MiamiBeachHotelGirl

Like to Travel???????? Think Safety First!

2010-08-05T15:22:00.001-04:00

Everyone enjoys traveling whether it be down the road to Grandma's house for the holidays or to visit new and exciting international destinations. As a hotelier in a major ocean front destination, my foremost concern is always for the safety of our guests, both domestic and international. I recently surveyed some of my company's Facebook Friends on their personal favorite travel safety tips and would like to share them all with you. Enjoy!

Itineraries are a great way to plan for an "event" free trip. When you make your plans make sure you leave your Itinerary with someone you trust. If traveling outside the States you should also take advantage of a free service provided by our State Department and file your itinerary with them using the web at https://travelregistration.state.gov/. This will allow them to contact you if there is a family emergency in the U.S. or if there is a crisis where you are traveling.
There should always be someone else who knows where you are, where you will be and when you expect to return. If at all possible check with the clerk or concierge and let them know your general plans for the day.
You should actually prepare and assume that you may lose everything. Make two copies of ALL of your important documents. One copy you should leave with that friend at home, another keep with you apart and separate from the originals. Use a tamper proof sealed envelope and place in the hotel safe with any other valuables. You can always have a copy of your important papers faxed to you by your friend back home.
You should have already checked your insurance coverage, take copies of your necessary insurance documents for you and your family; lists of all medications and travel with current prescriptions. It can answer serious questions if they happen to come up at a border inspection.
Take your passport with you wherever you go. There is no better form of ID in this age of high security. Make copies of your data page, visas and a copy of your drivers license and leave in the hotel safe.
Women traveling should wear sedate outfits that do not draw attention, also don't carry a purse, instead have pockets for cards or cash. Try to blend in with the locals. Enjoy yourself but you can't be too careful these days. There is safety in numbers, travel in groups and never go out out alone after dark.
Be inconspicuous and blend in. Leave the bling! A sure tell that you are a tourist is the ever present camera. Luckily today you can store a camera in a little pocket and just be aware of your surroundings when using one.
Research your destination and places you are to visit, always know where you are going. Exploring new places and stumbling upon a hidden treasure off the beaten path can be the height of a trip. However you may find yourself in dangerous predicaments by straying into areas that you are not familiar with. Don't wander into dark or secluded places that it will be difficult to get out of alive. Some can be just around the corner from a huge attraction at a major destination, like the Forum!
In todays economy many people are desperate and this is important for all travellers to realize. Travellers should always use the guest room safe for all valuables to include a passport, any other ID, credit cards, jewerly, electronic devices, etc. If the hotel does not have a in room safe, they almost always have a safety deposit box. And always remember digital cameras, Ipods and other electronics are extremely expensive in most countries. Don't display them openly.
Always use your hotel safe or safety deposit box for your valuables including money! NEVER take any valuables, wallets, purses, to the beach or pool. There are always those that are looking for an opportunity and hotels can frequently be a target for these people. THINK FIRST!
Don't ever leave your hotel room without shutting your door completely. Whether you're walking down the hall to get ice or just going to the room next door to visit with someone. Anyone can go into your room and steal your valuables or be waiting in your room for you when you walk back in.
When in your room always keep your door locked and use the view port before opening. Shut and lock your windows and balcony/patio doors when away from the room or at night.
Always have the establishment call a Radio Taxi - you are assured you are getting into a safe taxi. Hotels and restaurants are very reputable and they do not want you to climb into a taxi that is in question.
One last tip though that most of us never think about, men or women alike; always know where your drink comes from. If Paulo, Juan or Sergei that you just met shows up with an unsolicited Mojito, Margarita or Black Russina spill it on him in a conspicuous place and get your own!

Well, my fellow travelers, I hope that you will heed these safety tips. If you are thinking you might want to have a nice little getaway, come on down to Miami Beach. The beaches are lovely and the water is oil free. You can check out my hotels at http://www.cgh305.com/. Safe travels!

What are your favorite Travel Safety Tips?

