Miami Beach (South Beach) Travel Guide and Scene Report

Miami Beach. The name alone conjures clichés that date from the Miami Vice era, but the reality is that the party scene in Miami has been evolving steadily since then . In late 90’s the city boasted a “Model Season” and bottle service at the hottest club was a measly $100. Now things have gone through the roof in terms of nightlife quality as well as the amount of cash you need to drop to party in style. Nonetheless, Miami is a place that gives a great first impression and there is no better time to visit than in March.

First of all the weather is pristine. Sunny, with a light breeze, few thin clouds that act as natural sunblock, and temperature that varies between 68 degrees at night to 82 in the day time.

Apart from the weather, Miami in March is special because the world comes to Miami. First Spring Break with all the girls that go wild (Miami’s local girls are quite capable of this, but out-of-towners feel the need to try to outdo them, for everyone’s benefit), then the smaller and more sedate festivals like the South Beach Food & Wine Festival. Of course, nothing compares with the sheer madness of Winter Music Conference (being held last week in March). During this week Miami overflows with amazing electronic music as the best DJs from around the world gather here. International Luminaries like DJ Tiesto, Paul van Dyk, Paul Oakenfold, Sasha, Erick Morillo spin all around town.

Lobby at the Delano

Where to stay?
If you are not lucky enough to have friends in town, Miami has a bunch of cool boutique hotels. The nicest ones are the Delano and Shore Club. A great new place that is putting Ocean Drive back on the map is the newly opened Hotel Victor. Other notables are The Ritz Miami Beach, The Marlin, The WhiteLaw, the Marriott South Beach and the Raleigh. If you’re looking for a cheaper version of the boutique scene, try any of the numerous small, 2 star hotels such as the Century. The quality of the rooms, service, and amenities is not amazing, but you’re walking distance from Nikki beach and the shops on Collins avenue.

Need more suggestions or want to see pictures/rates/etc.? This is the most useful site we could find: South Beach Hotels

Where to Eat?
Courtyard dining is in vogue. The best representatives are: Vita (across from Mynt), Barton G’s (plates are very artistically decorated), Casa Tua (secluded very intimate setting in the middle of South Beach).

A Miami classic is Nobu @ the Shore Club (make sure to meet manager Howard and Miami's most gorgeous hostess Lauren, a redheaded goddess).

Places to eat and then party: Rumi(Tuesdays and Sat), Pearl, great salmon (Sunday), Hotel Victor (Thursday), Hotel Astor Metro Kitchen (Tuesdays).

More casual relax. Eat on Lincoln Road – Carnevale (Italian), Sushi Samba (sushi, Brazilian, Peruvian fusion).

Espanola Way – great colorful pedestrian street. Tratorria Romana, Tangerine, Tintos y Tapas (Spanish food).

Mansion

Where to Party?
Tuesday – Hotel Astor, Rock Bar or Rumi
Thursdays- Hotel Victor, Rock Bar, Mynt
Friday – Amika, Mynt (classy and fun hip hop room) or Prive
Saturday – Mansion’s Dj Kiko rocks, Mynt, Rumi is also nice for Pop and Space for the late nite heavy techno/electro session
Sunday – Raleigh Hotel early around 9:00 PM. Nikki Beach/Pearl from midnite on.

Door Men to Know:
Laurent and Freddy at Prive and Mansion
Romain at Mynt

Word of advice:
“Go Big or Go Home” If you are going out in Miami, be ready to spend serious money if want a good time, with no waiting in line… Also always make reservations at both clubs and dinner. Dinner should be around $50 to 60 per person without alcohol. Clubs are two bottle minimum for table reservation, and bottles are $250 a piece. Get a group of friends together and drop the extra cash on a table so you don’t have to wait in line like an idiot outside. In the end you’ll save money because time is money. You didn’t go on vacation to stand around, did you? If you need to save money, do so on your accommodations because Miami goes all night, and you’ll be sleeping during the day if you’re doing right.

Scene Report by October Juventis, our man in Latin America

Posted by usounds at March 12, 2005 12:07 AM

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