KenCT

No car? No problem

The gay district of Wilton Manors consists of a series of bars along a busy strip of highway. If you want to hit the bars, but don’t want to risk a DUI, the Manor Inn is one of the few options you have. The exterior of the building looks a bit run-down, with overgrown plants and in need of a coat of paint. My room itself was clean, though, with thrift shop furniture and mismatched towels. There was an ancient computer and equally dated sound system with a cassette deck. To be fair, though, there was also a flat screen TV and free wi-fi. Breakfast was extremely basic: coffee, orange juice, packaged rolls, yogurt and fruit. I didn’t see the owner-manager very much, and when I did, he didn’t seem too concerned about whether or not I was enjoying my stay. Overall, I had a good time at some of the bars and restaurants, but don’t have any real desire to return to either the town or the B & B.

Popular with locals. Some Yalies and tourists,too.

Usually described as New Haven's version of "Cheers," at 168 you'll find locals, some of whom seem to have been on the same bar stool since the Regan administration. There's usually a sprinkling of Yalies and visitors as well. Sunday brunch and the Thursday night beer bash are good times to drop by.

Historic Hotel Updated With Style

Built as the Pickwick Hotel in 1926, the hotel retains much of its historic character, with amenities of an up-to-date boutique property. Rooms are small, bordering on tiny, many with views of an air shaft. But they are well-organized, with features you might expect in a far more expensive hotel: premium bedding, flat screen television, refrigerator, and microwave. Located downtown, a quick bus, trolley or cab ride to the airport, Hillcrest, and most other tourist attractions.

Casual Italian on the 17th Street Strip

Very gay-popular restaurant with outdoor seating in warmer weather. Except for a terrific Caesar salad, food is rather average, but the price is right and the service is friendly. On the second floor is DIK bar, a favorite among older locals and tourists, too.

Best Location for People Watching on Lincoln Road

Gets really packed at night, but I really like to settle in at one of the outside tables during happy hour to watch the continual parade of SoBe locals and tourists Skip the frozen cosmopolitans which are usually a "special." They taste like cough syrup slushies.

Not really in Hillcrest

Just a heads up for those without cars. Hotel Circle is not really walkable to Hillcrest, nor is mass transit, i.e. the bus, particularly convenient.

No AC

When I walked into my room, I nearly dropped my luggage. The suites are bigger than a lot of apartments. Full living room, kitchen, bedroom, walk in closet - all decorated in mid-1940's style, well-maintained but not updated since. This means no air conditioning! The Top of the Park is THE place to be on Friday evenings and the piano bar/restaurant as street level is one of my favorite places to hang out.

A Good Place to Start

Always dimly lit no matter what time of day, with regulars, mostly older, dropping by for a cocktail or two before moving on. Patrons are genuinely friendly and welcoming to visitors. Definitely an attitude-free zone.