Miami Beach vs. South Beach

[librarygirl]

Hi ladies,

I just booked plane tickets for a long weekend in Miami later this year. I know that I definitely want to stay in the Miami Beach area but am unsure if I should stay in Miami Beach proper or further down in South Beach. The two hotels I'm considering (due to Marriott points) are the Courtyard Cadillac Miami Beach (in the 3900 block of Collins Avenue) and the Marriott Stanton South Beach (on Ocean Drive, near Lincoln Rd) which is a a bit $$$ and also has the annoying daily "resort fee." The Stanton seems to have a better location (more places of interest seem to be "right there"), the Courtyard looks a bit quieter (quiet is fine with us, it's just that a couple of the restaurants I really wanted to dine at seem to be in the South Beach area). 

We won't be renting a car so walking/maybe a cab or two/buses possibly is how we'd get around. And I see from Google Maps that it's about a 45 minute walk from that stretch of Collins to South Beach area. Is it possible to walk that (i.e. I wasn't sure if there are any sketch sections between the two areas as many cities tend to have). 

I've only ever been to Miami's airport and have no experience with the city so any tips/recs you have would be most appreciated. And for the record, this is going to be a relaxing, beach/pool, Latin/Caribbean themed food trip since that region of the world is barely represented here in Pittsburgh from a culinary regard

Thanks in advance~

[Deleted]

I would stay closer to Lincoln Road, that's in the heart of things. I would say roughly 5th-17th is where you want to be for walking, beach, restaurants, shops, nightlife. At various points along there, starting around 5th I think, you can rent bikes from a kiosk and bike along the beach path.

I LOVE Lario's on the Beach on Ocean for Cuban food. I used to live in Miami and moved away 6 years ago. I seriously dream about Cuban food, and on my first visit back this past winter I made a point to go back to Lario's my first night in town. Totally lived up to my memory.

[shopgirl07]

Stay more central. The Ocean Drive location by Lincoln Road is good. You can walk to everything just about.

[bullsgirl]

If you are seeking out a quiet vacation I would not stay in South Beach, but as long as being in a quieter area is not a priority for you I would definitely choose the Stanton.

[neonpink]

I was just in South beach. I think I would want to stay closer to Lincoln road. They do have a fantastic bike share program so it's easy to get around on these cute cruiser bikes.

[librarygirl]

Thanks ladies for all the input!