2010-07-23T14:53:00.001-04:00

OK everybody out there in Facebook Land. I am running a little discussion survey on 2 of our company's Facebook pages. Would you like to win 4 FREE nights on the ocean in Miami Beach???? Are you on Facebook????????

If so, I need your help in collecting great Travel Safety Tips. We all love to travel when we can and we all want to be safe. Please take a few minutes to share some of your safety tips with me so that I can share then with others. Here is the scoop below:

Facebook Friends, would you like to win 4 complimentary nights at an oceanfront Miami Beach hotel simply by sharing your favorite travel safety tips? If so use your Facebook search box to find either the Charles Group Hotels "Group" or the Charles Group Hotels "local business" page. Click "Like " and participate in the discussion. We appreciate this info and feel free to share!

I want to give away 4 nights!!! Make me pay up folks!

Spa Month in Miami Beach

2010-07-21T10:19:00.001-04:00

EVERYONE LOVES TO BE PAMPERED, DON'T YOU?

Miami Beach Spa Month will run from July 1 - August 31, 2010 and now is the time to to get

some fabulous Spa discounts just when you probably need it the most.

Greater Miami and the Beaches is renowned for luxury spas that are ranked among the "Best Spas in America," and are the favorites of spa connoisseurs throughout the world.

Celebrate with Miami Beach during July and August as we feature the third annual Miami Spa Month where you can enjoy special treatments for $99 at Miami's premier spas. Listed below are participating spas.

Agua, Delano
Agua, Mondrian South Beach
Bliss Spa, W South Beach
Canyon Ranch Miami Beach Wellness Spa, Canyon Ranch Miami Beach
Elemis Spa, Loews Miami Beach Hotel
Lapis Spa, Fontainebleau Miami Beach
The Palms Spa, The Palms Hotel &Spa
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, South Beach
Spa 101, Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach
TheSpaAtDavidBartonGym, Gansevoort Miami Beach
Spa at The Setai
Spa at The Shore Club
Spa Suites at Eden Roc, Eden Roc A Renaissance Beach Resort
Spa V, Hotel Victor
The Standard Spa, Miami Beach
Uhma Organic Spa

For more information go to http://www.miamispamonth.com/

Want to be pampered while in Miami Beach but can't afford to stay at some of these wonderful high end hotels? Then check out http://www.cgh305.com/ for some affordable oceanfront hotel alternatives that will fit all budgets!

After a day of pampering, why not challenge yourself to a game of golf. Greater Miami has plenty to brag about when it comes to golf courses. We feature some of the most difficult courses in the world located in luxurious resorts, and some courses have been rated in the top 10 courses by Golfweek. Play Miami Golf.

For comprehensive information including attractions, events, clubs, accommodations and much more, visit the Greater Miami Convention & Bureau's website at www.MiamiandBeaches.com.

Miami Spice August 1 to September 30, 2010 YUMMMM!

2010-07-19T14:33:00.001-04:00

Miami Spice will run from August 1- September 30, 2010 with even more rave reviews!

Miami Spice 2010 is a mouth-watering summer restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine.

During August and September, Miami’s top restaurants offer three-course meals (Lunch $22, Dinner $35)* featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. Discover the tropical fusion of ingredients that makes Miami dining so wonderfully out of the ordinary. An epicure’s paradise awaits you in Greater Miami and the Beaches!

Miami Dining

With Miami dining, you will find enticing flavors, exotic ingredients and mouth watering selections. Alfresco or indoors, casual or extravagant, International or Caribbean, New World or Floribbean — an epicure’s paradise awaits you in Greater Miami and Miami Beach.

Miami's dining scene is truly exciting, one of varying tastes that can satisfy the most complete palate or craving. With so many different cultures migrating to Miami, local flavors tend to be much more exotic. The influence of flavors and culture here is almost overwhelming and has many positive effects on menu and recipe design.

Whenever you visit Greater Miami or Miami Beach, you're in for a delectable time when it comes to dining because no matter what you're craving, chances are it's being served somewhere in our world-class destination.

