Our recommendations of places to eat, drink and sleep before you join us for the first Defected In The House event in Miami since 2010.
If you’re lucky enough to be heading to the Miami this year, no doubt you will be as excited as us ahead of what promises to be one of the highlights of the 2013 clubbing calendar.
Dennis Ferrer, Noir, Reboot, Pirupa, Dusky, Supernova, Sonny Fodera are the confirmed artists for the Defected In The House Stage at No Sugar Added Beach Festival on March 22nd at the world famous Nikki Beach on Miami’s South Beach; a mammoth line up that, as I’m sure you’ll agree, speaks for itself.
So rather than bleat on about the DJs’ undisputed heavyweight credentials, we thought we would try and make your jet-setting clubber’s logistical task a little easier.
By now, you’ve probably booked the flights and are starting to think about what you’re going to do when you get there; how you’re going to get around, where you’re going to rest your weary heads (or as the case may be, store your bags) and how best to line your stomachs before the main event. So in an effort to make those essential decisions a tad easier, we’ve put together a small guide to Miami.
Transport
Getting around Miami...
Train
In and around Miami, the Metromover equal parts bus, monorail and train, is helpful for getting around the Downtown area. It offers a free – yes, that’s right, free – orientation tour of the area (www.miamidade.gov/transit). Metrorail meanwhile, is a 21-mile-long heavy rail system that runs from Hialeah through Downtown Miami and south to Kendall/Dadeland. Trains run every five to 15 minutes from 6am to midnight. www.miamidade.gov/transit
Car
Unless you’re staying in one neighborhood, you’ll probably end up driving. It’s definitely the most convenient way of getting about. Navigating around is fairly idiot proof but avoid 7am-9am and 4pm-6pm weekdays unless you love serious traffic jams.
Car rental companies in the area include the following:
Alamo www.alamo.com
Avis www.avis.com
Budget www.budget.com
Continental www.continentalcar.com
Thrifty www.thrifty.com
Expect to pay about $200 a week for a typical economy car at most times. Most operators require that you be at least 25 years of age though, and you will need to have a major credit card in your own name. It’s going to be rammed so you’re strongly advised to book in advance.
Taxi
Taxis are generally expensive, but available at almost any time and place. A consortium of drivers have formed a Dispatch Service (305-888-4444). If the dispatch service is busy, try Metro (305-888-8888), Sunshine (305-445-3333) or Yellow (305-444-4444) for a ride. Now you’re in the land of tipping, expect to hand over an additional 10% to 15% on top of your fare.
Getting around Miami Beach...
Shuttle Bus
When traveling within Miami Beach, a good choice is the South Beach Local a shuttle bus that operates in a loop from 19th St to the southern end of Miami Beach. The fare is dirt cheap at only 25 cents a ride.
By electric golf cart
South Beach Decocarts seat four people and are a fun, Eco-friendly and convenient way to get around. Hourly, daily and weekly rentals are available but make sure you have your driver’s license with you.
http://decocarts.com/reservations
By bike
City of Miami Beach "DecoBike" Official Bike Rental & Sharing Program,is Miami’s answer to London’s Boris Bikes. Rent a bike from any of 100 stations in the city and simply drop off to any station when you’re done.
Eating
If you’re planning on dancing for days, you’re going to need some serious feeding and, in a nation infamous for its obsession with food and oversized portions, fuelling your engine isn’t going to be hard. But with a plethora of restaurants to choose from - a choice that’s verging on intimidating - we’ve narrowed it down to a few recommendations in and around Miami Beach.
