[Harold Shea]

Took an ex-gf back home to Hollywood once,Liberty City

was a scary Amish enclave a long time ago...shudder

Sounds like you know what kinda place your going into

I`m sure you`ll get some good advice on your trip

[Dr. Scarpetta]

http://www.tripadvisor.com/

I actually don’t make a reservation without checking Trip Advisor and reading comments from other travelers about hotels.

[raybbr]

I’ve “hated” Miami and vowed never to go anywhere near there when one time we were at Miami airport and I discovered they made announcements about flight in spanish FIRST and then in English so all the hispanics could rush to the next gate to get the seats on a cancelled flight.

[Brandonmark]

I don’t like to give people travel advice, but as far as I’m concerned, Miami is just like any other big city where common sense should be utilized. I used to live in Miami, was recently there for a month on business, and have several relatives that have lived there for many, many years. The areas to stay away will be obvious (e.g. Liberty City & Overtown have long been breeding grounds for ghetto-dwellers). I spent some time in Little Havana and enjoyed the food and drinks there. The Metrorail and People Mover can be very convenient to get around downtown. I can say I never felt threatened, but also stayed alert and aware of my surroundings.

[Forgotten Amendments]

Miami is the greatest city in America. I envy him! Enjoy!!!!!

[NeverForgetBataan]

If he’s a Mavs fan he better pack one of those white shirts all the Heat fans wear, so that he can get out of the area
alive... after Dirk an company show LeFraud and D whine how to close a game.

[Goldwater Girl]

The Riverwalk actually covers a lot of territory downtown- more than a mile, I think. But if his hotel is near Bayside, he should be ok. The area further away from the bay can be problematic. The arena where the Heat play is right across from Bayside. It really isn't near Little Havana, but Miami-Dade County is majority Hispanic, so that doesn't matter. Only the gangs are criminals- the vast majority of the Hispanic residents are good, decent people.

The downtown of every big city is dangerous, more so when hooligans get swept up in sports matches. Local law enforcement knows that and will be increased to try to handle potential problems. But obviously caution is needed.
I don't like mass transit at night- especially to a championship game. If it was my son, I'd advise a cab.
GG

[Red Badger]

Stay away from Liberty City.

[cmsgop]

I hear Overtown is lovely this time of year

[Vendome]

Hmmmm....

For a gay old time you could stay at the W in South Beach....

[looois]

Stay on Biscayne Blvd, and don’t wander toward downtown. Try Holiday Inn and the Port. Is within walking distance to Arena. Do not stay at Continental Downtown. Yes, it’s cheaper, but they don’t even have a soda machine. Across the street from Holiday Inn is Bayside Mall. Everything he needs is there including Hooters, Chili’s, and other eating places, plus lots of shops. At Holiday Inn, park in back behind hotel, get parking permit from desk clerk. If not, there is a city parking lot in front of Holiday Inn that charges $10 or $15 for 24 hour parking. After the game, walking along Biscayne Blvd back to hotel is easy with plenty of police at road crossing, and plenty of others will be walking that way toward Mall also. Cross the street directly in front of hotel to Mall. Is a two jump crossing. First he’ll have to cross Biscayne Blvd Southbound. Then wait on island to cross Northbound traffic. Enter mall where he can see Banyon tree. Do not enter mall from any other location as there are beggars and possible muggers waiting along the sidewalk. And, yes, there will be several people at hotel, at mall, and at arena who can speak English.

[steve86]

YMCA — both a good and bad area in one facility.

[Joe Boucher]

Honest,
Get a map and stay OUT of Overtown and Liberty City.
Miami can be lots of fun get a list of current events and festivals.
Good foods from around the world.
Same for cultures.
It’s hot and going to get hotter.
If you like fishing or diving you are there if not it is a great time to learn.

[Cyber Liberty]

Yeah. Stay out of the bad areas. You’re welcome.

[GWB00]

The Hyatt on the River is a great location. You can take the people mover directly to the area. ( you can probably pick it up at 4th & River). Also, to your south is Brickell. (Picture a mini-Manhattan corridor) with 5 star hotels, good restaurants (Mary Brickell Village) & lots of banks.

You are generally safe in this area. Although one word of warning Obama will be here on Monday!!!!!! ($35k a plate fundraiser in Coconut Grove).

[conservcalgal]

Hi FRiend. Visited Miami in january w husband and 20 yr old daughter. Stayed at the Groisevenor (sp) which is north Miami I believe and was comfortable as any other city. I enjoyed our time there and would definitely return

[Kirkwood]

I would use this tool to figure out where crime is heavy and what type.

http://www.crimemapping.com/map/fl/miami

[whatisthetruth]

Miami, mid-twenties, oh my..........

[Ronald_Magnus]

I know these guys personally. I'll give 'em a ring and tell them to keep an eye on your boy.

[Travis McGee]

Miami info ping