2 comments about Lonely Planet Miami & the Keys.

1. Compared to other LP's I've read, this one is really small for such a large area as Miami and the Keys. The options offered for sleeping in the Keys are really limited in scope so they were of no use to me. I did better on price than the few places they mentioned by going to the web (got better places for less money). The history section was the only part of the book I enjoyed.



2. I use LP guides religiously, so you could imagine my disappointment when I found that over half of the eating establishments listed no longer existed! 2 years apparently is a long lag in Miami. I would very much like to see a "Best Of/Encounter/Condensed" version released for Miami.

3 comments about Tropical Deco: The Architecture and Design of Old Miami Beach.

1. Open the pages of this book to feel the heat on your face and sand between your toes. You're looking at some of the most whimsical and delightful architecture in the world. Imagine approaching this country for the first time from the water and being greeted by these buildings. They are a testament to this country's creativity, humor and ability to dream into the future. And the best part is that they are so well preserved so that you can experience them in person inside and out.



2. This book has been around for 20+ years and is mostly photographs taken in late 1970's and early 1980's. Much has changed in the ensuing 25 years. Many of the buildings have since been repainted, as in the Carlyle featured on the cover. Some, as with the graceful St Moritz, have been restored (today it looks much different, and better, then in this book's photograph). Best of all this book documents some things that are no longer there as in the wonderful photos of the Tiffany murals, the old Cinema Theatre interior. and the demolished Sands Hotel.
   
   The book is broken up into chapters based on architectural details (Facades, Doorways, Materials, etc). The text is well written and gives one a good grounding in the Miami Beach Deco architectural style. Best of all it is filled with wonderful photographs. A great historical record of a time when the Art Deco District had just been formed.



3. I found this book years ago at the Delray Beach library. It had been checked out so many times that it was in pretty ragtag shape. I decided to order my own copy just so I could gaze at deco whenever I wanted to. This book is a fantastic primer for anyone interested in Miami. Read this book and then take it with you on the Miami art deco tour; you will be that much more prepared to appreciate the tour and prepared to ask questions to your knowledgeable tour guide.

No comments about Wallpaper City Guide: Miami (Wallpaper City Guide).

No comments about The Unofficial Guide to South Florida including Miami & the Keys (Unofficial Guides).

1 comments about Streetwise Miami Map - Laminated City Street Map of Miami, Florida -with integrated metrorail and metromover lines and stations.

1. I have used Streetwise Maps alll over the world -- literally -- and they have NEVER disappointed me. Super, super accurate. Whether I plan to drive or to be on foot, I would not visit any new city (including Miami) without my Streetwise Map.

1 comments about Time Out Miami and the Florida Keys (Time Out Guides).

1. Not only very informative, well-laid out and user friendly, this book nailed some classic South Florida schtick which, to those in the know, (myself included) will find quite humorous. But conservative tourists of a certain demographic might prefer the more conventional (translation: boring)guides.
   By the way, the TIME OUT Paris guide is tops.

3 comments about Miami And The Keys (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides).

1. We love other DK "Eyewitness Guides," but this one didn't cut the mustard. It worked well as an travel overview of the region, but failed to mention several important points such as days and hours of operation and entrance fees to attractions, which we were stung by several times. A specific example was their recommendation of snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. The book lists it as one of the best snorkeling spots in the U.S., but failed to mention that in order to see anything other than sea grass and the occassional crab, you are required to make reservations on a guided snorkeling boat. The guide also lacked directions. The maps that were included were insufficient. The restaurant recommendations we tried were fine, though, and we appreciated, as usual, the fine photos and "streetsmart" section.



2. Nice! Excellent! You may need to get Lonely Planet's 'Miami & the Keys' for such a metropolis as Miami & the Keys. But still one of the simple books on travel for this region.



3. This book was updated in 2005 and 2007 -- but those editions don't seem to be available through Amazon. Why is that?

No comments about Zagat 2008 Miami/So. Florida Restaurants.

No comments about Fodor's Miami & Miami Beach, 6th Edition (Fodor's Gold Guides).

1 comments about Frommer's South Florida: With the best of Miami & the Keys (Frommer's Complete).

1. This book has been a great help in deciding what to do on our trip to Fl this summer. We are traveling from Miami to Key West and it is filled with info about different things to do and even has a map. Wounderful buy.