UNIQUE 'OLD SPANISH' COTTAGE IN PRIVATE GARDEN SETTING

I had a great week here. Everything you could want in a beautiful and convenient setting - there were many conveniences and extras I did not anticipate. Right in Little Havana and within walking distance of restaurants and landmarks. The owners are helpful but not intrusive. Thanks Alan and Paul.

Whimiscal, magical, enchanted, incredibly well appointed and spotlessly clean... you will want for nothing when staying at Lost Reef Cottage. Staying here is truly an unforgettable experience. Even my very hard to impress teenage children are amazed by this place. I have stayed in many Homeaway.com properties in the U.S. and Europe, but Lost Reef Cottage is my favorite by far. Generally, I believe life is too short to stay in the same place twice, but Lost Reef Cottage is the exception to this rule. It will be very sad to leave this incredible cottage and I will count the days until I can return.

My family and I live in Texas and went to Miami in August to enjoy the beaches, and snorkeling in the Keys. We did not want to stay in a sterile and/or boutique-ish hotel, so we opted for this "home away from home" in Little Havana. The cottage is impeccably decorated, yet comfortable with beautiful wood floors, festive lighting, and stylish furniture. There were three of us staying in the cottage, although it sleeps four. Since we were gone for most of the day/night, the coziness of the cottage was just fine. The bedroom is a nice size, with a nice-sized closet and bathroom/shower. There is a loft (which my teenage boys enjoyed) that easily housed them and their luggage. There is also an open "office" with chairs and icomputer desk. The beds in both the bedroom, and the loft are extremely comfortable and queen size. The neighborhood around the cottage is quiet and the curtains allow for darkened rooms when you want them, especially in the morning! The amenities include a full kitchen (with kitchen table), refrigerator, computer/internet, t.v. (with cable), and a washer and dryer. The cottage is nestled beside a lovely coral garden, with typical Miami flora: palms, flowers, hibiscus, and a quiet fountain for enjoying evening cocktails. Also convenient is a corner grocery that has a counter where you can eat cuban food (I recommend the media noche sandwich). The hosts, Paul and Alan, are warm and welcoming, but then leave you to your privacy, unless you need something. The cottage is a 10 minute drive to Key Biscayne (great beaches!), and Coconut Grove, which is really all you need to visit in Miami, in my opinion. It is also close to the highway (5 minutes) if you want to visit South Beach and shopping on Lincoln Boulevard. I would defnitely stay here again if I return to Miami. The way to see it!