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Post-Wilma, Miami Welcomes Back Winter Travelers

Although the city of Miami was spared most of the major damage from Hurricane Wilma in October, the storm blew through and disrupted power and water supplies, forced closings of some hotels, beaches, parks, and other attractions. Hotels and beaches are re-opened, and a drop in prices reflect the area's desire to jump-start the return of tourism.

Although the city of Miami was spared most of the major damage from Hurricane Wilma in October, the storm blew through and disrupted power and water supplies, forced closings of some hotels, beaches, parks, and other attractions. The category 3 hurricane caused up to an estimated $10 billion in damage to the affected area: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Currently, all hotels are open, and the beaches that were closed temporarily are now reopened. The Miami Seaquarium (tel. 305/361-5705; www.miamiseaquarium.com) suffered some damage and will reopen in either February or March; the Miami Metro Zoo (tel. 305/251-0400; www.miamimetrozoo.com) was closed briefly along with the Parrot Jungle Island (tel. 305/2-JUNGLE; www.parrotjungle.com), and both have reopened. The Everglades National Park (tel. 305/242-7700; www.nps.gov/ever) is open, but the Flamingo Lodge is still closed; the park suffered considerable tree and foliage damage. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park (tel. 305/361-5811; www.floridastateparks.org/capeflorida) in Key Biscayne is open after a brief closing to clean up debris. And Biscayne National Park (tel. 305/230-7275; www.nps.gov/bisc), which consists of about 95 percent water and is located about 35 miles from Miami International Airport, is also open. To start, the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (tel. 888-76-MIAMI; www.miamiandbeaches.com) provides a good overview, including an extensive listing of area accommodations, which you can book right from their web site.

For those with shallower pockets, there are a couple of Valentine's Day packages offered at properties owned by South Beach Hotel Group (tel. 877/762-3477; www.southbeachgroup.com), including Lily Leon and Catalina Hotel & Beach Club, among other. The 1920s Art Deco gem Lily Leon (www.lilyleonhotel.com) is offering a Valentine's Day Love Fest, with rates starting at $250. The package includes a private "bath butler" who will draw a bath for two, chilled champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, a private dessert party with a professional astronomer, and a turndown service with rose petals and an "erotic surprise." At press time calls seeking information about minimum stays and valid dates were not returned; please inquire upon booking. The Catalina Hotel and Beach Club (www.catalinahotel.com) is offering an "Enhance Your Romance" deal with packages starting at $325. Champagne and chocolate are included, along with a candlelit table and "love potion cocktails" at the hotel's Spy Lounge. You can also choose between a couple's massage session right in your room, or a bicycle escape with a picnic lunch to enjoy on the beach or in a local park. The offer is valid February 9-14 and there is no minimum stay requirement.

Additionally, Orbitz (tel. 888/656-4546; www.orbitz.com) is offering some last minute air and land packages for Miami. The deal for Lily Leon is good for three nights from $432, including airfare from New York. Taxes are included and the price quoted was valid for travel in the next three weeks and is subject to change based on availability.

The most indulgent holiday package, however, is the Mandarin Oriental's (tel. 866/888-6780; www.mandarinoriental.com) "Be My Valentine". Priced at $1,479 per couple, it includes two nights accommodation, full breakfast daily, bottle of champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and roses, and 50-minute massage for two at the hotel spa. It's valid for a two-night stay either February 13-14 or 14-15.

For those who like to plan ahead a bit, eLeisureLink (tel. 888/801-8808; www.eleisurelink.com) is running a four-day/three-night special in Miami Beach for $498 per person, based on airfare from New York. The stay includes round-trip airfare to Miami, and three nights at the Shore Club, The National, Loews South Beach, or the Ritz Carlton (this one requires a surcharge). The deal is good only from May 1-October 31, 2006, during low season. Other dates are available but there is a minimum surcharge of $159 per person to the total trip cost. Taxes, airport fees, room taxes are not included; package is based on mid-week travel and is based on availability.

Priceline (tel. 800/774-2354; www.priceline.com) is running a fare sale to Florida destinations, including Miami. Sample fares include New York and Newark from $131, Los Angeles from $263, Chicago ($143) and Houston from $153. The sample fares were culled from travel searches by customers from January 2-9 for a departure up to 90 days from the search date; some are marked as "best deal" for the noted origin and destination. Priceline is concurrently running car rental deals, too, at the bottom of the same web page for those who need it.

Another air-land package is currently offered by Jet Blue (tel. 800/JET-BLUE; www.jetblue.com). Their "Steal the Scene in Miami" getaway is priced from $349 per person and includes two nights at the Courtyard by Marriott Oceanfront Miami Beach. The hotel is located in the heart of Miami's historic Art Deco district. The price advertised was for travel on January 4, but a quick check of availability for a January 18 departure showed a lower price of $345.44 per person based on a New York-La Guardia flight to Miami.

Travelocity (tel. 888-TRAVELOCITY; www.travelocity.com) has a few offers for inclusive flight with three nights' accommodations for the Blue Moon Hotel, located on Collins Avenue in South Beach, priced from $469. However, a three-night stay with a flight departing from Newark, New Jersey on January 26 and returning Sunday January 29, the package is available for $377 per person on American Airlines -- almost $100 less than the advertised rate. The Blue Moon, which is a AAA-approved property and rated four-stars by Travelocity, is located within walking distance of shopping heaven Ocean Drive and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers about Miami on our Florida Message Boards today.


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