**Check out events at a list of countless restaurants presenting the most delectable cuisine.

Miami Beach/South Beach

660 at The Angler's (D)

A Fish Called Avalon (D)

Ago Restaurant (L,D)

Asia De Cuba at Mondrian (L,D)

Baires Grill Resto (L,D)

B.E.D. (D)

Bistro One LR (D)

BLT Steak at The Betsy (L,D)

Blue Door at Delano (L,D)

Bond Street Lounge (D)

Cavalier Crab Shack (L,D)

China Grill South Beach (L,D)

D. Rodriguez Cuba (D)

DeVito South Beach (D)

Emeril's Miami Beach (L,D)

Essensia Restaurant & Lounge (L,D)

Fogo de Chao Churrascaria (D)

The Forge Restaurant & Wine Bar (D)

Gotham Steak at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (D)

Hakkasan at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (L,D)

Kaspia (L,D)

Kung Fu Kitchen & Sushi (D)

La Marea (L,D)

Lido Restaurant at The Standard (D)

Meat Market (D)

Morton's The Steakhouse Miami Beach (D)

Mr. Chow Miami (D)

OLA Restaurant (D)

Pelican Cafe (L,D)

Philippe Chow (D)

Quattro Gastronomia Italiana (L,D)

Quinn's South Beach (D)

The Raleigh Restaurant (L,D)

Red, The Steakhouse (D)

The Restaurant at The Setai (D)

Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante (L,D)

Scarpetta at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (D)

Shula's Steak House—Miami Beach (D)

Smith & Wollensky (D)

Solea (L,D)

STK (D)

Sushi SoBe (D)

SUSHISAMBA dromo (D)

Tamara at National Hotel (L,D)

Tantra Restaurant & Lounge (D)

Texas de Brazil—Miami Beach (D)

Vida at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (D)

Vita Restaurant & Lounge (D)

Wish (D)

Yuca (L,D)

For comprehensive information including attractions, events, clubs, accommodations and much more visit the Greater Miami Convention & Bureau's online Miami tourism guide at www.MiamiandBeaches.com.

*Advanced Reservations for Miami Spice when you use any American Express® Card! Advanced Reservations for Miami Spice available between July 19 - August 1 when you use any American Express® Card by contacting the participating restaurants directly. Table reservations subject to availability.

Miami Spice is organized by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

More on the NCL EPIC

2010-07-06T10:20:00.000-04:00

Much of this posting comes from Travel Weekly's newsletter about the EPIC.

NEW YORK — Country star Reba McEntire on Friday named the 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic, the largest Norwegian Cruise Line ship ever built and the line' first new vessel since 2007.

Comedian and "Curb Your Enthusiasm" star Jeff Garlin served as host of the ceremony, which included remarks from NCL CEO Kevin Sheehan and Apollo Management partner Steve Martinez.

The real star of the show was the Epic’s entertainment lineup. Its six main shows — Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams and Dinner, Legends in Concert tribute show, the Second City comedy troupe and the Howl at the Moon dueling piano show — all were playing on different parts of the ship and beamed live into the Epic Theater. Even the Nickelodeon characters got to show their act. "There is one place on Earth where you can find all of this great entertainment, and it’s on the Epic,” said Sheehan, speaking at the first ship naming during his tenure at NCL.

Martinez said that all ships in the NCL fleet are special, but pointed to the many years and thousands of man-hours that went into delivering the Epic.

NCL has focused on the Epic’s entertainment lineup, calling it the hallmark of its new ship. Garlin tipped his hat to those offerings when he said, "I feel like I’m in Vegas."

The Epic embarks Friday night on a two-day cruise. It returns to New York on July 4 to be the host venue for NBC’s broadcast of Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks show.

I am getting ready to go out on the EPIC's actual Inaugural cruise on Thursday, July 8. What a treat! Thanks NCL for the invitation!

