Staying the The Delano Hotel in South Beach

Choosing a place to stay on vacation can be a difficult decision sometimes. If you’re heading to Miami/South Beach for your vacation, that decision can be even more difficult. Many people choose to stay in the lap of luxury, which can include a stay at The Delano Hotel on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. Rooms at this popular hotel run anywhere from $300 to $6,000 a night. Why is there such a wide range in price? Because there are numerous rooms to choose from.

The Delano Hotel opened in the mid-19902 and was completely designed by architect Phillip Starck and has gone through a couple different renovations since it’s opening. The renovations were undertaken by Banjo, a popular design and architecture firm.

The room choices at The Delano include:

  • Regular Guest Rooms: These rooms are anything but “regular,” even though they’re considered a bit small when measured to other rooms in the hotel. The normal hotel amenities—cable TV, refrigerator, etc—are available, as well as screens to block out the sun on those early mornings.
  • Bungalows: Being the biggest and most-requested rooms in the complex, these rooms include an oversized tub and “rainfall showers,” as well as an entire dining room table. Located just a few feet from the pool, a Bungalow is sure to be a lasting experience.
  • Penthouse/Luxury Apartments: Running at a steep $6,000 a night, these are located on the uppermost floors of the building. These rooms include extra large bedrooms and bathrooms (which are made from marble), as well as a full dining room, a large marble tub, a private balcony, and a fully stocked wet bar. One of the most popular uses for these rooms is private parties and/or other functions.

With all of the different options that are available at The Delano Hotel, there’s something for just about everyone. If money isn’t an issue, then perhaps a week long stay at the most popular hotel in the South Beach area is just what you need. Rooms tend to fill up quickly during certain times of the year, so be sure to book early!

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Florida for the Frugal

In times of a shaky economy, high unemployment rates, and financial uncertainty, almost everyone is searching for ways to save some money wherever possible. Unfortunately, for many this means cutting out the much needed vacations. If you were planning a vacation to Florida, but aren’t sure if you can afford it, don’t despair—there are plenty of ways to visit Florida and still save some money.

If you’re visiting Orlando, but can’t afford the major theme parks, why not take the kids to Fun Spot? Offering go karts, as well as a wide variety of other rides, this one of Florida’s best 9and cheapest) alternatives to the larger theme parks. You can purchase an all-day armband for $25 to use on the regular rides.

Visiting the NASA Kennedy Space Center is another great option, even if you have children. The price of admission is $38, but it’s well worth it. Once inside, you can watch IMAX films on space, interact with a real astronaut through a neat exhibit, and even experience the launch of a shuttle.

For the animal lover in the family, the Big Cat Rescue in Tampa is a must-see attraction. With a low admission fee of $25, you can see the big animals such as lins and tigers, but can also view smaller felines. You also have the option for a tour during the day or at night.

A vacation to Florida can be very affordable if you know where to stay and which attractions to visit. To be sure you’re saving as much money as possible, the best advice is to plan your trip ahead of time.

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Pet Friendly Miami

Many people have a special attachment to their pets. They take their cats out for walks, carry their dogs in purses and backpacks, and spend money to make sure those pets have everything from the most comfortable bed to the most nutritional food to the perfect accessories, like collars and cold weather apparel. Pets are pampered and that’s no secret, and since they are considered to be a member of the family, many people take their pets along when they go on vacation.

Vacationing with a pet, especially for an extended period of time, can be a hassle sometimes. There are many hotels who won’t accept pets and finding ones that do can be an even bigger hassle. In some cases, you could end up staying farther away from certain locations than you had anticipated.

If you’re planning a vacation in Miami and would like to take your pet with you, you’re in luck. Miami has a number of highly rated oceanside hotels that will gladly accept pets in the rooms. While most people take cats and dogs on vacation, there are other pets who go along, too. If you’re planning to take an animal other than a cat or dog along on your vacation, be aware of the fact that most hotels define pets as cats and/or dogs. It should also be known that some hotels charge a fee to keep animals in the rooms.

