Seeking Miami Heat

We decided very last minute to go on a trip. I had enough air miles to have 3 free flights to the US. So we started looking. We almost went to Nashville or Georgia but ended up deciding on Miami. We would have loved to have gone to Disney World but Sam couldn't come so we decided that we better just relax on a beach somewhere. 

So after a bit of kerfuffle with Air miles we booked our trip.  We had just over a week to try to find somewhere to stay.  I looked at VRBO which we have used several times, flip key and many other vacation by owners.  It was a gong show.  It seemed to be a bunch of scam artists.  I was so stressed out.  We didn't have a place confirmed until 2 days before we went.  As it was, we had to break it up into two stays to make up the week.  The first place was at the Shelbourne Hotel.  This was our view!

It was awesome location.  Kind of crappy room.  It was really old.  That is the charming thing about places here in Miami; every thing is Art Deco from the 1960's.  We were at the top of the hotel with our room facing out to the beach.  It was kind of expensive compared with the deals we have gotten in Phoenix but really it was great.  Most rooms in the Shelborne were $450 a night but we got three nights for $530.00.

Looking off our balcony the other way.

The pool looked great and had a really cool diving board.  I am shocked to admit this but we didn't swim in it once.  With the amazing beach there we just went right by the pool.  Plus in Miami everyone smokes everywhere.  The pool seemed especially bad. 

This is our room.   Did I mention we had no maid service!  lol  Every time I was tempted to complain about the terrible beds the small, run down,...I mean run down, bathroom, I just looked outside and the view was worth every penny.  I would still go back and stay in this exact room because the location was that good.

Here is the run down bathroom I told you about.  It was so small.  They also only gave you a roll of toilet paper, no soap.  Can you say cheap?

Every time I wanted to rant and complain I would walk by our view...sigh it was worth it!  PS:  It came with a bottle of wine set up on the table, that is why it is in the picture!

The first night we were there it was so cold!!  We saw people with parkas on.  It wasn't that cold (about 12) but with the wind off the ocean it was chilly.  That same night we were watching the news when a bulletin came up saying there was a shark migration happening along the shore lines of Florida.  15000 Sharks!!!  They were small ones but they were everywhere.  That really freaked out London and I was worried she wouldn't go in the water.  She made sure her dad or I were with her, I think because she knew she could out swim us!

The water was so blue and warm.  I think London is looking for sharks.  She had us running to the window several times saying she had seen a shark.  It usually ended up being seaweed!

Our hotel had this beautiful curved staircase in it.  Everything inside was funky!  This picture really doesn't do it justice.  The guy we rented it from was a bit of a jerk too.  You could tell he was a slum lord just cashing in on his view.  He took off before we could even see the room in case we complained.  He would never answer emails or phone calls either.  The day we were checking out we went down to the beach one last time enjoying every minute.  We had to be out at noon.  We went up at noon to find the next tenants and all their luggage in our room already.  So I guess he gives out lots of keys too.  I tried to complain but again he didn't respond.  Again I remind you of the view!