Blue skies, white sandy beaches, calm turquoise seas, jet-setting restaurants, a vibrant nightlife and a modern downtown area, all spiced with a captivating Latino vibe: welcome to Miami. Every time we visit Miami, we feel like ranking it as one of the top destinations in the world. It is the perfect tropical urban metropolis and a few days in Miami is sure to leave you… Read more »
Local: Miami
These are two must-do Miami neighborhoods. The Miami Design District is a perfect example of urban decay gone luxe. The area was once a pineapple grove and later became a rundown dangerous neighborhood, but in the late 90’s architects and designers collaborated and began a gentrification process, renovating and investing in the area. Today, the Miami Design District has risen to become a mecca for… Read more »
The obvious associations when thinking of Miami are beaches, music, nightlife and South Beach’s Art Deco district. In recent years, however, there has been a surge in cultural life and Miami has become an art destination. Built by acclaimed architects Herzog & Meuron, the PAMM’s building and interior décor are captivating in themselves, with its hanging gardens and terraces with sweeping views of Biscayne Bay.… Read more »
Brickell has become the hot spot in town and, if you are staying in Miami Beach, we highly recommend you leave it for a day, cross over the bridge and head towards downtown. Brickell is as classy as it is cool, with a lot to offer: strolls around Brickell Key, shopping at the recently inaugurated Brickell City Center and your pick of fantastic restaurants and… Read more »
Casa Casuarina was the mansion owned by Gianni Versace, and, sadly, where his tragic murder took place. Watch the series an “American Crime Story”, season “The Assassination of Gianni Versace”, and enjoy the Casa’s great scenes. Inspired by the Alcazar de Colón, home to the family of Christopher Columbus in Santo Domingo, it has now become a very luxurious, highly extravagant and opulent hotel. We… Read more »
Miami is renowned for its abundance of excellent shopping options. There are many shopping malls to pick from and we suggest the Bal Harbour Shops in the neighborhood of the same name, or the Village of Merrick Park in Coral Gables, pleasant options in which to spend your money and some relaxing time. Both have open-air sections, which makes shopping a lot more agreeable, as… Read more »
Our latest stay at the beachfront Grand Beach Hotel was a very pleasant one, we truly enjoyed the days in the sun, the very efficient private beach service, and the bike rides along the promenade. We believe this four star hotel to be an excellent cost x benefit option in expensive Miami Beach. The hotel’s modern and contemporary decor is felt throughout its premises, and… Read more »
The Nautilus Hotel is a casual and elegant oceanfront hotel in Miami Beach, designed by famous architect Morris Lapidus in the 50’s. We stayed at the hotel only recently, after its renovation, and we were pleased to see that the perfect Art Deco atmosphere of South Beach has been kept. Located in the heart of the Art Deco district, and just steps away from busy… Read more »
The Shore Club first called our attention with the excellent rates that are offered, especially if we consider its prime location and the higher rates charged by surrounding properties. It is located just a short walk to most of South Beach attractions and to our favorite restaurants and cafes in town. By the time we checked in at this boutique hotel we were also surprised… Read more »
Cecconi’s is a see-and-be-seen venue with amazing food. Located at the Soho Beach House in South Beach, a member’s only club, this swanky restaurant is open to everyone but needs to be booked, since it is highly demanded. Right at the entrance you will find a very cozy type of jazz bar, ideal to wait for your table. Dinner is served in the outside courtyard,… Read more »
Right on Lincoln Road in South Beach is one of the best restaurants in town, the Meat Market. Its trendy clientele mingles in the dynamic atmosphere of the bustling bar. We have been to Meat Market many times and it never fails to be a great culinary experience. The buffalo rib eye was considered “the best ever” tasted, and we happily recommend the rib eye… Read more »
Eating crabs is super fun! This restaurant is traditional, has been in Miami Beach forever and is usually very busy. The menu has plenty of delicious dishes, a vast array of seafood options, but the “pièces de résistance” are the stone crabs from Florida and the king crabs from Alaska. We love them grilled, but they are also delicious served cold. Do call to book… Read more »
If you are looking for a fine Italian restaurant in the downtown and Brickell region, this is the one. Gabbiano has become quite traditional, it is well-known and food is excellent. Try to get a table outside, most pleasant when the temperature is mild (and as long as it is not windy). Every time we are in Miami we book a table at Il Gabbiano… Read more »
Did you ever think it would be possible to go to Miami and not have an authentic Cuban experience? Head to Calle 8, right in the middle of picturesque Little Havana, and have a meal at laid-back Versailles, the most famous, traditional and authentic Cuban restaurant in town. Locals adore it and you can mingle to hear interesting stories and the latest news from their… Read more »
This beautiful South Beach venue has been a hot-spot for a while. Juvia is chic and yet very relaxed. The outside bar, adorned with plants and open skies, has marvelous views of Miami Beach and serves fabulous cocktails. If you are looking for a proper sit-down dinner, we recommend a table indoors. The menu is an interesting fusion of the different cuisines: French, Japanese and… Read more »
Part of the same chain also in NY and other top destinations, the downtown Cipriani Miami stands out for its charming and elegant decor. We have become a habitué in both cities and compiled an extensive list of preferred dishes, so we suggest you enjoy taking a look at the menu as everything is very, very good. We so enjoy the appetizers, that we sometimes… Read more »
Located at the Betsy Hotel on Ocean Drive (South Beach), the LT it is perfect if you are looking for a fine dining experience right in the middle of the Miami party scene! Enjoy drinks at the elegant lobby bar and do not refuse the bread offered before dinner, it is freshly baked and worth the calories. The tables in the veranda will give you… Read more »
If you are staying or shopping at chic Bal Harbour in the Miami Beach region (take a look at our Grand Beach Surfside review), this traditional restaurant is a very good choice with reasonable prices. Located on the exterior side of the famous and sophisticated Bal Harbour Shopping Mall, Carpaccio is usually busy with fashionable people and flashy cars filling the parking lot right in… Read more »
The Grand Beach Surfside hotel is located next to the iconic Bal Harbour Shops (try Carpaccio restaurant) in an upscale neighborhood. We believe this beachfront 4 star hotel to be one of the best cost x benefit options in expensive Miami Beach. We really enjoyed the very modern, bright and airy property, with pools by the beach and a rooftop one from where you can… Read more »
The 1 Hotel in South Beach is a perfect retreat, a boutique hotel that really shows its inspiration in nature, with its natural wooden motif and abundant sea views. Located in the heart of SoBe, this oceanfront property stretches over 600 feet of sand and offers excellent beach service for your days in the sun. The rooftop pools, daybeds (adults only) and ocean-side pools all… Read more »
