Help with Beach Resorts and Hotels between Miami and Orlando please?

[saratogagirl]

Hi

We think we may fly in to Miami when we visit at New Year. We have booked Saratoga Springs for the latter part of the trip, but quite fancy a few nights at the beach beforehand.

We don't want to drive to far after the flight (or should I say Ian doesn't want to)!! I have been looking at Holywood and Lauderdale by The Sea and I have contacted a couple of accommodations, many of them will only take bookings for a week or two weeks because of the holidays..

So does anyone have some advice on a nice beach area, and some nice places to stay?

Thanks in advance

 

[wilma-bride]

Jules, I can't remember the name of the place Matt and Deb stayed at a couple of years ago when they flew into Miami but I think Deb said it was quite nice. Perhaps she'll be along in a while to post - or you could send her a message on FB.

When we flew into Miami, we just drove all the way up after the flight - it wasn't too bad at all, we arrived at WDW about 8pm.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

Pelican Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale is nice.

http://www.pelicanbeach.com/

 

[UKDEB]

Jules, I can't remember the name of the place Matt and Deb stayed at a couple of years ago when they flew into Miami but I think Deb said it was quite nice.

We stayed at the PGA National at Palm Beach Gardens. It's quite a bit closer to Miami than Orlando distance-wise, but not much short of half way time-wise. It took us about an hour and a half from leaving the airport (and then a little over two hours from there to Orlando the next morning). It's getting out of Miami which takes the time - not difficult, just congested. After that it's plain sailing on the Turnpike.

On the way back we stopped for lunch at a development of shops and restaurants in Hollywood. It's ideal because it's just off the Turnpike and you know you've got most of the journey behind you, so you don't have to worry about missing your flight. All the details (including shops, restaurants and entertainment) can be found at the Hard Rock Hotel's website. Did you try looking at that for your stay?

 

[saratogagirl]

Thanks Everyone

Deb we did indeed look at the Hard Rock Hotel, and the rates for the time we want to stop are amazing, we pulled the price up several times, as we didn't quite believe it!! It definitely is an option.

Its me that is the problem if I am totally honest, I have a vision of staying on the beach and walking to bars to drink Rita's, a bit of a "Buffet" moment going on!! Ian was keen to stay at The Hard Rock, but as it didnt quite fit my fantasy, I put it to one side. We have seen one called The Ocean Inn at Hollywood, but its all one extreme to the other, the Hard Rock looks wonderful and the pool amazing whilst the Ocean Inn is nowhere as near as nice as The Hard Rock but is on the beach!!!

I wish someone would make the decision for me, I am a total numpty !!

 

[UKDEB]

There's a chance that it could be very cold. Does sipping a Margarita on the beach in your fleece and gloves seem as appealing?

 

[UKDEB]

You'd better hope this gets approved and built before the end of the year!

Margaritaville, Hollywood Beach.

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I think what you need to consider Jules isn't just the resort or hotel to stay at it's the area too.

For example I don't know much about Disney's Vero Beach Resort other than it is a bit isolated with not much else around there, you look however further down the coast and you have Boca Raton/Palm Beach/Fort Lauderdale and Miami Beach all within fairly close proximity to each other.
So staying around there you have plenty of options.

I have mentioned Naples numerous times, which is kind of different in that whilst it's a fab place it is very quiet. Whereas the above 4 there are great beaches, restaurants, nightlife (if that's your thing) , art galleries, and shopping (if that's Ian's thing!).

 

[saratogagirl]

You'd better hope this gets approved and built before the end of the year!

Margaritaville, Hollywood Beach.

I see a future trip for us Mrs C, we could stay two weeks !!

 

[UKDEB]

We could stay forever!