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Archive for the ‘South Beach’ Category

Vacationing at Loews Miami Beach Hotel  

    At the start of my first day of vacation in South Beach, I was in a conundrum of what to do first.  My stomach was growling as I arrived late at night and had not cared to go out for a late Sunday night dining experience.  The three hour time difference together with having flown just about as far as one can in the continental US…from Seattle to Miami….had left me feeling like sleep was the first and highest priority.  Rested and bright-eyed, I was more than ready for breakfast.  This hotel is in the middle of the diverse and very hip art deco section of South Beach.  I headed down to the breakfast bar called the  SoBe Coffee Bar, located in the Tower, which opens at 5:45 AM (until 2PM) and serves up fresh roasts and exotic blends with freshly baked lighter fare.  I had a coffee and muffin (huge, moist and yummy) while deciding whether to walk around SoBe and take pictures or head for the pool to take a little exercise and a dip.  In the same location, Wednesday through Saturday at 5PM, a Champagne Bar is open until 11PM.  Heavenly!

One of the things I most appreciated about the Loews Miami Beach was their people.  They give “service” a whole new meaning.  When we questioned our server, he admitted Loews has stringent hiring policies towards customer service and an extensive customer service training program.  The people learn to anticipate the guests’ needs and to take as much time as is needed to answer questions, provide services, and be as attentive or not as the guest requires.  It was extremely refreshing to be in a hotel that literally anticipates and then caters to every need their guests have.

 Sun, Sand, Seaside – A place to warm your inner soul.  The first week of May 2006, I went to South Beach – Miami, Florida….here are some tips that helped me get around SoBe.  Welcome to South Beach! 

This is a synopsis of my article written for Associated Content:  To read the whole article and see the pictures, click here:

 TRANSPORTATION:

While Miami International Airport is usually the first stop, I had finally arrived in the land of sun and sand.  After the exhausting flight and trekking to baggage claim while praying my bags actually arrive intact and without a TSA sticker (meaning everything is still folded and still there), I could say I had “ARRIVED”.  Gathering my bags, I headed for a taxi stand. 

Going to South Beach via taxi can be somewhat expensive, but not as expensive as renting a car and paying for gasoline.  I discovered (happily) you do not need that rental car that you will park in the hotel garage (at exorbitant daily parking rates) and only take out onto the streets one or two times during your stay.  After all, I came to South Beach for just that:  South Beach!  Why would anyone want to drive anywhere?

TAXI/CABS:

Back to the taxi.  Rates from the airport to the South Beach (Government Cut to 63rd Street) area are a flat rate of $32.00.  Best of all, one fare pays for all passengers.  Fares do not include waiting time, however.  Always ask for and get your receipt.  Record the vehicle number and chauffer number on your receipt. (The Chauffer License Number is located either next to or above the glove compartment.)  The Vehicle Number is located on the hood, trunk and sides of the exterior of the cab. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: 

If you want to ride in air conditioned comfort there is a bus that is called the South Beach Local.  There are designated bus stops and the buses run at roughly 15 minute intervals and cost only $.25 (25 cents)

 GETTING AROUND/EXERCISE:

Exercise and sightseeing is of course best taken on foot.  Walking around SoBe is entertaining as well as good for your legs and heart.  The two miles of beach sand, running south to north from 1st to 23rd Streets, is an excellent way to get your feet exfoliated while building strength.  There are many parks scattered through out SoBe.   Additionally for your walking and viewing pleasure, there are beaches, a boardwalk and fishing piers.  There is a Boardwalk on the beach from 21st  to 46th Streets with entry to 11 primary beaches and 2 fishing piers.

SOBE SNAPSHOT:

The Art Deco District, the area from 5th to 15th Streets and compass points north, south and west, houses some of the best of Art Deco hotels and architecture to be found.  The 1930’s architects built with the intent of bringing tourists to Miami Beach and giving them everything they could want.  World War II, however, caused a state of decline for the Art Deco district even as another area of Miami Beach began a boom.  Built in a style of MiMo (Miami Modernism) there are several hotels of the time built with a “space-age” look.  The Art Deco District was in a state of disrepair until the mid-1970s when a group of artists and entrepreneurs saw the future of saving these wonderful old buildings as a means of bringing life back to Miami Beach.  Thanks to a few forward thinking people, you can see Art Deco structures with window “eyebrows”, portholes, pastel colors and geometric shapes.

There is everything to enjoy in South Beach and tons of things to do, people to see and places to be…Hope you enjoy SoBe as much as I do!