Miami is a very pet friendly city, so don’t be afraid to take your cat or dog on vacation, too. The best advice, though, is to check with the hotel you’ll be staying at well in advance. Some information you find online may have changed, so it’s always best to call and double-check before making any definite plans.

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South Florida Attractions

If you’re planning a vacation to the south end of Florida, including Miami, doing some planning before you head there might be a good idea. Miami and the surrounding areas offer a vast multitude of activities, whether you’re vacationing alone or taking your family with you. It’s nearly impossible to see everything in only a few days, so planning is suggested so you can make sure you get to see everything you want. With so many places and activities available, it can be difficult to decide just where to visit. Take a look at the list below for a few suggestions on where to head when in Southern Florida.

  • If you’re a fan of architecture, why not make a stop at Vizcaya on Biscayne Bay? Built in 1916, the Renaissance-style Italian home used to be inhabited by James Deering, a well-known industrialist. Now a National Historic Landmark, you can tour each of the 34 rooms inside the mansion.
  • For the art connoisseur in the family, stop in at Miami Art Museum located right downtown in the heart of the city. The museum showcases many pieces contemporary pieces of art by such artists as Marcel Duchamp and Fernand Leger. There are admission discounts available as well.
  • Little Havana is one of  Miami’s most popular neighborhoods when it comes to tourism. When wandering through the streets, you can hear traditional salsa music purchase authentic Cuban items, including cigars, sample Cuban cuisine, and visit art galleries and other shops.
  • For an alternative to the regular zoos, check out Monkey Jungle. This park showcases over 400 hundred different primates in the only semi-natural rainforest environment in the United States. You can view the primates through glass tunnels that run through the entire park.

These are just a few options when it comes to activities to participate in while on vacation in Southern Florida. A simple Internet search will turn up many more. Visit as much as possible—Florida has some wonderful attractions!

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12 Types of Tourists, and How to Identify Each Kind

Distant lands, faraway places, where dreams meet reality with unforgettable experiences. There are many different exciting ways to see the world. So which tourist type are you?

1. The Flip-Floppers

You know this kind: they can’t decide on anything: what to do, where to eat, or where to stay. They’re very relaxed and tend to go with the crowd, or with whatever the crowd says.

2. The Preachers

The preacher knows what’s best for you, even though you don’t! They tell you what to do and when to do it. They probably make great friends for flip-floppers, no?

3. The Bromads

The Bromads are groups of men who travel, forming bonds and discovering the world together. They’re frequently found traveling world tours or extended travel excursions.

4. The Turtles

These are often new backpackers who consider themselves to be travelers and not tourists. They’re often well-educated, young, and don’t have kids. Why are they called turtles? They carry just about all of their belongings in their backpacks.

5. The Flash-Packers
To them, money is no object. They have disposable income to go anywhere, see anything and go whenever they want. Lucky dogs.

6. The Thrift Drifters

Is that another item from the hotel gift shop? Go figure!
The thrift drifters need help in deciding where their money is best spent. In contrast to flash-packers, these tourists are more concerned about costs, but for them, staying in a vacation rental property in lieu of a hotel is a much better option to help save cash. They can enjoy much nicer amenities, and still go home with money in the bank. That is, if they can resist buying another trinket from the gift shop!

7. The Gap-Packers
They are probably classified as travelers who are “between” life’s different stages. Whether it’s between school and their first job or something else, they’re traveling as a way to experience life before it moves to the next phase.

8. The Lone Backpacker

They’re more inclined to prefer solitude, serenity and peace. Alone.

9. The World Weary

They’ve been traveling for quite some time, and they’re pretty tired of the going. They’re not phased anymore by the excitement of it, but they also don’t want to stop. They would rather stay in some lame hotel than rent a vacation home that they can stay and play in.

10. The Meanderthals

Personal hygiene is not so important. Neither is where they’re traveling to next. It’s all a toss-up for the meanderthals, and they like it that way.

