd at the beach and hit up some of the off the hook bars.

If it were me, I'd spend happy hour at Mguire's Hill (Irish Pub) on Andrews and 5th until about 8-ish then head on down to the end of Las Olas and have a blast. Just did this for a few nights last month.