A holiday like New Years is a great time to go on a vacation. When the weather is unkind and cold up north, millions of people flock down south to escape the frigid temperatures. One of the most popular destinations for vacationers from all corners of the globe is Miami, Florida. With world-renowned beaches and more things to do here than can possibly be seen in one visit, Miami is definitely one of the best places to be on the biggest party night of the year.
Where you stay is often the most important issue when taking a vacation. Hotel accommodations vary from city to city, and Miami, like its culture, is diverse in every way. From the inexpensive to the most luxurious resorts unlike anywhere else, there is someone for any budget. If you are planning on spending your New Years Eve in this hot spot, be sure to book rooms well in advance; this city fills up year-round, and no one wants their plans ruined because of procrastination. Since Miami is known as a glamorous playground where the rich and beautiful kick back at, many people overlook the affordable hotels right in the heart of the city, such as the Crest Hotel Suites. With regular rates start at $95, they, like all others, do increase over the busy holiday season. You are no more than a 5 minute walk to the beach, and everything exciting Miami has to offer is so close, its a surprise how reasonably priced it is.
There are more than enough sensibly priced spaces in Miami, with some of the nicest scenery and accessibility to attractions. The Biltmore Resort in Coral Gables, Miami is one of the most exclusive in the area, and with regular rates starting at $115, it is impossible to pass up. Only minutes from the abundant art galleries, sports , unique food and fashion that the city has to offer, The Biltmore is also comfortable enough to relax if its noise you want to escape. If you'd like a low budget with the option of more privacy, then The Sonesta Beach Resort may be the perfect option for you. On the island of Key Biscayne, this is a very kid-friendly vacation resort, with a complimentary kids club for ages 5-12, and each of the 300 rooms have their own balcony. With extremely close proximity to South Beach, your entire family will be able to indulge in all that the city has to offer, and celebrate the New Year either quietly or as loud as Miami can go.
For a more moderate budget, there is a bit more freedom as to where you can stay, with hotels and resorts offering a few more amenities. One of the finest places Florida has to offer is the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort. Conveniently located between the two major international airports and seaports of Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it also features elite shopping, exciting nightlife and a massive amount of cultural and sporting events. Regular rates start at $180 a night, and prices are reflected with high volume, so be sure you inquire early for the New Year. The Trump International Hotels are well, internationally known as some of the finest anywhere. This Trump International Sonesta Hotel, with its 32 stories, luxury shopping, and exquisite decor, host 390 guest rooms in the tower that overlook either the Atlantic Ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. There are amenities about, including a $6 million dollar pool with waterfalls, and just about the most start of the art fitness center you can find. Just north of Miami Beach and with rooms at about $170, it is more than worth looking into.
Another hotel, that like the Trump, caters to suite-only guests, the Bentley Beach Hotel is a terrific option. With the closeness of everything going on in Miami, situated right on Ocean Drive, the Bentley Beach has junior suites starting at $200. Being directly in South Beach is generally the most desired place in Miami, especially on New Years. This hotel is perfect for those who want access to all the hip and trendy clubs and lounges dotted and clustered in SoBe, and those who want to see the happening art section.
When you have removed a limit to your spending, there are no options to high for you in Miami. Five star hotels and elegant accommodations are abundant here, where you have a choice of which one to rest your head at. The luxury South Beach Raleigh Hotel is a waterfront masterpiece conglomerate of Art Deco and modernity. With normal rates of $325 a night, there is a demand for reservations during the holiday season, and even off, with the amount of press received in Vanity Fair, Conde Nast Traveler, and the New York Times, among many others. With renovations by famed hotelier Andre Balazs, the Raleigh Hotel reflects the spicy Latin infused surrounding and the Art Deco neighborhood. Call 305.534.6300.
Another chain of hotels that is known everywhere for its class and glamour is the Four Seasons. Encompassing nine floors of 221 hotel rooms in a 70 story tower, (the rest being condominiums, retail, and office space,) it opened only 4 years ago. Redefining Miami's skyline, the Four Seasons Tower is the tallest in Miami, located in the financial district, and sparing no costs. With amenities including THREE outdoor pools, poolside bar, 24 hour services, a four star restaurant on the terrace, and plenty of meeting rooms, it is the ultimate getaway. Guests of Four Seasons Hotel Miami also have easy access to the spa and fitness facilities of the 44,000-square-foot Sports Club/LA, located within the building.
Like the Raleigh Hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel is no stranger to publicity. With the average cost of a room at $400 a night, your expectations are exceeded and every need is met, and then some. There are 31 suites available out of the 326 guest rooms, all with water views, where each guest enjoys Bose stereo systems, high speed Internet, ten-foot ceilings and roomy marble bathrooms with bathrobes, separate shower and bathtubs. Dining at the Mandarin is unparalleled as well, with Caf Sambal, one of the few spots in Miami with waterfront dining. There is a jogging path just outside the hotel, an infinity edge swimming pool and Oasis Beach Club are on property; the private beach has day beds, butlers and iPods! The hotel also has private cabanas on South Beach at Casa Casuarina available. There is also a golf course accessible to guests, making sure no activity or idea is forgotten. Located close to South Beach, you can spend your New Years downtown tearing up the dance floor with celebrities (who are also probably fellow guests at the hotel) after a day relaxing at the incredible spa.
If partying is your idea of the ultimate New Years Eve, and you head down to Miami for its usurpassed nightlife, with no budget in sight, then you need to look no further than the Delano Hotel. It is THE ultimate spot for the rich and famous, located directly on the water of desirable South Beach. Home to the world's first indoor/outdoor lobby, and quoted in Harper's Bazaar as "Miami's white-hot-haute Delano Hotel", with a $28 million dollar renovation, this sexy new hotel hosts the biggest and best New Years Eve. With a pricetag of $450 a night during the regular season, you will need to have an expendable income to stay here, as it is extremely exclusive. Starting with an amazing gym, spa and salon, the amenities are endless. One of the best features of the Delano Hotel is the Agua, a Roof Top Womens Bathhouse and Solarium, but men can enjoy the billiards area, while children have their own play area. Bungalows and a penthouse are available, but like the rest of the hotel, are gone very, very quickly.