11. The Hitchedhikers

That’s the married couple who are barely speaking to each other. Bored, would you say?

12. The Chic Packer

This is the female traveler who never leaves home without her heels, blowdryer, or nail polish: the incessant diva.

Tourists run a wide range of eclectic characteristics, as their choice of travel destinations briefly sets them apart from most of society during their escapades, with different food tastes, entertainment choices, and social skills, but they all share the same commonality: travel. But no matter what kind of traveler you are, staying in a vacation rental is a wise choice.

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A Nature Experience in St. Petersburg

If you’re a nature lover and are planning a vacation to Florida, don’t forget to stop at Boyd Hill Park Nature Preserve in St. Petersburg. Used as a refuge for native Florida wildlife, the park includes 245 acres of natural Florida beauty. From gorgeous flowers and plant life to birds and other wildlife, Boyd Hill is sure to bring out the best in every nature lover.

Within the Boyd Hill Nature Park Preserve are five distinctly different ecosystems. A trail winds its way through and around each of these ecosystems, offering some of the most beautiful views of the native scenery that Florida has to offer.

The Hardwood Hammocks are clusters of hardwood trees that provide shelter for birds and other wildlife. The Sand Pine Scrub is especially interesting because it uses fires to regenerate. It is also one of the oldest habitats found in the state. The Pine Flatwoods cover much of the preserve and are clusters of pine trees. These provide shelter for many of the plants in the park, as well as shelter for the smaller species of wildlife. The Willow Marsh ecosystem is indicative of much of the land in Florida, and the ecosystem along the Lake Shore offers a unique look into another piece of Florida’s landscape.

Boyd Hill is home to numerous species of wildlife and insects. The park is home to many alligators, which are the biggest attraction. There are plenty of walkways and decks specifically used for viewing these reptiles. Smaller wildlife, such as rabbits, raccoons, and even snakes are plentiful throughout the preserve as well.

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Seeing Alligators in St. Augustine

If you or a member of your family is a history or wildlife fan, then a family vacation to St. Augustine, Florida should be near the top of your list of vacation spots. One of the oldest cities in the United States, St. Augustine is filled to the brim with history and offers plenty of fun activities for you and your family. One of the most popular places to visit in the city is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

Founded in 1983 by Felix Fire and George Reddington, the park isn’t just a place to see where a bunch of alligators are located. After thriving, relocating, changing ownership, and continuing to grow, the park became a place of research in the mid-70s. One of the largest expansions took place in 1993, and today the zoo is home to a wide variety of alligators and crocodiles.

The park includes numerous exhibits, such as a Komodo Dragon exhibit, as well as an exhibit for the largest alligator in the entire park, Maximo, who weighs a staggering 1,250 pounds. There are also various shows to attend. Visitors can watch the alligators be fed a couple times a day. There are also informational sessions where you can learn about the history of the park, as well as about the different species of alligators and crocodiles throughout the park. There are also the Florida’s Forest Friends and Rainforest Review shows, which showcase parrots and other exotic animal life that can be found throughout Florida.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to hold an event, why not consider having it here? The Conservation Center located on Anastasia Island can hold up to 100 people and is perfect for a luncheon or your child’s birthday party.

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Send Greetings From Your Favorite Destination

When you go on vacation and leave some of your loved ones at home, you should send a postcard or buy souvenirs to bring home so that your loved ones don’t feel left out and to show them that you care. This is really simple to do and can be fun for you while you’re on vacation.

If you are going to a typical vacation destination, there should be plenty of opportunities for you to shop and select the perfect gift. You don’t even have to spend a fortune;just select something small that your loved one will appreciate. Some vacation destinations have entire stores dedicated to souvenirs, and they’d be a great place to start. Also, hotels often have small shops where you can buy merchandise to take home.