The EPIC, the new NCL Cruise Ship

2010-06-25T16:08:00.000-04:00

On July 8, 2010 the newest NCL ship, the EPIC will depart the Port of Miami for it's inaugural voyage. I have been invited on this wonderful trip. From now until then I will be posting information regarding the EPIC. And by the way, should you need pre or post guest rooms in Miami Beach directly on the ocean, check out http://www.cghcorp.com/

After some general information regarding the Epic I will first start with the very most important thing, FOOD! The following information was provided to me by the NCL PR department. HERE'S TO SMOOTH SAILING, ENJOY!

THE NORWEGIAN EPIC
World-class entertainment is Norwegian Epic’s hallmark. For the first time at sea, Blue Man Group performs their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics and paint, exclusively on Norwegian Epic. In the only “big top” at sea, Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner, written and directed by Neil Goldberg, presents a one-of-a-kind interactive theatrical dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination. Legends in Concert, the original and world’s greatest live tribute show, is featured for the first time at sea in more than a decade on Norwegian Epic, along with The Second City® Comedy Troupe and Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos, the world’s greatest rock ‘n roll dueling piano show that encourages audience participation.

In addition to world-class entertainment, the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic incorporates many innovations including several new types of accommodations – the curved New Wave staterooms; the largest Villas suite complex at sea, comprising 60 suites and villas on two private decks at the top of the ship; and spa and family-friendly accommodations. Kids will have a blast with Nickelodeon™ at Sea offering Nickelodeon-themed family entertainment and programming including: character meet and greets; interactive game shows; and more.

The ship also boasts unique nightlife options with the first SVEDKA Ice Bar at sea and Spice H20 with non-stop entertainment day and night; an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge; seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities; as well as three separate kids’ and teen activity areas. In addition, Norwegian Epic offers the next generation of Freestyle Dining with more than 20 dining options and 20 bars and lounges.

NORWEGIAN EPIC FEATURES INNOVATIVE DINING CHOICES AT SEA

The wide-range of dining choices on board Norwegian Epic will wow even the most discerning cruiser with more than 20 different Freestyle Dining options. Each restaurant features unique and sensational culinary delights from around the world that rival anything found in a top landside restaurant. Eleven of the dining options are included in the cruise fare and the additional nine dining options have a nominal cover charge.

Norwegian Epic’s dining choices include:

• Taste: Located in the ship’s atrium on Deck 5, Taste blends off-white, free-form plastered walls with European retro-chic mixed with brick details and stained glass windows. Taste, a complimentary venue, will serve a selection of traditional and contemporary cuisine.

• The Manhattan Room: Reminiscent of an elegant art deco supper club, The Manhattan Room features a dance floor as its focal point and will offer live music and dancing in the evening. The two-story complimentary restaurant features floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows looking aft. The cuisine reflects the elegant and romantic nature of the room.

• The Garden Cafe: The Garden Cafe's décor is modeled after a traditional English country garden conservatory. This is Norwegian’s signature action station casual restaurant where chefs cook fresh, prepared-to-order food as guests watch. It offers guests extensive and varied selections and features seafood, pizza, fruit, soups, pasta, ethnic specialties, burgers and desserts;. It includes a Kid’s Café with child-friendly seats and tables.

• Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner: Guests experience a one-of-a-kind interactive entertainment and dining experience with music, mayhem and acrobatic imagination in the colorful Spiegel Tent, the first big top at sea. The menu is as exciting as the high flying acts. Cover charge is $15 per person for standard seating and $20 per person for premium seating.

• Cagney’s Steakhouse: Norwegian’s traditional American steakhouse. Features succulent steaks paired with classic sides and cocktails. There is a $25 per person cover charge.

• Moderno Churrascaria: A new addition to Norwegian’s dining. Guests can sample a variety of skewered meats presented by tableside passadors as well as a large, centrally located salad bar. There is an $18 per person cover charge.

• La Cucina: This Tuscan-style eatery serves regional Italian specialties including stone oven baked pizza, pasta, and classic antipasto dishes and home baked bread. The traditional Italian décor reflects two distinct areas: a Tuscan farm home and an Italian courtyard, where a large olive tree with hanging lanterns is the centerpiece. There is a $10 per person cover charge.

