DK Travel : Miami

At its best, Miami is all pastel hues and warm, velvety zephyrs – a tropical reverie. The culture is sensuous and physical, often spiked with Caribbean rhythms and accents. Outdoor activities hold sway throughout the area, at the world-famous beaches and in the turquoise waters; the vibrant nightlife, too, attracts pleasure-seekers, while significant historical sights are around every corner.

Holocaust Memorial

Miami has one of the largest populations of Holocaust survivors in the world, so this stunning monument has extra poignancy. Sculpted by Kenneth Treister and finished in 1990, the centerpiece is an enormous bronze forearm bearing a stamped number from Auschwitz. The arm is thronged with nearly 100 life-sized figures in attitudes of suffering. The surrounding plaza has a graphic pictorial history of the Holocaust, and a granite wall listing the names of thousands of concentration camp victims.
Homestead Antique Mall

A pleasant little mall in downtown Homestead. Spaces, to the left as you enter, and Found Treasures, toward the end on the right, are very appealing. A classic shell-encrusted clock or mirror, for example, is utterly characteristic of regional Florida culture.
Horse Racing

Two of the best places are Gulfstream Park, and Calder Racecourse.
Hotel Astor, SoBe

Stay just a couple of blocks away from the beach and get a topquality 1936 Deco gem for much less outlay. Rooms are large and fully soundproofed, bathrooms have marble walls and floors, and the pool area has gardenia hedges and night-blooming jasmine.
Hotel Intercontinental Miami

In the heart of the business district, this is Downtown’s finest, with spectacular views and gourmet dining. A huge Henry Moore sculpture adorns the impressive lobby; the comfortable, quiet rooms sport marble bathrooms.
Hotel Leon, SoBe

Unpretentious, understated, and above all comfortable, this period hotel (1929) has been tastefully, and warmly, refurbished and is a cozy hideaway with a European air.
Hotel Place St. Michel

French-style boutique hotel with an exquisite restaurant. Stay a night or two and you’ll think you’re in a chic little pension in Paris. The subtly lit bistro is a perfect place for a quietly intimate tête-à-tête, yet all this is within walking distance of downtown Coral Gables (see also Restaurant Place St. Michel & Hotel Place St. Michel, Coral Gables ).
Hotel Place St. Michel, Coral Gables

A European-style inn built in 1926, during the Merrick heyday (see Merrick’s Coral Gables Fantasies). Each room has its own unique personality, accented by carefully chosen antiques.
Hotel St. Augustine, Miami Beach

This small, chic boutique hotel is stylish and gayfriendly. All rooms have a steam shower and a console full of hand-made soaps, lotions, massage oils, and even candles.
Hurricane

For a howling success, mix dark and light rums, blue Curaçao, and lemon juice.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100–$200
- $200–$250
- $250–$300
- over $300