Joe’s Stone Crab
If it’s a traditional taste of Miami you’re after then head to the famous Joe’s Stone Crab. Serving a full menu of stone crab claws, shrimp, steaks ribs and chicken, it’s been getting rave reviews from its humble beach shack beginnings in 1913. There are no reservations though, so be prepared to wait.
www.joesstonecrab.com
Shorty’s BBQ
A fancy place Shorty’s is not. But with huge portions of the best meat at amazingly low prices makes it a front runner for hungry revelers on small budget.
www.shortys.com
Grazie
Great service, great value for money and authentic Italian make this a perfect option if you fancy a change from the traditional Floridian fare. Boasting a wide range of homemade pasta dishes, fresh salads and a wide selection of mouthwatering antipasti, this friendly and ambient South Beach establishment is definitely worth a visit.
www.grazieitaliancuisine.com/gic/index.asp
The Dining Room at The Villa by Barton G
If you’ve got cash to burn and want to indulge in decadent surroundings then stop off at Ocean Drive’s The dining Room at The Villa; a world class restaurant set in the luxurious palazzo of the late Giani Versarce’s landmark 1930s villa. The ornate, mosaic tile-covered mansion and his signature over-the-top Roman opulence, coupled with Barton G's daring culinary pyrotechnics, make this a dining experience to remember.
www.thevillabybartong.com/dining
Warming Up
Miami’s nightlife is changing somewhat... extortionate drink prices, huge soulless venues and delusions of grandeur that have become synonymous with Miami Beach have given rise to a new trend of cocktail culture of proper lounges, dive bars and speakeasies. Here are a few watering holes that come highly recommended to kick start the party...
Bardot Speakeasy
Hit this trendy and hip bar in the Design District if you’re feeling a bit jaded and tired of the EDM scene in South Beach. The living room setting and eye catching art work is sure to make you feel relaxed while you’re enjoying a beverage. Perfect if you’re looking for a more laidback night.
www.bardotmiami.com
Foxhole
An unmarked door down a gritty alley, a small arsenal for décor and old school video games, jukebox and pool table for entertainment, this South Beach speakeasy is a far cry from the glamour and glitz of the SoBe crowd. If it’s a proper boozer you’re after, then look for further than this local gin joint.
www.foxholebar.com
Abbey
When you’ve had your fill of candy coloured martini, seek refuge in this dive bar turned micro brewery which offers house made brews and rare European imports.
http://abbeybrewinginc.com
Jazid
The longest running nightclub on Miami beach is designed with music and contrast in mind. Whilst the warm and atmospheric basement is an ideal haven for the music connoisseurs who come in pursuit of Latin and American jazz and funk, upstairs is a ultra modern, futuristic cocktail lounge ideal for chilling and a game of pool before the big night out.
www.jazid.net
Plunge
As the name suggests, it’s all about the 118-foot air infinity rooftop pool at the Gansevoort hotel. The cocktails are delicious but is definitely all about image here – sun drenched and gleaming, the sea of toned, tanned bodies lounging under palms trees are evocative of a Vogue photo shoot – it really doesn’t get any more glamorous than this.
www.hotelgansevoort.com
Sleeping
The Betsy
If you’re splashing out in a big way, the Betsy is the ultimate Miami hotel experience. The classical colonial style building, tropical interiors, wellness garden and spa and expansive rooftop exudes vintage glamour.
Location: Ocean drive
Cost: doubles from $500
www.thebetsyhotel.com
The Catalina
If party hotels with retro décor at affordable prices are more up your street, then look no further than the Catalina. Offering two restaurants, two pools, four bars, a media library, a rooftop terrace, a Japanese Koi fishpond and a Zen garden, it’s a great option for nonstop party people.
Location: South Beach
Cost: Doubles from $142
www.catalinahotel.com
The Cadet
Four-poster beds, tasteful art deco décor and breakfast served in a beautifully lush garden, The Cadet is a relatively undiscovered gem – it’s ideal for those who are travelling on a shoestring but don’t want to compromise on style.
Location: Miami Beach
Cost: Doubles from $105-$180 double.
http://cadethotel.com
Or if you prefer more of ‘home from home’ vibe, check out www.feelmiami.com/en/, a great site for holiday apartment rentals.
See you on the beach...
Tickets for Defected In The House at No Sugar Added Beach Festival are available now.