• Le Bistro: Authentic French cuisine with traditional bistro favorites which pairs well with the restaurant’s extensive French wine collection. This elegant dining establishment surrounds guests with contemporary and traditional paintings and sculptures, making guests feel as if they were dining in an art museum. There is a $20 per person cover charge.

• Shanghai’s: This new addition to Norwegian’s specialty dining options serves a delicious mix of Chinese dishes and noodle bar specialties. The décor reflects Old Shanghai in the 1930s and is reminiscent of the China Club in Hong Kong. There is an open kitchen preparing traditional Chinese cuisine, noodles, wok fried dishes and dim sum. A la carte pricing.

• Teppanyaki: As the largest Teppanyaki restaurant at sea with 104 seats, this expanded restaurant features up to 12 knife-wielding chefs cooking exhibition-style Japanese cuisine on flat top grills. Guests will be amazed by the masterful chefs who demonstrate their skills slicing and dicing while creating an appetizing meal. There is a $25 per person cover charge.

• Wasabi: This expansive sushi and sake bar serves the freshest sushi, sashimi and Japanese Yakitori dishes. Featuring modern décor and clean lines, Wasabi is located outside the Teppanyaki restaurant. A la carte pricing.

• O’Sheehan’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill: This 24 hour, classic neighborhood sports bar and restaurant serves American favorites and comfort food. The Atrium’s two-story high video screen is visible from inside the restaurant and additional flat screen televisions show sporting events, while guests enjoy their own activities, including three lanes of bowling, dart boards, pool tables, foosball and arcade games. No cover charge.

• The Epic Club and Courtyard Grill: Located high atop the ship in The Villas complex, this modern and elegant restaurant is reserved exclusively for Norwegian Epic’s Suite and Villa guests. The décor reflects a private club ambiance with contemporary and modern furnishings. The Courtyard Grill serves as an al fresco dining option. No cover charge.

• Spice H2O: Latin and Asian-influenced cuisine adds to the flavor of Spice H2O, the hottest beach club on the high seas. Light fare and tapas are paired with signature cocktails in the adults-only complex. No cover charge.

• Atrium Cafe and Wine Bar: Serves creative coffees, sweets and a selection of wines. A la carte pricing on premium coffee drinks.

• Great Outdoors: This poolside grill features burgers, hot dogs and other casual menu items. No cover charge.

• The Studio Lounge: The Studio Lounge serves complimentary continental breakfast and light fare for Studio guests.

• Pizza Delivery: Available 24/7 and delivered to most anywhere on the ship. Each 16 inch pizza is $5.

• 24-hour Room Service: Complimentary room service is available for all guests on board Norwegian Epic.

Throughout the ship, there are also a total of 20 bars and lounges which include: the Atrium Bar; Bliss Ultra Lounge; Cagney’s Bar; Cascades, casino bar; The Epic Club private lounge; the Epic Theater Bar; Fat Cats; Headliners; Humidor Cigar Lounge: SVEDKA Ice Bar; the Studio Lounge; Maltings, whiskey bar; O’Sheehan’s; Posh; Sake Bar; Shaker’s, martini and champagne bar; Spice H2O; Waves Pool Bar; Garden Cafe bar; and the Courtyard Grill Bar.

For more information on Norwegian Epic and to book a cruise, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), visit http://epic.ncl.com, or contact a travel professional.

About Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is the innovator in cruise travel with a 44-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising, most notably with the introduction of Freestyle Cruising which has revolutionized the industry by allowing guests more freedom and flexibility.

Today, Norwegian has 11 purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships, providing guests the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed cruise vacation on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea.

Norwegian’s largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, debuted in June 2010. Norwegian Cruise Line is the official cruise line of Blue Man Group, debuting for the first time at sea on Norwegian Epic, as well as the official cruise line of Legends in Concert and Nickelodeon, the number-one entertainment brand for kids.

High resolution, downloadable images are available at www.ncl.com/pressroom. For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line, visit www.ncl.com, find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube or contact us in the U.S. and Canada at 888- NCL-CRUISE (625-2784).

