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Miami times

Packing for a work trip to Miami recently, I absentmindedly tossed a little black dress into my carry-on, along with the requisite bikini and thongs. I had a few meetings to attend and the LBD is the simplest solution. At least in New York it is.

It’s summer pretty much year-round in South Beach, but I can handle 30-degree days, no sweat (OK, maybe a little.) So I popped on my LBD and off I went. It wasn’t even 11 a.m. before the dress started to feel like a straitjacket. It was sleeveless, but lined. And black. And now it was drenched in sweat and stuck to me in places that were not polite.

Packing for business in Miami? Epic fail. At least I had more success on the hotel front. Being somewhat obsessed with all things Art Deco, I had booked a night at The Raleigh Hotel. Built in the ’40s, it’s an absolute classic with a pool made famous by mermaid-actress Esther Williams. More recently, the hotel has been a favorite of many an A-lister, and is a frequent setting for Resort Collection and swimwear fashion shows.

Former owner Andre Balazs (Uma’s ex, now on and off with, ew, Courtney Love) kept many of the hotel’s historic elements, but spiffed it up with modern amenities. It has a wonderful retro, relaxed beach vibe, and the staff are some of the friendliest on the beach. During the American winter it can be almost impossible to get a room, or find an empty beach chair. But now it’s summer, the Raleigh is a quiet oasis, with more low-key guests.

It’s also a lot more affordable at the moment: rates start at around US$229 a night (compare that to the $495 and up at the brand new W South Beach), and if you book the 70th anniversary special, you’ll also get up to $70 in food and beverage credit and a room upgrade.

Even better, if you hurry and book by June 8, Travelzoo has an unbeatable deal at The Raleigh for just US$150 per night between now and September. (That’s a garden-view room; pay $50 more to get the ocean view.)

Why so cheap? Americans are terrified of the summer humidity in Miami. But Aussies should be used to it. Just remember to leave that LBD at home …

 

 

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