MY Guide to an Epic MIAMI Bachelorette Weekend – Part I: Accommodations and Dining

Whether you’re planning your next girls-only holiday or a destination bachelorette weekend, here’s MY guide to making it EPIC in Miami!

Since turning 21 (what feels like a thousand years ago), MY friends and I have been traveling to Miami for party/relaxation weekends almost yearly. So, when it came time to get hitched, Miami was naturally our destination of choice for celebrating our last single girl days. With an abundance of day parties, glitzy clubs, gorgeous hotels, fantastic restaurants and no discernible off-season, Miami never disappoints.

So, let’s get to planning…

1. Choose your hotel wisely.

Hotels range from the very high-end to budget, so the options are endless, but the lower end can be seedy and location does matter. Here are some of my favorites:

Luxury Boutique Hotels

Delano Hotel | https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/delano/delano-south-beach.

The quintessential Miami hotel, The Delano is nothing less than spectacular. With one of the beach’s most beautiful pools, gorgeous Phillipe Starck interiors, fantastic location and seductive ambiance, if you can splurge on accommodations, do it here. And, if you can’t, then stop by for a cocktail at Rose Bar and stroll around the property for endless photo opps with billowing white curtains, an oversized chess set and gilded furniture that only dreams are made of.

SLS Hotel | http://slshotels.com/southbeach/

A gorgeous newcomer to Collins Avenue lavishly dressed by Phillipe Starck, featuring cuisine by both the famed José Andrés and Katsuya Uechi and the sought after day and/or night hot spot Hyde Beach, the SLS offers all the luxury of South Beach all in one relatively small property in a great location. If you’re looking for luxe in the sexiest most right-now way, stay here.

Resort Hotels

Fontainebleau | http://www.fontainebleau.com/

What could be more Miami than the legendary Fontainebleau? This Art Deco landmark has been enchanting miami-goers since the 1950s and is an easy first choice. The sprawling resort not only has one of the grandest pools, but houses a few of Miami’s most beautiful restaurants and of course, the epic (and admittedly my favorite) LIV Nightclub. But be warned, despite offering affordable accommodations, everything here is pricey, from the day bed rentals to the poolside cocktails to the entrance fee at LIV (unless you make friends with a local promoter ;)). And, the hotel is located in North Miami Beach a short, but noticeable distance from many of the most popular hot spots and beaches.

Loews Miami Beach Hotel | http://www.loewshotels.com/miami-beach/

One of my absolute favorite places to say in Miami, this Art Deco beauty is not only in a great location, but offers impeccable service. If you’re looking for true relaxation, including pineapple infused water towers, an occasional mist spray from a gracious bus boy or complimentary frozen fruits served poolside, this is your place. Unlike many of its contemporaries, the price of accommodations are fair and so is everything else at the resort. And, the pool and beach access are unrivaled.

Other hotels to consider: Eden Roc Miami Beach (runs specials often and offers great accomodations); Catalina Hotel & Beach Club (budget friendly, great location and uniquely furnished); and The James Royal Palm (fantastic location).

2. Line up a few special dinner reservations.

Fine dining in Miami is expensive, but the following restaurants will not disappoint. So, if you’re going to make time for a nice dinner between day activities (i.e. drinking) and night activities (i.e. drinking), make it memorable. Here are some of my favorites.

Decor/Ambiance

Baoli Miami Restaurant and Lounge | http://www.baolimiami.com/restaurant/

Not only is the space gorgeous, but the food is fantastic. The perfect place to set the mood for a big night out, go here for beautifully prepared dishes with a side of sparklers and if you’re lucky, some table-dancing.

The Villa by Barton G. (also known as the Versace Mansion) | http://bartongtherestaurant.com/

Yes, you can get a reservation at the Versace Mansion. Go here not for the food, but the sheer allure of being at the mansion and to see the beautiful space.

Culinary Greatness

Yardbird Southern Table & Bar | http://www.runchickenrun.com/

A cab ride away from the main strip, but a worthy trip for award-winning southern fare.

La Marea at The Tides| http://www.tidessouthbeach.com/dining-en.html

Perfectly prepared seafood in a glamorous beach front setting.

The Bazaar at the SLS Hotel | http://sbe.com/restaurants/brands/thebazaar/

Go for James Beard Award-winning Chef José Andrés’ fanciful and super sexy tapas.

Prime One Twelve | http://mylesrestaurantgroup.com/?page_id=51

Not your grandpa’s steakhouse. The steaks are amazing, but so are the contemporary accompaniments.

Scarpetta at The Fountainebleau | http://www.fontainebleau.com/web/dining/scarpetta

Fantastic Italian and fresh pasta in a gorgeous space

OLA Miami | http://www.olamiami.com/

Exceptional Latin fare in a sultry space.

Other places to try: China Grill (an oldie, but a goodie); Katsuya (sushi); Catch (seafood); the options really are endless.

More affordable options: 11th Street Diner (classic and delicious); The Federal (in the design district); Tongue & Cheek; The Local House; and Balans Soho Society.

With so much to do, see and eat in Miami, one post is simply not enough…stay tuned for Part 2, the Entertainment Guide, where I’ll tell you the best places to go during the day and at night.

LOVE – MY

Sis, DT, JP, AT, NB, EV, SDP, JY, JC, MM, SX, RC let’s do it again.