SUPER BOWL IS HERE....DO YOU HAVE YOUR ROOMS YET?

2010-02-02T13:44:00.000-05:00

If you do not yet have your guest rooms for Super Bowl yet and you would like to be in the heart of Miami Beach or South Beach, rooms are still available at some of the Charles Group Hotels. All hotels are non-smoking and directly on the ocean. You can check them out and make reservations via the link below.

The game will be awesome and the water is fine like wine!

http://www.cgh305.com/

Super Bowl 2010 in Miami Once Again!

2009-11-12T16:37:00.000-05:00

Super Bowl XLIV

Super Bowl will be held in Miami on February 7, 2010. This will be Miami's 10th time hosting Super Bowl beginning with Super Bowl II in 1968 and most recently Super Bowl XLI in 2007. That is the most number of times that any city has been host to the game. Why, you ask? Well with almost perfect February weather and an variety of outdoor activities and fabulous restaurants, it is a no-brainer when people are looking to spend several days celebrating football. Temperatures in Miami during February are ususally very mild with an average daytime temperature of 78, with lows at night around a pleasant 61degrees.

Blurb posted from Wikipedia:
Super Bowl XLIV will be the 44th annual edition of the Super Bowl in American Professional Football, and the 40th annual championship game of the modern-era National Football League (NFL), after its 1970 merger with the American Football League (AFL, 1960-1969). The game will be played at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Prior to this event, the stadium will be known as "Land Shark Stadium" until January 2010, at which time the name reverts to Dolphin Stadium, barring a new naming rights deal. Five times the game has been held at Dolphin Stadium; the other five were played at the Orange Bowl. The game will be televised on CBS, which will celebrate coverage of its 50th NFL season (1956–93; 1998–present). It also broadcast the most recent Super Bowl held in South Florida (XLI).

On November 12, 2009 it was announced that The Who would headline the halftime show. Remember the Who??? I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles..................

If you are need guest room accommodations, look no further. I have 5 Miami Beach oceanfront hotels, all contracted NFL hotels. There is a 4 night minimum stay restriction in place at most Miami Beach and Ft. Lauderdale Beach hotels which is where the primary guest room demand will be because of the beach and the ever so popular pre-Super Bowl parties and events. Who wants to stay inland when in Miami??? Anyway, if you need rooms, here is the link:
https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=1484944

Just keep in mind that if you reserve the room, you own the room for those 4 days!

You can view all of my hotels at http://www.cgh305.com/

Site: Dolphin Stadium-Miami Gardens, FL

Date: February 7, 2010
Game time: Kickoff approximately 6:28 p.m. EST
Stadium Capacity: 74,000
Television: CBS
Radio: Westwood One Radio Sports (English), Univision Radio (Spanish)
Home Team: NFC
Visiting Team: AFC

Game day tips:

•Come early to avoid delays and to expedite entrance to the game.
•Take time to review the list of prohibited items so you don't have to return to your vehicle.
•The NFL does not permit tailgating in any NFL-controlled parking area.
•There will be hundreds of vehicles that look identical in the bus and limousine lots. Ask your driver for a locator card with a site map to find your way back to the vehicle after the game. Note your transportation carrier's company name, parking location and vehicle descriptions.

Art Basel Miami Beach 2009

2009-08-06T09:18:00.009-04:00

Art Basel Miami Beach takes place December 3 - 6, 2009. The following information was taken from the Art Basel website.

Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel, the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 40 years, Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Exhibition sites are located in the city's beautiful Art Deco District, within walking distance of the beach and many hotels.An exclusive selection of more than 250 leading art galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa will exhibit 20th and 21st century artworks by over 2,000 artists. The exhibiting galleries are among the world's most respected art dealers, offering exceptional pieces by both renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers. Special exhibition sections feature young galleries, performance art, public art projects and video art. The show will be a vital source for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-calibre artworks.Top-quality exhibitions in the museums of South Florida and special programs for art collectors and curators also help make the event a special time for encountering art. And every year, a greater number of art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from around the world participate in Art Basel Miami Beach - the favorite winter meeting place for the international art world.We look forward to welcoming you at Art Basel Miami Beach 2009. To see more please see the official Art Basel website at http://www.artbaselmiamibeach.com/.

