Miami and Keys accommodation

[robandliza]

Hi

My parents are going out to Kissimme at the end of this month for their first trip to Florida. They want to do some travelling when they are there down to Miami and the Keys, so I'm after some recommendations please

They want to visit Miami and do an everglades day tour when they are there. They have been looking at staying on South or North Beach as a tour operator they have come across picks up from hotels there. They also want to visit Ft Lauderdale
I suggested that they stay in Ft Lauderdale and pop into Miami but they wouldn't know where to go to pick up the everglades trip

Does anyone have any suggestions for a nice( and good value) hotel/motel in either Miami South/North Beach or one in Ft Lauderdale along with a recommendation for an everglades trip

Now the second part. They want to go down to the Keys, preferably Key West, so they get to see it all but open to suggestions
Any recommendations for there please?...again same criteria, clean,friendly and good value

They are going with friends, so 4 senior citizens in total, all non divers, and as such any places should be on the quiet side

Thanks for any help

Rob

 

[mike_s]

Last time I actually stayed in Miami, we stayed at the Royal Palm in South Beach. I really like it as it's nice hotel. It's an oder hotel, but redone with all the newest amenities. I wouldn't categorize it as cheap though.

It's right on the beach and also next to both Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road/Drive Shopping distance are both only a block or two away walking. Great restuarants and shops on both streets. Lincoln is a pedistrian only open air street mall. So it's location is one of it's best assetts, but the hotel itself is really nice also. I'd definately stay there again. Only thing is that it's just not cheap. But none of the hotels in that area are.


For Key West, they need to decide if they want to actually stay in Key West or just near it and drive in. Lots of nice places to stay outside of Key West that are prob more relaxing than Key West is. KW has lots of brand name hotels, but also lots of independent ones and bed and breakfast and small house rentals. that's something to consider. Unless I was going down with friends to drink and party, I would prefer not to stay in Key West. (but that's just my opinion). Just so many other better places....

The only place I'd reccomend staying away from in Key West is the Southernmost chain of hotels. They really screwed us and gave poor customer service. I'd definately stay away from them.

 

[johnny_bravo]

Everglades trip: Seminole Tribe of Florida: Billie Swamp Safari

Cheers.

-J.-

 

[SFLDiver3445]

If they want to stay within Key West, The Heron House is a very nice bed & breakfast to stay at. It's not on the water, but it is one block off of Duval Street and they offer excellent service there. It's not the cheapest bed & breakfast, but it's not the most expensive either, but it is very nice and the rooms really give you that Key West Feel. Here's there website: Key West Bed and Breakfast Lodging at the Heron House Bed&Breakfast

Also, when they're in Key West, definitely have them take the Conch Train Tour first. Once they take the tour and see ALL the major attractions in Key West from a distance, then they will have no problem deciding which one's they would like to go see in more detail.