There is no use buying a gift that your loved one will never use. For instance, a miniature figure of the statue of liberty would be great to add to your collection of trinkets from your travels, but your loved ones might not have any use for it. Choose souvenirs like shirts, mugs, pens, and other things that can be of use. The souvenirs don’t even have to have any resemblance to the destination you went to. They can just be something that reminded you of your loved one.

It is also nice to send postcards. People feel good when they know you are thinking about them, especially when you are taking time off from being at home. This might even be when it counts the most. A simple postcard doesn’t cost much, but it can be worth everything to your loved ones.

And, of course, don’t forget to buy souvenirs for yourself. After all, you’ll want something to help remember your trip, and sometimes pictures aren’t enough. You don’t have to splurge, but a nice souvenir can be a cherished item in the future.

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Vacationing in Luxury: South Beach

From stunning ocean views, celebrity watching, and gorgeous hotel accommodations, South Beach is sure to please the traveler seeking style. Let’s take a quick look at the view of a luxury hotel South Beach is most known for.

The modern design of the W South Beach is another designer masterpiece in the Starwood hotel family. Each of its 334 rooms offers an ocean view. Located in the heart of the sizzling nightlife of Miami, the W is a splendor of modern design. The hotel is reflection of the hip, sexy and eclectic mix of people and places that make up Miami. The W houses six bars that serve their signature cocktail menu all night long. A full service spa, fitness and business center is available. Enjoy rooftop tennis and basketball all while Fluffy awaits patiently in the room. The W South Beach is a pet-friendly hotel.

To experience the epitome of luxury, plan a stay at The Villa by Barton G. This high-fashioned boutique hotel is housed in the former Versace mansion. Ornately designed architecture stands in opulence alongside water fountains and mosaic floor designs. This gated hotel consists of ten suites, making it an exclusive destination. Each room contains an expansive Italian marble bathroom, separate living rooms, sitting areas, and more. Sitting in The Dinning Room is like being transformed into a palatial wonder of style. Afternoon tea is served in the Mosaic Garden daily. Amenities include personal British-trained butlers and Kindle e-readers with complimentary electronic newspaper delivery.

The Setai caters to visitors who desire a sense of calm with their luxury hotel. South Beach is filled with points of excitement to stimulate your senses. This hotel provides you with an oasis to recharge. Asian Art Deco gives this location an unmistakable modern appeal. Amenities include wireless high-speed internet, Lavazza espresso machines, Bose surround sound systems and more. Personal in-room spa treatments via the full-service spa are available as well as fitness facilities and 24 hour room service.

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Experience Florida’s Best Cities

Ybor City section of Tampa, Florida.
Image via Wikipedia

Most people are familiar with Florida and some of its famous cities such as Tampa, Miami and Orlando. However, they may not be aware of some of the exciting things to do when taking a road trip around Florida. Sure, you can visit Disney World, Busch Gardens, Sea World and Universal Studios, but what about some of the other things to do that will allow you to experience the culture and beauty of Florida?

One of the unique things to do in Tampa is the Big Cat Rescue where you can take tours and learn all about the big cats at the sanctuary. If you’re looking for a historic village with plenty of culture then you may want to take a trip to Ybor City. It was the cigar capital of the world years ago and is now a community that thrives with culture and history. There are fossil expeditions, museums and attractions, boat rentals, day trips and pretty much anything a family would want to do. The great thing is that you can find it all in these cities. It doesn’t matter if you love a quiet day on the beach, a hike through the forest or a day of shopping and dining out because Tampa, Miami and Orlando have it all in one convenient package. You may enjoy it so much that you search for apartments for rent in Tampa or any of the other areas nearby.

In fact, Florida is an excellent place to live, where you and your family can enjoy the beauty of nature and the convenience of big city living all rolled into one. So whether you’re visiting or decide to stay, there’s something for every single member of your family to appreciate. You’ll be welcomed to the area with open arms by the friendly Florida residents. Find your own piece of paradise in Florida and stay a while.

Filed Under: Travel
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