Icon in SoBe

Hello,

Finally found some accommodations at the Icon building (450 Alton Road) in Sobe for our trip next month. Wondering how far this is to the main beach (walking of course) and what restaurants/lounges are in and around that area. Is this an ok area to be staying? The building itself looks beautiful.

Any and all advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!!

Icon in SoBe

Hello Z Diddy from Vancouver,

My mapping software says 450 Alton Road is located very close to 5th Street just as you drive on to the Miami Beach island. If that is true, it%26#39;s some 7 tenths of a mile to the beach. There really isn%26#39;t a ';main beach';... pretty much the whole island on the ocean sides is public sandy beach. Different areas have different personalities (one area is mostly locals, one area is mostly gay during the weekend, one area is mostly tourist, and so forth.

I really don%26#39;t know much about that area but wouldn%26#39;t think it is generally considered a touristy area but I could be wrong.

Most of the lounges, bars and so forth are closer to the beach along Washington, Collins and Ocean Drive.

Hope that helps! Cheers!

Icon in SoBe

Zdid%26gt;

The Icon is a VERY cool building on the west side of the Island designed by Phllippe Starck. Private residences - condos... I had not heard they were renting for hotel rooms but if so - it%26#39;s a very cool building. Can you post here how you got the booking?

You will be at a bit of a remove from the beach - but it%26#39;s not THAT far. You could walk, taxi, bus or rent a bike for the trip... Look:

southbeach-usa.com/maps/miami-beach-maps.htm

This link gives you maps of the area including the circle loop local bus (25 cents) which passes the ICON and takes you everywhere you need to go.

This street map:

southbeach-usa.com/maps/miami-beach-map-1.htm

shows the layout of the city. The ICON is located on the map lower left (5th Street) and the distance to the sea is about 10 streets to the east.

I think it should be very cool. Please post a trip report when you return and info on how you booked the condo.

Near the ICON are many cool restaurants and bars - more locals than tourists. There is a tiki bar called Monty%26#39;s right next door, Joe%26#39;s Stone Crabs is riight down the street. Sylvano%26#39;s Italian is due north on Alton as is Rice Middle Eastern cafe, Lime Mexican, Yoko%26#39;s Japanese, Quarterdeck Sports Bar... Big Pink 24 hour diner is just east at 2/Collins for giant burgers and GREAT breakfasts. Nemo at 100 Collins for Sunday brunch (best in town!!)

Enjoy!!

AG

Fantastic - thanks for the great advice!

I found this vacation rental on craigslist.org .... and followed up with the rental company. 3 bdrm/3 bth for 6 girls - heaven!!! I%26#39;ve been searching for a vacation rental since October and this one suited our group perfectly.

AG, what do you recommend for 6 females restaurant/lounge-wise? I%26#39;ve heard of Quattro, Pearl, Nemo for brunch -- any others? Definately want places with a sexy south-beach vibe. Also, since we%26#39;re in town during WMC (not WMC attendees) can you suggest any nightspots that won%26#39;t have WMC events going on? We wanted to hit up Mansion, Mokai, Prive but am worried they wont have their ';regular'; nights??

I%26#39;ll definitely post a trip report after our vacation :)

Thanks again!!

ZD%26gt;

Great to know - I get a lot of requests for private rental info, so if it all works out for you, PLEASE let us know.

Definitely book a table for Nemo Sunday Brunch - then hit the pool party at the Raleigh. Do dinner at Prime 112, China Grill, Bond Street (sushi) or Taverna Opa if you want to dance on the tables and break plates!!

Lounges? Hmmmm... have a sundown sip at the beach club behind the Ritz Carlton, a late night on the patio of the new Regent for tapas and drinks and a night of tidbits and drinks at Social at the Sagamore. Your other options are all great too. The Cameo is open now - has a second level club within a club called Vice. Also check out SET on Lincoln...

I will say that the WMC is a major event and there will be no ';regular'; nights in town... they will all be better. Expect the top DJs and music people from all over. Anyone who wants a level of visibility in the business will be here.

Check the WMC website for details. Any place 6 girls show up will welcome you!

Let me know how it all works out!!

AG

AG %26gt; I%26#39;m looking to arrange pole lessons (as in the stripper variety) for the 6 of us as a surprise for the bride to be. Any suggestions on companies? I have found one called Pole Fitness Studio... but am wondering of any others you might suggest.

I%26#39;d prefer a company that can come to our condo... and one that won%26#39;t break the bank ;)

Thanks!!!

AG%26gt; I neglected to include the link to our rental for you:

www.eventscondorentals.com