Best Miami hotels with beach access for "mature" tourists (Miami Beach: coupons, rent)

[olderandwiser456]

A group of us (65+) are planning a trip to Miami and would like to find a nice hotel with beach access (or on the beach) in Miami Beach that isn't overrun with 20-somethings. We enjoy walking along the beach, but also being able to walk to shops and restaurants nearby, not fine dining. We prefer small interesting ethnic restaurants. Is South Beach primarily a younger crowd? Some of the South Beach hotels look really beautiful (Art Deco), but we are afraid that it's primarily a younger crowd and not mixed ages, including retirees. Any suggestions? We are open to any part of the Miami beach area that is easily accessible from the airport. We won't be renting a car, and prefer to be able to walk to shops and restaurants from the hotel.

[Coconut1]

The only area I would suggest avoiding is Ocean Drive. Most other areas of Miami Beach (including other areas of South Beach) are relatively mixed in age.

You may enjoy North Beach, but I'm not sure how much shopping/dining you're looking for.

South and Mid Beach are the easiest to get to from the airport. Hop on the Airport Flyer bus and it goes non-stop from the airport out to the Beach. It's equipped with luggage racks, too.

[olderandwiser456]

Originally Posted by Coconut1

The only area I would suggest avoiding is Ocean Drive. Most other areas of Miami Beach (including other areas of South Beach) are relatively mixed in age.

You may enjoy North Beach, but I'm not sure how much shopping/dining you're looking for.

South and Mid Beach are the easiest to get to from the airport. Hop on the Airport Flyer bus and it goes non-stop from the airport out to the Beach. It's equipped with luggage racks, too.

Good info, thanks! We are hoping to be close to some restaurants and shops (not big shopping, just cute shops). We want to be able to walk around from the hotel and not rent a car. It looks like Ocean Drive is the main strip, and likely filled with bars and restaurants. Is there another commercial area/section/streets where we can explore (since you mentioned that we should avoid Ocean Drive)? I'll look at hotels in North Beach.

[Coconut1]

From your last post, it seems you've never been to Miami Beach before, so in that case I'll retract my North Beach statement and say stick with a quiet hotel in South Beach (South of Fifth (SoFi) in particular,) or the south part of Mid Beach.

Ocean Drive is one of the main strips, but definitely not "the" main strip. The main strip in South Beach is undeniably Lincoln Road. Lincoln Road Mall is a pedestrian only thoroughfare that stretches from Washington Ave to Alton Road. You'll find restaurants, shops, clubs, etc. along it. It's landscaped beautifully and has a plethora of outdoor seating.

You'll also want to check out Espanola Way. Much smaller than Lincoln, but very cute and has an interesting history behind it. Washington Ave and Collins Ave also have plenty of shops and restaurants along them.

The reason to avoid Ocean Drive (if you're visiting for the first time, certainly go, just don't lodge along it) is that the sidewalk is crowded, the hawkers constantly push coupons into your face, and the crowd is loud.

You would actually probably enjoy one of the large hotels- Loews Miami Beach, Delano, SLS, Royal Palm, etc. but there are plenty of great small ones that would also fit the bill.

What are your dates and budget?

[staywarm2]

Plus the noise from the younger people goes on until the "wee hours" of the morning. Lincoln Rd is not adjacent to the beach .

[hurricaneMan1992]

Stay in one of the more large upscale establishments on the ocean front, walking distance to Lincoln Road. Avoid Ocean and Collins below 14th unless you go in the morning just to see the place. Fountainebleu could work if you're willing to take cabs or Uber or the bus for some trips.

South of Fifth could work well too, but it's much more on the "fine dining" side than "ethnic foods." The closest to "ethnic" we have is going to be along Washington Ave. from around 7th up to Lincoln, but best to avoid it on weekend evenings.

[olderandwiser456]

Originally Posted by hurricaneMan1992

Stay in one of the more large upscale establishments on the ocean front, walking distance to Lincoln Road.

Do you have any suggestions? Our trip isn't until later in the fall, so we have plenty of time to plan. None of us have been to Miami Beach, so we don't know the area. I like the idea of an ocean front hotel, with walking distance to Lincoln Road. Any thoughts about specific hotels in that area?

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by hurricaneMan1992

Stay in one of the more large upscale establishments on the ocean front, walking distance to Lincoln Road. Avoid Ocean and Collins below 14th unless you go in the morning just to see the place. Fountainebleu could work if you're willing to take cabs or Uber or the bus for some trips.

Originally Posted by olderandwiser456

Do you have any suggestions? Our trip isn't until later in the fall, so we have plenty of time to plan. None of us have been to Miami Beach, so we don't know the area. I like the idea of an ocean front hotel, with walking distance to Lincoln Road. Any thoughts about specific hotels in that area?

Originally Posted by Coconut1

Loews Miami Beach, Delano, SLS, Royal Palm

.

[olderandwiser456]

Originally Posted by Coconut1

.

Thanks for the suggestions!

[Coconut1]