Questions about Ultra Music Festival 2012

[aaaazzzz1]

Hello,

3 of us are planning to come to UMF 2012. We've already bought tickets. I was trying to figure out the best area to get a hotel in and would appreciate some advice. I tried to read up a little and it seems like getting from the UMF venue to SoBe is very painful so downtown Miami would be ideal. Assuming that we may try to go to Space one of the nights for an after party, what is the best location to look for a hotel, esp. since UMF is moving to a new venue this year? Also, in addition to Space, are there any other places that we should consider? Also, should we buy the tickets to the after parties in advance?

Thanks a lot!!

[Jess]

The new venue is right next door to the old one, next to Bayside in downtown Miami. there is a Days Inn and Holiday Inn that wpould be ideal as they are directly opposite. Don't even bother with SoBe, but if you are planning to attend the after parties, they are all over there unless you go to the ones at Space.

[aaaazzzz1]

Thank Jess. I tried to look up the hotels that you recommended. I found a Holiday Inn (340 Biscayne Blvd Way, Miami, FL 33132) but I wasn't able to find a Days Inn that's located close to Bayfront Park. Google returned lots of others hotels around the park though.

BTW, it seems like last year's venue basically had gravel instead of grass so it was a pain to sit down. Any idea if Bayfront is any better? Going 6-8 hours without sitting is going to be hard!! Also, from what I read, most after party venues do not allow shorts and sneakers which I'm guessing is what most people wear to the festival so that's probably another reason for living close to the venue since we'll need to change.

[Jess]

Last years venue was the usual park, but they were about to start building work there so maybe there was gravel. I only sat down at the end of Friday two years ago, you'd be surprised how long you can dance the night away.

Any hotel nearby would work. And yes, you will have to change to get into the clubs afterwards. I went to UMF in a bikini and jean shorts and sneakers... go comfy. Afterwards, if you have the energy to go out, you'll wanna shower and change. Me, I had just enough energy for a drive through and nightcap. Ultra is intense.

[SEKONICK]

We are planning on going to WMC and Ultra. I haev heard that the traffic is a nightmare when Ultra lets out. We have a room at the Hampton downtown (because its brand new and we could get it for $135 a night) but I am thinking of hiring a private car to shuttle us to Sobe on the Ultra evenings. Any suggestions?

[aaaazzzz1]

Thanks! I made reservations at Continental Downtown (http://g.co/maps/adypp) which seems to be located pretty close to the venue. What do people usually do for dinner? Is is advisable to nosh on something inside the venue since it'll be hard to find anything around 12:30-1:00AM or are there some places that stay open late around that area? Thanks!

[Mario]

In Downtown, there aren't many places to eat late. In Brickell, which is south of downtown, you will find several places. I haven't been to Ultra, but I've that everything in there is over-priced, especially water (so hydrate well!).

[Jibjab]

Aaaaazzzz1,

Me and a buddy booked a room at the continental too. Doesn't look the nicest but the location will be great....might have to start some hotel parties and invite all of ultra.

[Jess]

We are planning on going to WMC and Ultra. I haev heard that the traffic is a nightmare when Ultra lets out. We have a room at the Hampton downtown (because its brand new and we could get it for $135 a night) but I am thinking of hiring a private car to shuttle us to Sobe on the Ultra evenings. Any suggestions?

You will still hit the traffic. My advice is, if you are going to SoBe afterwards, leave Ultra early. I don't mean early as in 8pm, but an hour or so before it ends it is nowhere near as bad as the closing time at midnight when thousands of people pour out onto the streets.