HGVC South Beach

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

well now we're getting somewhere!

a one bedroom at this resort for my Easter break.

Anyone stayed here recently? Is the area too risque for a 12yo boy?

I love Miami but my DH's only stay wasn't the greatest so I may have to let this go....but I'll do my best to talk him into it if the resort is worth it.

Do they have a pool?

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Lawren,

We stayed two years ago and loved it, though we d/n bring the kids. I think I recall a tiny pool on the roof, though it may only have been a jacuzzi... If I were in your shoes, I would take it and bring the kids. Keep in mind I am somewhat liberal.

Beach directly across the street is big and nice. Location on Ocean Drive couldn't be better, walk a few blocks south to the 'action,' and a bit further north to Lincoln Road.

Risque... well, yes, but my oldest would have loved it, even when he was 12. My youngest, now 12, would probably be saying 'eeyeeww' a lot. Lots of great 'people watching,' surely you can keep him out of the clubs.
A day at Parrot Jungle would be great. There will be things you won't get to do with him in tow (we loved hanging out at the Delano, for example).

If you are willing to take a few 'day trips' outside SoBe, then I say take it. Otherwise an entire week there may be a bit much unless he likes just hanging out on the beach (I know that's not a problem for you )

Great brunch next door, btw.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

all good things to hear G.

My grandmother lived in Miami and I spent a lot of time down there growing up.

I want to take them to the pool at Coral Gables, tour Vizcaya and go over to the beach at Biscayne Key....maybe a day trip to Key Largo, I wonder if the Flagler dogtrack is still there.

I also remember an Aquatic Park, not SeaWorld but similar, in the area.

I'm excited!

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

all good things to hear G.

My grandmother lived in Miami and I spent a lot of time down there growing up.

I want to take them to the pool at Coral Gables, tour Vizcaya and go over to the beach at Biscayne Key....maybe a day trip to Key Largo, I wonder if the Flagler dogtrack is still there.

I also remember an Aquatic Park, not SeaWorld but similar, in the area.

I'm excited!

I am excited for you! With those trips in mind, I think you will find it a very nice place to call 'base.'

[KenK Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close KenK]

Miami Seaquarium* is still open. New giant Miami Zoo* also nice. Parrot Jungle is now very close to the beach areas...(the SoBe areas)....Viscaya great* I think the dog track is open. About 10 miles N & 1 mile West off of A1A on US Rt 1 will be the Hollywood Dog Track and Gulfstream ...both should have non Indian slots & stuff by then. (AND NO SMOKING). Coral Castle is just OK.

Monkey Jungle is a ways off Rt 1 to the south. Problem with the area is Rt one is very congested going S. Try to get onto the Turnpike for part of the trip S toward the Keys. Fairchild Gardens ( & its sister, Flamingo Gardens*) also have coupons on line.

Of course, the best outlet mall (and biggest interior) is Sawgrass Mills* Has Prime, Miramar, Belz all beat.

Earth World/ Ocean World is closed. Was next to the Seaquarium.

* Indicates coupons I saw in the 2006 Entertainment Book....one free with one, for the Ft Laud area (Not the Miami Book)

Also had tons of relatives retired in the area...in the 1950s till now. THEY ARE STILL THERE...but they are several blocks back now...

ALSO CHECK the sites online. They almost always have some kind of discount to print off.

[BocaBum99 Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close BocaBum99]

Keep it and send your kids to Disney World. That's a good exchange.

[Carol C Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Carol C]

If you have all those sidetrips planned it should be ok for a 12 yr old. I personally love that place, have stayed maybe 3 times. But you will not see lots of families with kids around at all. If you decide not to use it maybe I can swap something with you. LOL, I'm not kidding either!

Oops forgot to say, no pool or pools to access. But there are jacuzzis on the roofs of the three bldgs that comprise this resort. That time of year you'll enjoy them. If you want to hang at a pool for a day, maybe arrange a t.s. tour of Marriotts Villas at Doral...their pool complex really rocks!

[wombat Member Find all posts View Profile Close wombat]

The HGVC is a wonderful place. Very nicely furnished units in 3 art deco buildings. It is in the northern, quieter part of Ocean Drive, where there are fewer bars / clubs. Miami makes for a relaxing beach holiday, but there aren't that many sights or attractions to hold your kids' interest for a week's stay.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Thanks Everybody!

Between here and Trip Advisor I had no problem convincing DH to let me confirm HGVC South Beach. Of course I got nervous when RCI VC waxed enthusiastic about it too. ( They did the same when we booked OLCC )

KenK thanks for the heads up on area attractions/coupons. How far is Cap Canaveral? I seem to remember it was not a huge drive and would also hold interest for entire family unit.

Of course now we have another problem. I have no weeks on deposit and am not planning on having any in the near term with RCI. I am going to give the independents a run.

[ArtsieAng Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close ArtsieAng]

Lawren,

I'm glad to hear that you confirmed HGVC. I've never stayed there, but I love the area it's located in. I've always enjoyed Miami, lots of people watching (beware, lots of gorgeous woman parading around) restaurants, shopping etc. One or two day trips will make your vacation perfect! You'll have a great time...........

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Lawren,

that's great!! I am glad you won't be fretting any more. You will have a great time!

A

[KenK Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close KenK]

IMO the Cape is pretty far. Its a direct shot on I 95 N but there is construction through Palm Beach, Martin and I think St Lucie county.

