<p>Ddahwan- Ready to meet for lunch/dinner with you too. Let’s get a LI group going. Suffolk Cty Mom here of 2011 grad of UM Miss the U. Who is from Dix Hills?</p>
<p>Sonesta was really nice. Messed up part of our graduation rooms so they gave us a suite. Very nice. If you go with kids, this is a nice choice as the room has a full kitchen, washer drier, 2 baths and separate BR for the adults! (Still noisy though!!) Easy walking distance to all coconut Grove restaurants which was ideal for graduation traveling with my Mom. Great restaurant next to the Sonesta by the way!!!</p>
<p>Fave hotel was Hyatt in Coral Gables. Had a suite there first time dropping son and stayed there often afterwards. Great pool. More of a lounging hotel than Sonesta. Always other Canes parents around, especially in the pool on orientation weekend. </p>
<p>FYI- parking at hotels when you are going in and out so often can get costly (read tips). Both hotels and likely others have stairway to parking so you can just get your car yourself to leave. </p>
<p>Flying down- Use BB and Beyond. Start collecting BBB coupons. I have tons if anyone (LI) need them. Expiration dates don’t matter and you can use as many coupons as you have. Pick items here. bagged and ready for p/u at Dadeland Mall by campus. Go through it all before you check out. can by sundries there as well. TV, printer, wait a week or so and by on Amazon or similar and have it shipped. Ship boxes down by UPS and they can “hold” them for pick up at the UPS store across from campus for a reasonable fee. Easy but if you shop a lot, make sure to rent an SUV or similar so you have room. Fortunately it’s close to campus.</p>
<p>Fine dining- Can get a you a more extensive list, but we liked Christies (American) for dinner and Otanique for lunch/dinner. My husband and son can give me the other places we liked if you want them.</p>