Tag: Miami

Travelling to Miami

We flew to Miami after spending 5 days in Cancun. The flight from Cancun was approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes with American Airlines. At the airport our private transfer was waiting for us with a sign with our name on it. Our accommodation for the 3 nights we were staying in Miami was The Whitelaw hotel which is on Collins Street. The journey to our hotel was approximately 20 minutes.

Accommodation

Finally we arrived at our destination hotel which cost approximately £110 per night. The Whitelaw hotel is a small hotel which is ideally situated within walking distance to the beach, bars shops ect. Check in was quick and easy with friendly staff. Although The rooms are considered to be Art Decor which was not apparent to us but they were clean and sufficient for our needs. However the lobby area does have an Art Decor feel to it. The hotel does have a small lift which was great for us as we were on the 3rd floor which helped with our heavy cases. Along with the other facilities the hotel provides beach towels and also has an ATM which was great.

Beach

Miami beach was what you would expect and what is portrait in films and also in documentaries. The beach is lovely with white sand and very clean. Even the sea was nice, clean and warm unlike the sea in the UK. As you would expect there are a lot of men and women flexing their muscles on the beach and working out. Miami beach is definitely a posers paradise. Suppose if you have got it flaunt it lol.

There are so many bars and restaurants to choose from directly facing Miami beach which is great if you like to people watch. You also witness people driving up and down the front in their expensive cars. Miami beach does seem to be the place to be. Unfortunately the prices of drinks and food reflect this in many of the bars and restaurants. Of course you can find cheaper places to eat and drink but if you want the location you have to pay the price.

Food and Drink

On our first day we found a lovely bar Icon On Ocean on the front of Miami Beach On one occasion we decided to get a cocktail called “A Bulldog” which is a margarita with 2 bottles of Corona resting on the glass. Undoubtedly this seemed a never ending drink as as soon as you drank some of the margarita it was topped up with the Corona. After one each we felt a bit tipsy but still decided to have another one each lol. Although they were £35 each but during happy hour you got 2 for £35 considering the prices at Miami beach it was a good price. On an evening the bars were very busy even though there is a lot to choose from.

As we liked the location of the Icon On The Ocean we ate there on more than one occasion. The food and service was excellent. Starters are from $9-$17. As we like spicey food we opted for the Firecracker Chicken Wings. Burgers and Sandwiches range from $11 – $17. Additionally there are a range of Pizza, Fish and meat dishes. Considering the location it was extremely good value.

Excursion to Everglades

On our second day we booked an excursion to the Everglades on line which cost around £42 and was around 4 1/2 long. We are so glad we booked it. Firstly we were picked up outside our hotel mid morning by coach and taken to the Everglades. We were split into groups and boarded the boat accordingly. The boat is what you would expect to be flying up and down the waters. Although we drove at quite some speed there were times when we drove slow to ensure no harm came to wildlife etc

Conservation Site

The Everglades are a conservation site and everything is done to try and protect the wildlife and the environment. Our guide was very informative and humorous which made the whole experience great fun. We sat at the very front of the boat which was great on occasions we were able to stand up. I (Debbie) wore a sun hat which was a bad idea when travelling at such speed.

We did see a few Crocodiles/Alligators along the way. Although as they were very still it was often difficult to see them at times. Our guide had a keen eye for spotting them and would point them out. Crocodiles can live in freshwater and seawater. Alligators prefer freshwater. The Everglades is the only place where Crocodiles and Alligators coexist.

Free time at the Everglades

Finally after the Airboat we were allowed to wander round and take photo’s of some of the crocodiles/alligators that were in captivity for rehabilitation before being release back into the wild. Afterwards there was an opportunity to hold one of the babies which we did. Although we was not too sure if this was the right thing to do as it had its mouth taped up. I am sure these animals were very well taken care of as the staff and guides were so passionate about protecting them.

Shopping in Miami

In Miami there are many designer shops and high street shops which are often a lot cheaper than in the UK. Considering the low cost of some goods in Miami we bought some Converse which were at least 1/3 cheaper than in the UK. On most of the streets around Miami Beach you will find the designer shops and some highstreet stores which are also a cheaper than in England

Summary

If anyone is considering to go to Miami we would strongly recommend doing it. It is an amazing place with lovely beaches, greaqt restaurants and bars. There are also many things to do in Miami which we didnt have enough time to do. Because it is an amazing place and we were limited for time we will definitely go back to Miami.

Images

Things to do

• Visit Miami Beach
• Visit Everglades National Park
• Have a drink on Ocean Drive and people watch.
• Visit little Havana
• Shop for Branded goods.

Top tips

• Check out hotels near the beach.
• Happy Hour is a great time to go out for drinks and food.
• Do the Everglade excursion it is well worth the time and money.
• Check out the shops for branded goods.
• The beach is lovely and is definitely worth spending time there.
• Check out weather below for best time to visit Miami.
• Check out UK government advice when travelling to America.https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa