With a nearly non-stop slate of festivals from April through September, Miami promises to be one of the coolest places on the planet to visit this summer. Making the destination even more attractive are the great deals that hotels, resorts, attractions and even restaurants are offering. Here are some of the ways to live it up in Miami this summer at a fraction of the cost:
Acqualina: ESPA, the leader in luxury spas, has opened its first U.S. branded spa at Acqualina, a Rosewood Resort in Sunny Isles Beach. The hotel is offering 20% off for Florida residents. The ultimate treatment is ESPA Time, which requires no decision-making upon booking. Simply set aside two hours or more and through a one-on-one consultation, the therapist establishes the guest's needs to fit the moment of the day. The result is tailored treatments and completely individualized experiences. Couple an ESPA treatment with a stay in a luxurious Intracoastal or oceanfront suite and receive 20-35% off, along with a complimentary continental breakfast for two adults and up to two children (12 and under). Both packages are available from June 1-September 30. Room rates start at $275 (prices vary based on the number of nights booked). For room discounts, please ask for the Family Package. For ESPA, please ask for the ESPA Florida resident discount. For more information, call 305-918-8000 or visit www.Acqualina.com.
Bentley Beach Hotel: Take your time, replenish yourself, recondition your mind and enjoy the sun and warm breezes at the Bentley Beach Hotel. The hotel's "Summer Breeze Package" is valid from May 1 to September 30, 2007. Rates and rooms are based upon availability and are not applicable during major holidays.
Accommodations include:
- Luxury Studio (ideal for couples) – This spacious 350-square-foot junior suite is beautifully appointed with furniture exclusively manufactured in Europe for the Bentley Beach Hotel. Enjoy the suite life with one king bed, a fully stocked state-of-the-art kitchenette and luxurious oversized marble bathroom. Large terraces offer city or ocean views. Rates start at $209/night.
- One-Bedroom Ocean View Room (ideal for families) – This luxuriously appointed 700-square-foot suite offers a great living room with comfortable pull-out sofa, master bedroom with king bed, full-size kitchen and marble bathroom with a Jacuzzi soaking tub and separate glass enclosed shower. Large terraces are available upon request. Rates start at $259/night.
Rates include:
- Nightly chocolate turndown extravaganza
- Complimentary European continental breakfast buffet (regular rate: $15/person)
- Kids under 14 stay free (regular charge: + $50)
- Complimentary upgrade to next room category (based upon space availability)
- Stay five nights, pay for four
For more information, e-mail Mnedic@thebentleyhotels.com or call 305-938-4604.
The Betsy Ross Hotel: This Ocean Drive hotel is offering a "Spring Leap" promotion from April 1 - May 31, 2007 , where guests who book directly with the hotel will receive 15% off a three-night stay (restrictions apply). The hotel is steps away from white sandy beaches and minutes from everything South Beach has to offer: world-class restaurants, internationally renowned nightlife, boutique shopping, museums and historical landmarks. For more information, visit www.BetsyRossHotel.com.
The Biltmore: The Biltmore's "Whisk Her Away" package allows men to whisk away their loved ones for a weekend of luxury.
Available through September 30, 2007, the package includes:
- Deluxe junior suite
- Romantic breakfast-in-bed and Champagne and strawberries at night
- Lunch for two at Cascade, the Biltmore's poolside restaurant
- Exclusively for Her: Indulge in spa treatments with an aromatherapy massage, European deep-cleansing facial, manicure and pedicure
- Exclusively for Him: Personal appointment with Ernesto Aragon, the Biltmore's "Mancierge," to plan a manly day of activities.
The Biltmore's "Whisk Her Away" Package is available for $990 per couple, with a two-night stay minimum. For more information, call 800-727-1926 or visit www.BiltmoreHotel.com.
The Clinton Hotel: This boutique hotel embodies the South Beach experience – "unusual, wild, inspiring, relaxing, sexy, fashionable, whimsical and a whole lot of fun." From June 1 - September 30, 2007, guests who stay three nights will get a fourth night free. For more information, visit www.ClintonSouthBeach.com.
The Circa39 Hotel: This 82-room boutique hotel on Miami Beach's Collins Avenue is a refreshingly relaxing oasis of gentle ocean breezes. Guests who book before April 30 and stay three nights before May 31 will get 10% off. The discount increases to 20% for three-night stays from June through August when booked by April 30 (restrictions apply to both promotions.) Circa39 offers a deluxe continental breakfast, an outdoor pool with cabanas and pool bar service, PLAY bar and lounge with daily cocktail hour and access to a private beach with lounge chairs. For more information, visit www.Circa39.com.
Doral Golf Resort & Spa: Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort, is offering a "Pieces of the Past" promotion to celebrate 45 years of legendary moments. Former guests who send in memorabilia such as old room keys, menus, golf scorecards, slippers and towels, will enjoy 15% off standard room rates during their next stay. In addition, past guests whose items are chosen for display in the hotel will receive one free night per item. Keepsakes must be dated prior to 1970 and be accompanied by a brief description as well as the guest's memories of the Doral Resort at that time. Memorabilia submissions should be addressed to: Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort, Pieces of the Past Search, Attn: General Manager, 4400 NW 87th Avenue, Miami, FL 33178. >From July 1- September 9, 2007, rates start at $139 per night, based on double occupancy. For more information, call 800-71-DORAL or visit www.DoralResort.com.
