Miami Hotels

Miami is one of the youngest major cities in the United States. It was born as a tourist destination, and soon became the playground for wealthy New Yorkers and New Englanders who wanted to escape the brutal winters of their hometowns. Some decided that the year-round tropical climate was more to their liking, and settled down there. Eventually immigrants from Latin America began to call Miami home, giving the city a decidedly Spanish flavor. Miami has now matured to a major center of tourism and business. Your Miami hotel may be a part of a downtown skyscraper, or a freshly painted Art Deco holdover from the 20's. Many of the hotels in Miami, of course, overlook the beaches. But whether you are downtown or up in Fort Lauderdale, you will never be far from the water.

One of the more fascinating areas of the city is South Beach. The area has retained the Art Deco styles and colors along its main thoroughfare. But you will find yourself watching more than buildings. South Beach has become a playground for rich and famous. The fashion industry never seems to be too far from SoBe, allowing its models to enjoy the beaches and nightlife between shoots. South Beach is actually just a few square blocks within the greater Miami Beach area. Much of Miami Beach is home to a large Jewish population. While in the area you may want to see the elaborate and moving Holocaust Memorial.



The flavor of Latin America is generously sprinkled over most of Miami, but Little Havana will offer you a taste that you will not soon forget. Not really designed for tourists, this 10 block area is the home to thousands of Cubans who have brought their language and their customs with them. Other interesting neighborhoods that are worth a look are Coconut Grove and Coral Gables.

Miami comes alive at night. South Beach is party that flows out of its wall to wall restaurants and clubs, on to the street and across to the beaches. You can find a party almost anywhere in Miami. There are clubs all over the city that feature live music, great dancing and wonderful atmosphere.

There is more to Miami than beaches and parties, of course. Admittedly, most tourists don't come here for culture, but there is plenty to be found. There's the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA), the eclectic collection at the Wolfsonian and the Miami Seaquarium on Key Biscayne. Additionally Key Biscayne has excellent beaches and the Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Recreation Area.

And that brings us back outside. But after all, it's Miami. So go lie on the beach, take a nap or watch the people. But most of all - relax. You're going to need your energy to take full advantage of the nightlife!