(Also some on the Fl Turnpike...but that moves away from the coast after about Fort Pierce). Maybe about 3.5 hours each way.

I think there is plenty to do in the Miami area...more than a few weeks worth.

You've seen the lists on Trip Advisor. If I posted the glass display pixs from Fairchild Gardens they had this past spring, you would be amazed. (I had to do it on negative film, as my cousin is a volunteer & they wanted pix to post. That is a 1/2 day trip in itself.

We think the Ft Laud area is great, with its water taxi, its 7 live staged theaters & 2 opera houses, but Miami has much more.

My thought, however, is what degrees of liberal and conservative you are? There may be some topless on the beach in SoBe...it is not stopped. Haulover Beach (in a section) is completely nude. In case your hubby wants to steer clear of it (it is really very private), it's just S of Sunny Isles and just N of the inlet next to Bal Harbour.....(just in case).

I'm pretty negative on the current culture I 'feel' at SoBe....I think many of the young people are not aware of anything except themselves.

But....thats the only negs I see, that thats just me...and I am pretty liberal on a lot of stuff.

Also, kids will like the duck tour, there is somewhat of a water taxi.

AG (AdvisorGirl) on Miami Beach TA Forums has tons of info.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

IMO the Cape is pretty far. Its a direct shot on I 95 N but there is construction through Palm Beach, Martin and I think St Lucie county.


I think there is plenty to do in the Miami area...more than a few weeks worth.

You've seen the lists on Trip Advisor. If I posted the glass display pixs from Fairchild Gardens they had this past spring, you would be amazed. (I had to do it on negative film, as my cousin is a volunteer & they wanted pix to post. That is a 1/2 day trip in itself.


My thought, however, is what degrees of liberal and conservative you are? There may be some topless on the beach in SoBe...it is not stopped. Haulover Beach (in a section) is completely nude. In case your hubby wants to steer clear of it (it is really very private), it's just S of Sunny Isles and just N of the inlet next to Bal Harbour.....(just in case).


Also, kids will like the duck tour, there is somewhat of a water taxi.

AG (AdvisorGirl) on Miami Beach TA Forums has tons of info.

Ken

Haulover is completely nude now? Glad you told me as that would have been one I would have gone to. I remember it as a lovely Miami area beach with a pier but in all honesty haven't physically been there in 30 years.

We are relatively liberal regarding clothing optional. We don't flaunt but don't run about covered head to toe either. I remember we did happen upon a nude beach in St John and DS was embarrassed. Later he said it was OK if people he KNEW weren't clothed but WASN'T OK with strangers. Of course that was 5 years ago and maybe 12yo think differently??? I think we'll skip Haulover though. Toplessness is OK.

I think we will have plenty to do < and in my case revisit > without going to far afield. I guess the construction nixes Cape Canaveral but we'll have plenty to do without that.

Is that place known for it's stonecrabs still around? Joe's was it? and I'm sure Breakers must still be there and SOMEONE recommend some great CUBAN restaurants!!!

[KenK Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close KenK]

Original WOLFIES* (1928) is gone. Joes Stone Crab*** is still there...but I don't remember the seasons they have them fresh. And, many say the food might be good to even great, the service is terrible and staff condesendingly mean (?!!).

There are a few Wolfie Franchises, and another old one in Palm Beach County.

Jerrys Famous Deli (from Calif) has a new Deli in the SoBe area, but its terrible. (What does Calif know about deli??)

They took over part management of Wolfie Cohens "Rascal House"**, but the staff and crew was kept from the original owner (All the staff - including wait staff) at the time grandpa sold was 'given' a share of ownership. (The place was offered to the kids, they said no...too much work (I guess they figured they'd get the cash sooner or later...but the old man knew how to make the younguns responsible ) The staff (last time we were there) has keep the food & bakery going as a NY type deli...
Rascal House is in what is now called Sunny Isles (was a section of N Miami Beach) right across from the dozen Trump places (yes, motel row is almost all gone) near the NewPort T/S and the Golden Strand T/S on N 167 St near the causeway and A1A ICW side.


* http://travel.webshots.com/photo/255...29841300PSVYMa

** http://www.rascalhouse.com/rascal_home.html

***http://www.joesstonecrab.com/

BTW- Joes grandson in law has a easier access place called Billys Stone Crab in Hollywood on the intracoastal and Hollywood Beach Blvd. (Also one in Tampa area...but figured not worth the drive:

http://www.stone-crabs.com/restaurants.html

BTW....Adventura Mall is much closer than most think (Cheesecake Factory, Johnny Rockets, Franchise Wolfies (stay away), and the largest indoor mall on the side of the US. Take A1A N to past 167st Causeway. Next causeway is Lehman, go over it, get in R lane, note Turnberry CC on right and exit....turn R at light and then left into Macys, Bloomies, or Burdines parking towers. Also has Lord & Taylor (if still open...federated already has 3 stores in that mall), JC Penny (big & tall section), Sears, and Dillards was supposed to move in.

BUT Sawgrass has much better pricing.

[Glitter Brunello Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Glitter Brunello]

Original WOLFIES* (1928) is gone. Joes Stone Crab*** is still there...but I don't remember the seasons they have them fresh. And, many say the food might be good to even great, the service is terrible and staff condesendingly mean (?!!).

And I can add that the prices are outrageous and there are often LONG waits.
When were there there was a fun Cuban place right on Ocean Drive a few blocks south of HGVC with good live music and outdoor seating, it was fun!