Four Seasons: Dominating the city's sparkling skyline, Four Seasons is downtown Miami's only AAA Five Diamond hotel. An urban oasis which combines contemporary luxury with resort-style amenities, it is conveniently accessible to the city's prime attractions. From May 1 through September guests pay from $250 per room when staying for a minimum of two nights. For stays of three nights or more, the rate starts at $225. For more information, call 305-381-3381 or visit www.FourSeasons.com/miami.
The Hotel Astor: Guests who arrive on any day except Friday or Saturday and stay for two nights will receive 15% off. During June, guest can stay two weekday nights and get 15% off or stay four nights and get 20% off if the reservation is booked by May 15 (other restrictions apply). Situated in the very heart of South Beach, the Hotel Astor provides a chic and sophisticated atmosphere, with a staff that is focused on guest needs. The hotel is also home to the Johnny V Restaurant. For more information, visit www.HotelAstor.com.
Mandarin Oriental, Miami: This city resort, located on Brickell Key, is offering fabulous rates this summer. Enjoy bed-and-breakfast rates from $449 in April, $389 in May and $299 in June. Fabulous culinary classes, spa retreats and special occasion packages are also available. For more information, call 305-913-8383 or visit www.MandarinOriental.com/miami.
Marriott South Beach: After a night out at Nikki Beach, South Beach's premier nightclub, guests at Marriott South Beach can extend their SoBe experience. The hotel's "Nikki Beach Exclusive Package," starting at $234 per night plus tax, includes a deluxe guest room with a city view of South Beach, plus two complimentary pomegranate mojitios. A limited number of rooms are available for this promotion, which is valid seven days a week through October 1, 2007. Other restrictions apply. For more information, visit www.Marriott.com .
The Strand Ocean Drive : Guests who book their reservation directly online with The Strand Ocean Drive Hotel will receive a $15 credit at checkout. Located in the heart of South Beach's Art Deco District on world-famous Ocean Drive, the Strand Hotel is steps away from the ocean and beach, and within walking distance to the city's finest dining, nightlife and shopping. The Strand is the only hotel on South Beach offering the "URE"- the Ultimate Rooftop Experience – an intimate rooftop pool with spectacular views of the beach, a private pool concierge, daybeds, umbrellas and privacy screens. For more information, visit www.TheStrandOceanDrive.com.
The Tides South Beach : With this hotel's "Beauty Before Business" package, South Beach chic is more beguiling than ever. Unpack your bags and stay awhile for the sun-splashed beach scene and sizzling nightlife. Cool out between outings with a soothing respite and a feel-good spa treatment in the privacy of your own suite.
- Four nights of accommodations in a deluxe junior suite
- Welcome glass of Champagne upon arrival
- Manicure and pedicure for her
- 30-minute scalp and shoulder massage for him
- Full American breakfast for two daily
Total price is $3,000, excluding tax. Available Sunday through Thursday from June 1 - September 30, 2007. Package offers 40% cost savings. Restrictions and blackout dates apply. For more information, call 866-891-0948 or visit www.TidesSouthBeach.com.
The Wave Hotel: This boutique hotel on Miami's hip South Beach, just across from the ocean, is offering special promotions from April through August, with discounts ranging from 10-25% off (restrictions apply). The historic 1940 Art Deco building was extensively renovated to blend the original splendor of the period with all the contemporary comforts of a boutique hotel. For more information, visit www.WaveHotel.com.
ATTRACTIONS & CULTURE
Miami Seaquarium: This popular, family-oriented marine life park offers Miami Seaquarium Summer Camp 2007 from June 4 to August 17 for campers ages 5-18. One-and two-week curriculum for each grade level are available, which revolve around education and conservation, animal interactions, shows, field and art activities and more. The camp fee is $190 per child. For more information, call 305-361-5705 (ext. 207 or 298) or visit www.MiamiSeaquarium.com.
RESTAURANTS
Miami Spice Restaurant Month: Celebrate the city's passion for food and life by enjoying special dinner and/or lunch menus at reduced rates throughout August and September. Enjoy lunch for $20.07 and dinner for $30.07 (includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert). Tax and gratuity excluded. For more information, visit www.MiamiRestaurantMonth.com.
OLA at Sanctuary Hotel: OLA is offering a "Summer Passport" program that will place a focus on a different Latin American country each month from May through September 2007. Each month, OLA will have a special menu consisting of the traditional flavors from the selected country, as well as cocktails, beverages and music. The menu will be offered at a special price of $35, plus tax and gratuity for a three-course dinner. Each guest dining at the restaurant will receive an "OLA Visa Stamp" in their passport. At the end of each month, guests who have dined at OLA and sampled the Passport menu will be entered into a drawing for a prize. When a guest has received a visa stamp for each country, they will be entered in a drawing to receive a trip to a Latin American country. The passport will contain the menus for each month, Doug Rodriguez' special mojito recipe, promotions and discounts from corporate partners and local stores and attractions. For more information, call 305-695-9125 or visit www.OlaMiami.com .
Tuscan Steak: "La Famiglia" – billed as a feast for the whole family featuring a three-course menu of Tuscan classics – returns to Tuscan Steak. Served Sunday through Thursday, the dinner costs $38 for adults and $19 for children under 12. For more information, call 305-534-2233 or visit www.ChinaGrillmgt.com .
For information on events during the Summer Festival Season, visit www.FestivalSeason.com. The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (www.MiamiAndBeaches.com) is an independent not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide, visit our website or call toll-free at 888-76-MIAMI (US/Canada only) or call 305-447-7777. To contact the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau offices call 305-539-3000.