Ask the Expert: South Beach Hotels

Where should I stay in Miami or South Beach? I'm not paying more than $400 a night. I'll also be visiting someone in Coral Gables, so staying there is OK, too. I have no special criteria. I'm not much of a 'scene person.-- Bob via e-mail

Our answer follows.

• The Biltmore, which has rooms for around $300-350 a night during the winter;
• The Westin Colonnade; and
• And the Hotel St. Michel, which is a boutique hotel.

If you want to be on South Beach, I really like The Clifton Miami or Hotel Clinton, which are terrific proeperties with great amenities and service but offered at cheaper price points. I also like The Hotel.

If you want to stay gay, check out Lords South Beach -- the new LGBT boutique hotel.

More Miami info in our Out Guide.