Which is a better place to visit for 2-3 days - Miami or Chicago?

Answer 1

I think there is more to do in Miami. The beach, clubs, shopping, great food, and tropical weather. I just wanted to add a fact...Chicago the passed few years has been suffering from extreme temperatures in the summer...upper 90-low 100's. People were dropping like flies. Here in Miami, even in July, the temp. doesn't rise above 95..and we have beaches and pools at every hotel. Even in the summer, I think it's a better choice.

Answer 2

OK, so I have stayed on south beach 2 times now. In the fall and the spring. The first time was at the Beacon and the second time was at the Colony. I believe these are the 2 most photographed hotels on Ocean Blvd., as I have seen them in numerous postcards, photos, etc. If you really want to be in the hustle and bustle of South Beach these are 2 great choices. However, neither has a pool, both had small restrooms, and both have very thin walls. The colony has rooms with large plasma screen TVs but also has rooms with very small tvs on post that resemble computer monitors in some rooms.

Overall, we liked the Beacon more b/c the bed and rooms were nicer. Both hotels had drawbacks. The first morning at the Beacon we heard the neighbors doing the nasty and it was so loud it was like we in the room, then a bit later a car alarm went off on the street for a very long time. Didn't sleep much that morning. The rest of the stay was good though. At the Colony we were first put in a room on the first floor where a bunch of college kids had the doors open and had a 10 ft water bong party happening. Ended up it was spring and actually pretty cold, the heater didn't work, we complained and were put on a higher floor and had a very nice stay. If you plan to stay at either hotel don't plan on having a car b/c parking is non-existent. We always use taxis (which drive like maniacs, told the driver I'd tip better for driving slower, lol). You can valet, but it's pricey $$$$.

The benefit is that you can walk across the street to the beach, you can walk outside and be right in the hustle and bustle. You are close to everything. You can eat diner at 2 am. Miami really doesn't sleep and you won't sleep much either. Actually, if you go to bed early you will hear the music at the hotel restraunts and hear the people in the streets. Also, the modeling agency from "5th and Ocean" on MTV is above the Johnny Rockets between these hotels, and one of the scenes from Scarface was taped going up the same stairs to that modeling agency and in front of the Beacon. (The part where he goes to meet the first Columbians for a drug deal and ends up with a chainsaw to his head).

Finally, we went in the spring and fall and liked it better in the fall. The weather was warmer in the fall and the ocean was still warm. In the spring the ocean was cold and it was very breezy and chilly at night. There are nicer more resort like hotels at both ends of south beach but I do not know the names. Sorry for the long reply but I definitely wanted to let you know about both of these hotels. I love southbeach and rave about it to my friends. Chicago is cold and expensive, Miami is warm and expensive.

Answer 3

Miami

Answer 4

All depending on where you live. If you want to be closer and don't want the additional expenses of it all, go to Chicago. But if you want sun, fun, and HEAT, go to Miami. I pick Miami because the weather is great everyday. No need for getting up in the morning and going out to start your car and let it run!

Answer 5

Miami you know Chicago in one day. They both have a lot of things to do both there's a little more shopping options in Miami

Answer 6

Miami in the winter - Chicago in the summer

Answer 7

Both are amazing in their own way - Chicago has history, interesting architechture, good food, and at least once in your life, you have to eat at the original Pizzaria Uno. If the line's too long for that, try Duo across the street.

Miami's good for the nightlife if you're 21. The beach is always gorgeous, not overcrowded, and of course there's the art deco area. You'll get a lot of culture if you want it, but you don't really have to deal with it if you don't want to (just ignore it). Lots of Spanish speakers. Food is good depending on what you want. Don't think you'll get Chicago pizza, NY bagels, or "Americanized" Chinese food.

Shopping's great in both cities, but I prefer Chicago's Magnificent Mile (Michigan Ave). It's less beach-trendy and more city chic. It really depends on what you're looking for there.

Chicago has a lot of coffee shops, but both have Starbucks.

As a last point, because I go to college in Miami (and absolutely love it), there isn't much that isn't gorgeous here. People here stay in shape.

Answer 8

Depends on when you're going and what you want to do.

If you're going in January, pick Miami. If you're going in July, Chicago would be more comfortable weather-wise. If you want to see Oprah, you have to go to Chicago. If you want to go clubbing or to the beach, I'd say Miami.

Answer 9

Depends on when you want to go. Miami is usually warmer than Chicago, but then again Chicago has Oprah, lol.

Answer 10

I have been both places. I would choose Miami with out a doubt. Unless your planning on going in the middle of the summer.