Renowned for its white sandy beaches, tropical climate, art deco architecture and hedonistic culture, Miami seems a logical destination for the gay traveller and is well serviced by a variety of gay hotels. The gay scene is thriving, though it has to be said, is not huge. It is also close to Key West and Fort Lauderdale - two other popular gay destinations and a few hours away from Disneyworld - should you be that way inclined.

The best time to go to Miami is from October to May, outside of the hurricane season. We went in November and had ten uninterrupted days of sunshine with average temperatures of around 27 degrees - perfect for us. Nights are warm and balmy but this being America, virtually all hotels are air-conditioned. In Miami itself, with its draconian parking restrictions, a car is not an essential. In South Beach you can walk almost everywhere and it feels safe.

The beach is spectacular, with miles of pristine white sand against the blue Atlantic Ocean. A rainbow flag marks the gay area, where you can sit in awe of the various muscle Marys that strut past. I spent a full day with my video camera discreetly on zoom! Renting a sun lounger for the day is $5 (about £3) and will keep the sand off you. If you are feeling hungry, it’s a five-minute walk to the Palace Bar and Grill - a mixed gay bar/restaurant that offers a good and reasonably priced menu.

Miami has a huge selection of restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes. Expect typical US-style service - but remember tipping is compulsory - add at least 15% to your bill. Dining out also exposes you to the idiosyncrasies of Florida`s licensing laws as my partner discovered when he attempted to order a gin and tonic. It transpires that to serve spirits as well as beer and wines, restaurants need a different license. It`s a hangover from the days of prohibition.

Shopping is not up to the standards of London, Paris or New York, but even with a relatively poor exchange rate there are still bargains to be found. If you are a label queen, stock up on Armani and Gucci products. For the less adventurous of us, Levis, Cat trainers and Timberland products are all cheaper than the UK.

The gay scene in Miami is good - but those used to London may be disappointed. I had expectations of huge clubs with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems playing the latest music. I would make a direct comparison between Brighton and Miami. This is by no means an insult - I love Brighton, but England can offer just as much (except the climate, of course).

Things don`t get busy before midnight - but bearing in mind you will spend the first few days of your holiday on English time - five hours ahead - this is no hardship. My favourite venue was Twist, which offers something for everyone. It`s five bars rolled into one, including a relaxing terrace bar with quiet background music and lighting, a games bar and an in-your-face dance bar. All are inter-connected via a series of corridors. Don`t expect the DJ to have heard of Kylie or Steps: the music is strictly US.

Our hotel was definitely the highlight of the holiday and this is where Miami or indeed my experience of other American gay hotels shines in comparison to most English or European destinations. They are streets ahead. We had a wonderful stay at The Jefferson House, a ten-minute walk from the beach and gay nightlife. Restored to its original art deco splendour, our room overlooked a tropical palm tree garden with a small swimming pool. Rooms are air-conditioned, all have en-suites with period 20s furniture, CD player and satellite.

Complimentary wine creates an easygoing atmosphere where guests can relax together - it`s a friendly sociable environment. Breakfast is served at a reasonable time - something heterosexual hotels can never get right. Steve, the owner of the hotel, managed to make us feel special from the moment we arrived - obliging, courteous and genuinely friendly, it felt more like staying with a friend than staying at a hotel. It was clear he enjoys his job, having given up a banking career to pursue something more philosophically rewarding. He made a great host.

Miami has an atmosphere. On one hand it drips with money and wealth, but it is also incredibly laid-back. The beautiful art deco buildings are stunning, especially when illuminated at night. It`s a place you can party and relax, great for single men and women and couples. Having said that, it is expensive and there are destinations in America that I prefer, such as Key West - but that`s my view and many will beg to differ!