Miami: practical guide and address book

Identity card

Formalities A valid biometric passport or machine-readable passport issued before 25/10/2005. In addition, an ESTA electronic travel authorisation is required (https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta). Otherwise, a visa is required.

Time difference : - 6 h.

Area code : + 1.

Currency US dollar ($). 1 euro = 1.32 $ (September 2013).

Best season With its tropical climate, Miami can be visited all year round. Although winter is mild, the ideal season is from February to June. Summers are very hot and humid. Cyclones in autumn.

For more information

Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700. Tel: +1 305 539 3000
Email: marketing@gmcvb.com Internet: www.miamiandbeaches.com

How to get there

AMERICAN AIRLINESa member of the Oneworld alliance, offers a daily direct service to Miami from CDG 2A. Daytime outbound and night-time return. Operated by Boeing 767s, these flights offer two classes, Business and Economy.
Tel.: 0 826 460 950
Internet: www.americanairlines.fr

AIR FRANCE connects Paris to Miami with a daily direct flight operated by Boeing B747 quad class aircraft. Thanks to its partnership with Delta Air Lines, the French carrier offers several alternatives via New York or Atlanta. Tel: 0820 320 820 Internet: www.airfrance.com

Hotels

Shore Club

White curtains flutter in the wind in the immaculate Art Deco lobby, dotted with sofas and plantation-style armchairs. This Zen airlock opens onto a colourful world of gardens composed like a Matisse painting: Majorelle blue walls, fountains and arbours, ethnic carpets; bars and restaurants occupy a succession of terraces leading to the pools. Beyond, simply cross the promenade to reach the beach, which is of course private. The atmosphere is that of a club lounge, but the Shore Club is first and foremost a hotel with 400 rooms and suites offering a refined setting and flawless comfort. Designed by architect Sir David Chipper-Feld, it is one of South Beach's 'hip' addresses.

1901 Collins Avenue - Tel: +1 305 695 3100 - Internet: www.shoreclub.com

The Betsy Hotel

North of Ocean Drive, The Betsy has a Georgian Colonial Revival façade, a rarity in the area. This 63-room boutique hotel has been refurbished by Diamante Pedersoli, who has designed residences for Ralph Lauren. The tone is set: no extravagance, just an elegant, intimate and cosy atmosphere. If only Gatsby were sitting at the bar... His restaurant, BLT Steak, is one of the best in Miami.

1440 Ocean Drive - Tel: +1 305 531 6100 - Email: info@thebetsyhotel.com Internet: www.thebetsyhotel.com

FontaineBleau

This MiMo (Miami Modern) architectural gem, designed by Morris Lapidus, is a Miami Beach institution. This is where Tony Montana / Al Pacino, wallowing in the pool, declares in a cult scene from Scarface he's in paradise. The Fontainebleau - Americans pronounce it 'fountain blue' - was restored in 2008 and is once again attracting the stars. The immense lobby, with its black and white marble floor imitating the repeated pattern of a bow tie, is a sign of the spirit of the place. With 1501 rooms and suites, a host of bars and restaurants, an impressive collection of ballrooms and meeting rooms, and a fashionable nightclub, Fontainebleau is still a city within a city.

4441 Collins Avenue - Tel.: +1 305 538 2000 - Internet: www.fontainebleau.com

The James Royal Palm

Dating back to 1939, the Royal Palm hotel had to be rebuilt in the 1990s, as the building had suffered so much. Enlarged at that time by the addition of two annexes, this 300-room juggernaut has just undergone a complete renovation. Reopened under the name of The James in November 2012, it has a highly accomplished, arty interior. The original reception area has been carefully preserved, with designer furniture from the 50s and 60s scattered throughout, and artists in residence adding a contemporary touch. The whole is chic, without ostentation. The signature restaurant, Florida Cookery, serves regional dishes.

Beachfront Retreat. 1545 Collins Avenue. Tel: +1 305 604 5700 Email: reservemiami@jameshotels.com Internet: www.jameshotels.com/miami

Bars and restaurants

YUCA restaurant

On Lincoln Road, YUCA - a mischievous acronym for Young Urban Cuban American - is a new Latino cuisine restaurant in a designer setting. Proof, if proof were needed, that Miami's Cubans are not confined to Little Havana, but have spread all over the city! This is a cheerful, trendy address, and dinners - for up to 400 people if privatised - can be extended with a salsa night.

