• Budget Hotels in Miami Beach

There comes a time when every college student just have to put down their books - no, i meant put away their books and just walk the other way. After seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks and months of all that studying, tutorials, quizzes, exams and assignments, what you need is to just take that trip to the place where people are hot, the music is cool, and the party scene is crazy- yes, to Miami.

There is nothing to loosen up from all the stress like partying till you're purple at South Beach!

Oh wait, I forgot. You're a college student. Which means - you don't have much money on you, don't you? Oh yes, indeed, you've spent your money mostly only college necessities, and by college necessities I meant party, beer, fun and games and more beer. But yes, those are nothing compared to partying South Beach style, and this is why you are going to find out it is possible to party in Miami on a tight budget.

But first things first, let's get you to Miami!

You might think it is cool to take a road trip and drive to Miami with your friends - but don't. It would only be a liability to you as parking alone takes a lot out of your bank account. The public parking spots costs as much as the valet parking service, which is around $20+ per day. The best part and good news is, almost everywhere that's hip is only in walking distance or a short cab ride.

If Miami's on your Southwest, you could take a flight directly to the Miami International Airport, as if of right now, with prices opening at $89. If you would rather save a few bucks, as well as enjoy a longer, 'scenic' route, opt to fly to Ft. Lauderdale instead, and grab the shuttle which costs $15 to get to Miami Beach for a good 45 minutes ride.

If you are having images of luxurious beach side hotel with roof top pool that oversees the city and beach in your fantasies, you can dream on. This is your hardest challenge - to find a place to crash in Miami. Most of the high-end hotels are expensive, and you might not be able to afford it (unless you are a trust fund college kid, or you do actually have money). If you have the money, you won't have any problems of finding hotels in Miami as they are laden with it.

However, if you are on a budget, we could suggest some places that's easier on your wallet. There is this hotel on Espanola Way: Clay Hotel's Hostel, which was a pretty hip place. The Clay is located on a strategic corner where it is very close to Washington Avenue, where there are lots of clubs and restaurants, and it is also merely two blocks away from the beach - which good news for you, is free. However we suggest the Hostel on the south of Ocean Drive, just walking steps from Nikki Beach Club, the FashionHouse in Washington Ave, the SoBeYou Hotel on Jefferson Avenue and 10th, just a moment from the hot south beach, and the Viscay Hotel on the middle of everythings.

Sometime - usually in low season - you can find good rates also on Century Hotel located on the south Ocean Drive, at the Whitelaw in South Beach Collins Avenue, and finally, at the Townhouse Hotel, even if, is located in Collins Avenue in front of the Setai, so you need to walk 20 minutes to be in Lincoln Road. We suggest this three - 3-Star Hotels - only in the Low Season (June, July, August and September).

Note: please keep in mind to take in consideration - our rating in a place of the star - and write to us about your experience to keep these values always updated.

It might not be as glamorous as the other luxurious hotels towering Miami as: Setai, Mandarin, Epic, Four Season, Viceroy, The Villa, Mondrian, Delano, Victor,etc. but The Clay has been named "the most beautiful hostel in America" by Lonely Planet in 2005. It is also one of the favorites among tourists from the likes of Japan, France, Italy and Germany and always gets tops scores on international travel guides.

Besides The Clay, there are other series of Art Deco hotels - you can find it in the map below with score and stars - which are affordable and popular among mostly college students and young party goers due to its moderately rated room price as well as strategic location. We suggest also to book very in advance for holidays or school closing period.

• Nightlife in South Beach

Okay, enough with suggestions on getting roof over your head. Everyone knows the main reason why you came all the way to Miami – the South Beach nightlife scene! It's nothing more hip than the wild nightclubs filled with beautiful women and hunky guys. The nightclubs costs a bomb in Miami, but lucky for you, if you paid attention you will notice that some hotels give out free passes to night clubs.

Yes, free. So be sure to plan your stay accordingly if you are on a really tight budget.

Some of the clubs in South Beach permits entry but the lines are usually long, and here's a tip for you – come dressing in your best. Look like you want to go to a party, in fact, dress like you are going to a Hollywood party. I know this sounds superficial, but focus on out - dressing everyone. This is because entrance to clubs are constantly on the judgment of the bouncers at the doors and entrance. They would tend to choose the coolest, hippest, hottest and best dressed in the crowd. Don't expect to get into the club if you wear what you normally wear to college parties.

Think – glamour. No sneakers, no jerseys, no hats, no frat and sorority wears. This is Miami, not your campus!

Another fresh and happening occasions always implemented wide in clubs on Miami Beach would definitely do you and your friends good to keep your budget under control. There are plenty of clubs which offers free drinks until 11pm in a ploy to lure customers to come in and try them out early.

Keep in mind though that all the clubs in South Beach are for 21 and above, and they only cater to the hot and glamorous crowd. Competition is stiff and be ready to do some club hopping if you fail to get entrance from one club to the other. If you are under 21, or you cannot get entrance, or you just can't afford those high-end clubs, you could always opt for the moderate ones at Downtown Miami. The prices there are more reasonable and some nights, the party gets really, really hot. Prudence is a must in this area.

You could try out PS14 at 28 NE 14th Street or the District Restaurant and Lounge, especially the weekends.

• Dining in Miami

could be very, very expensive, therefore the best bets for you are the fast food outlets, like Burger King. However, if you have extra cash to spend on other types of food besides Burger King, you could always opt to head over to one of the outdooor cafes at Lincoln Road. There are moderately priced cafes like Nexxt Cafe (located at 700 Lincoln Road) , Hofbrau (941 Lincoln Road) as well as Puerto Sagua (700 Collins Avenue). We also suggest David's Cafe if you love the Cuban food. You can find one cafè in Collins Ave between 12th and 13th streets, just behind the Mango's Club, and one in the middle of Lincoln Road. Both of them are open 24/7/365.

Keep in mind to keep your budget on track when you are in Miami as the South Beach party lifestyle could tend to make you forget and lose track of the real world. Use this guide and always, always plan your trip properly, especially if you are a student and on a budget. Nothing would enhance your experience more if you go with a lot of friends, plus you guys get to share on almost all the bills.

And don't let your financial setbacks bring you down, because you are in Miami, and it's time to party.

Enjoy Miami guys.

MySoBe.com, like no other.