Hotel & Restaurant Recs for large group of 15-20

Question

Hi there! Will be heading to South Beach (around labour day weekend till Sept 6 or 7) for a loved one's 63rd birthday trip. Roughly 20 of her closest friends and some family members will be joining, ages ranging from 25-65. I'm looking for some help in picking a hotel that is priced maybe under $250 USD per night as well as some restaurant recommendations for large groups, hoping to be around $70 USD per person (drinks not included) for the birthday dinner. Trying to keep hotel and birthday dinner reasonably priced as many folks will be travelling from out of the country. I found the Surfcomber hotel in my search, but hoping to find similar options that I can bring back to the group! National looked really nice, but max occupancy is only 2 per room. Still in the early-ish stages of planning, so open to hearing recommendations for other parts of town, birthday woman's wish is to be near good shopping and walking distance to the beach. Thank you in advance!

Answer

Planning a group trip of 15-20 people to South Beach around Labor Day can be a bit challenging, especially when balancing budget, location, and amenities. For hotels under $250 per night near the beach and shopping, you’ll need to consider a mix of traditional hotels, boutique properties, and possibly vacation rentals that can accommodate larger groups.

Hotel Options:

Surfcomber Hotel: You already mentioned it—this is a great choice for a lively South Beach experience, with direct beach access and a pool area. Check if they have suites or connecting rooms to accommodate your group comfortably.
Collins Avenue / Mid-Beach hotels: Consider hotels like the Best Western On The Bay or Riviera South Beach. They often offer more rooms in your budget and are within walking distance of the beach and shopping areas.
Vacation Rentals / Condos: Given your group size, renting multiple condos or a large house via Airbnb or Vrbo can provide more space, common areas for gathering, and often kitchens to save on meals. Properties in Mid-Beach or North Beach can be quieter and sometimes more budget-friendly.
Other boutique options: The Redbury South Beach or Hotel Shelley may have special deals for early bookings or larger blocks of rooms.

Restaurant Recommendations for Large Groups (~$70 per person, excluding drinks):

Havana 1957: Cuban cuisine, family-style meals, lively atmosphere—great for celebratory dinners.
Ola at the Sanctuary: Latin fusion and seafood, can accommodate private or semi-private sections for large groups.
Big Pink: Casual diner-style with huge portions—good if you want a more relaxed birthday dinner.
Seaspice: Upscale waterfront dining, they often handle private parties with advance booking and can offer set menus near your budget.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar: Southern comfort food, can accommodate large groups if booked in advance.

Tips for Large Groups:

Book both hotel rooms and dinner reservations well in advance, especially for Labor Day weekend, which is a busy time in South Beach.
Consider splitting the group into multiple hotel properties within walking distance if one property cannot accommodate everyone.
Look for restaurants with private dining rooms or the ability to do prix-fixe menus to keep the group together and within budget.

In summary, your best strategy might be to combine a hotel like Surfcomber or similar with nearby vacation rentals for overflow, and secure a restaurant early that can comfortably serve 20 people with a celebratory vibe. Prioritizing location near the beach and shopping ensures everyone can enjoy the area on foot, reducing the need for transport.

Hotel & Restaurant Recs for large group of 15-20

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