501 Lincoln Road - Tel: +1 305 532 9822 - Email: info@yuca.com Internet: www.yuca.com

Baôli Miami

The little brother of the Baôli in Cannes, known for its wild parties during the film festival, can be privatised for a corporate event (160 places): Mediterranean cuisine restaurant, large garden, parties that can go on until the end of the night.

1906 Collins Avenue - Tel: +1 305 674 8822 - Email: reservations@baolimiami. com - Internet: www.lebaoli.com

Red, the steak house

In the trendy SoFi district, Red is a steak house with a chic decor and hand-picked clientele. It boasts a superb wine cellar, top-quality meat and impeccably fresh seafood. The chef offers team-building activities, from creating a cocktail to making a homemade sauce. Terrace with views.

119 Washington Avenue. Tel: +1 305 534 3688 Internet: www.redthesteakhouse.com

Dolores but you can call me Lolita

 The droll name is a nod to the city's mixed heritage. In the heart of the bustling Mary Brickell Village, this restaurant has a seductive historic decor, a former fire station in the Mediterranean Revival style. The rooms inside are elegant, but it's the palm-fringed terrace that's most appealing for its view of the Down Town skyline. Delicious Southern cuisine. Charming welcome.

1000 South Miami Avenue. Tel: +1 305 403 3103 Email: info@doloreslolia.com Website: www.doloreslolita.com

Bardot

This arty lounge nestled in a little street in the Design District cultivates discretion. Its hushed decor evokes both the cabarets of 1920s Berlin and the rock bars of Swinging London. Live music, DJs and spicy cocktails: this address is only suitable for very small groups, who will be sure to be in a trendy but "real" place. 3456 North Miami Avenue.

Tel: +1 305 576 5570 Internet: www.bardotmiami.com

Wynwood kitchen & bar

On the patio of the Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, the epicentre of the Art District, stands a portrait of Tony Goldman, the man who started it all in this once notorious part of Miami. Today, it is his daughter who presides over the destiny of this unique space, which is both an art gallery and a delightful restaurant serving inventive fusion cuisine. It is possible to book a private room outside Art Basel Miami Beach, when the WKB is in full swing.

2550 NW 2d Avenue. Tel: +1 305 722 8959 - Internet: www.wynwoodkitchenandbar.com

Privatisations

Skydeck Miami

On Lincoln Road, this terrace offers an extraordinary panorama of Miami Beach and the Downtown skyline in the distance. With its designer furniture and state-of-the-art equipment, the venue is ideal for all kinds of events. New and terribly trendy.

605 Lincoln Road - Tel: +1 305 672 5010 - Email: info@skydeckmiami.com Internet: www.skydeckmiami.com

Rubell Family Collection

 The Rubells have been collecting contemporary art for almost 50 years. The vast spaces of their foundation, enhanced by a garden, regularly host private events. Very chic and 'so Miami'.

95 NW 29th Street - Tel: +1 305 573 6090 - Email: info@rfc.museum Internet: www.rfc.museum

The Moore building

In the heart of the Design District, the Moore Building was built in 1921 to house a furniture showroom. Comprising four floors opening onto a central atrium adorned with a sculpture by Zaha Hadid, it is a place that is both historic and fashionable, in tune with the energy of the district. Managed by Bridge House Events, the agency responsible for most of the Design District's unique venues.

4040 NE 2d Avenue - Tel: +1 305 531 8700 - Email: jennifer@dacra.com Internet: www.bridgehouseevents.com

Big Bus Tours & Miami Open City Tour

Two double-decker bus companies criss-cross the tourist areas. Outside operating hours, they can be privatised for a transfer, with a glass of champagne in hand, even if it's Californian!

Internet: www.bigbustours.com and www.miamiopencitytour.com

Incoming agencies

Contact events

8851 W Sunrise Boulevard. Plantation, FL. Tel: +1 954 332 6090 Email: info@contact-usa.net Website: www.contact-tours.com

Lizard Incentevents

20 803 Biscaye Boulevard - Suite 401. North Miami Beach - Tel: +1 305 521 1014 - Email: welcom@liz-ie.com Internet: www.lizard-incentevents.com

Practical guides

Miami Cartoville, Gallimard. géoguide Miami, Gallimard. Le guide du routard Miami, Hachette.

Le Petit Fûté Miami