If you need overnight accommodations, please visit http://www.cgh305.com/ for information about 5 oceanfront Miami Beach hotels between 1/2 block and 1.5 miles from the location of Art Basel.

Well, that's all for now. Toodles from the beach.

Cruising from Port of Miami

2009-07-20T11:52:00.002-04:00

Cruising makes for a wonderful vacation, especially if you are cruising the Caribbean. It's an easy way to visit other countries without the hassle of immigration and customs in those countries.

The cabins are usually pretty small but since there is so much to do onboard you don't spend a whole lot of time in your cabin anyway.

Of course there is always the pool and getting a fabulous tan. Usually there is a rock climbing wall. Casinos, shows, dancing, music and, OMG, so much good food. There are usually a wide variety of restaurants to suit everyone's likes and taste. It is also a great way to meet new people from other locations and walks of life.

And then there is aslo the tours on land in the ports that you visit. All organized and all you have to do is sign up for them and pay! Pretty much one stop shop and pretty safe way to see another country in today's difficult and troubled world.

Several cruise companies operate out of the Port of Miami http://www.miamidade.gov/portofmiami/

Most notable cruise companies out of the Port of Miami are:

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (or RCCL) http://www.royalcaribbean.com/

Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) http://ncl.com/ and

Carnival Cruise Lines http://carnival.com/

Most people like to extend their pre or post vacation in Miami Beach. It helps decompress from the flights to and from Miami. If you are interested in great locations right on the beach and with great prices go to http://www.cgh305.com/ to see 5 oceanfront hotels that are available. Take a look at what we have to offer.

Winter Music Conference 2009 in Miami Beach

2009-03-25T20:12:00.003-04:00

Right now Winter Music Conference is going on in Miami Beach. WMC is an annual event in Miami Beach, check out the website if you would like to know more:
http://www.wintermusicconference.com/ WMC is the largest Dance Music event in the world and people all over the globe in the music industry converge on Miami Beach to hear music, party and network. There are parties all over the city until the early hours of the morning. Here is a link to see some of last year's party pictures http://www.wintermusicconference.com/photogallery/2008/index.php?event=24&p=4 see all the beautiful party animals.

Anyway if you are interested in coming to Winter Music Conference in 2010 and need accommodations you can check out any of my hotels at http://www.cgh305.com/. My hotels offer some of the best locations and prices on the beach. And we are just 3 blocks from the headquarter event hotel. You can just scoot on down the boardwalk along the ocean to check out the action and beautiful people.

Well, that's it for now. Toddles and best regards from the beach..............

Want to know about Miami Beach???

2009-03-25T14:44:00.001-04:00

Well, Miami Beach is everything you have heard and more. I have been in the hotel business for quite some time now, mainly in corporate cites, so I can tell you that taking a new hotel job in Miami Beach was really a change for me. I was looking for a new adventure and I certainly found it here.

I work for a small hotel company. We have 5 hotels in Miami Beach and all are directly on the ocean, so we are really lucky. Not big fancy hotels but hotels that you would not be intimidated to stay in. Friendly, comfortable hotels. Our company website is www.cgh305.com Please check us out.

What most people don't realize (well I didn't anyway) is that most hotels in and around Miami Beach are smaller, independent hotels. The main drag is Collins Ave which is also A1A or the Ocean Highway. All of my hotels are on Collins Ave and if you are familiar with Miami Beach, we are located for the most part next to the Fontainebleau, directly on the Miami Beach Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is raised and gives you an excellent view of the beach and the awesome ocean. It runs about 2 miles and once you get to South Beach it becomes a meandering paver walk. Lot's of people at all hours walking or running, very safe and well lit at night but lots of private security also from the hotels and the area condos.

I will chat more about Miami Beach and happenings in our area each time I log on. If you would like to know more about Miami Beach or my hotels, let me know. If you have any type of question I will try to answer or help you get an answer. Best regards from the Beach........