South Beach or further North better for families?

We (2 adults %26amp; 2 teenage girls) will be spending 2 nights in Miami Beach 29 %26amp; 30 Dec.

I had originally thought of staying in the Art Deco area but the choice seems to be

1. book 2 rooms in the SOBE area

2. book a larger suite about 5 miles North in hotels like Miami South Beach Resort/Fontainebleu/Habana libre/Alexander All siuites

There is limited availability so I do not have the choice of hotels recommended in TA. Some of the reviews refer to weirdos in some of the hotels and obviously SOBE is party-land so I m inclined to stay further North and taxi in and out of SOBE. I don%26#39;t want to be paranoid but I think in Miami I would prefer to find a family sized suite and keep the girls with us. Howver, the resort hotels do look a bit boring. Still, only 2 nights and we don%26#39;t expect to stay in the hotel much. I understand there is a boardwalk along the beach so that might be an interesting walk down to SOBE - should not be too hot for that in Dec.

My budget is $400 per night (which is the price range for suites in the hotels mentioned above). This is for a suite with 1 King and sofabed. (What are these sofabeds like?)

Anyone know of suite hotels or condohotels with 2 bedrooms?

What do you think? Feedback from families would be appreciated

If we do stay North of SOBE what are the areas like? The hotels seem to be large resorts but are there shops and restaurants around them so we could go out to breakfast without having to use the expensive hotel buffets?

South Beach or further North better for families?

Carhirer%26gt;

You want South Beach without question. The shops and cafes are all close at hand. The time of your visit is during the New Year%26#39;s Eve build up so the town will be filled with families and holiday celebrants galore. Shoot for a place near Lincoln Road and you%26#39;re all set. Read this article in South Beach Magazine to help you plan a fun trip with kids:

southbeach-usa.com/features/features1/family鈥?/a>

There are lots of posts on that site and this one to help you set up a fun family holiday in no time. Be CERTAIN to book a room early as that time of year will sell out very quickly because it%26#39;s swimsuit weather here and snowsuit weather everywhere else!

AG