Owned by Gloria "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" Estefan, the Cardozo South Beach is across from the beach on vivacious (and noisy) Ocean Drive. Lacking a pool or gym, the Cardozo tries to compensate with a Cuba-meets-Serengeti-meets-Bhutan décor and a restaurant that makes equally little sense.
Owned by Gloria "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" Estefan, the Cardozo South Beach is across from the beach on vivacious (and noisy) Ocean Drive. Lacking a pool or gym, the Cardozo tries to compensate with a Cuba-meets-Serengeti-meets-Bhutan décor and a restaurant that makes equally little sense.
The 48-room Avalon is quiet, clean, and classy, despite being in the center of the Ocean Drive hubbub, across the street from the beach. But features are scarce -- no gym, no spa, no pool -- and stylish rooms and free continental breakfasts with fresh fruit don't quite make the steep rates worthwhile.
The 48-room Avalon is quiet, clean, and classy, despite being in the center of the Ocean Drive hubbub, across the street from the beach. But features are scarce -- no gym, no spa, no pool -- and stylish rooms and free continental breakfasts with fresh fruit don't quite make the steep rates worthwhile.
Service is on-par with the best hotels in Miami. Rooms vie for the status of biggest in South Beach. But the once-chic Sanctuary is a poorly maintained property on an off-beat side street with a dainty, hardly usable pool. Even Ola's innovative cuisine fails to justify the Sanctuary's often-inflated rates. Rooms renovations brought a more contemporary look to all rooms, as well as updated amenities
Service is on-par with the best hotels in Miami. Rooms vie for the status of biggest in South Beach. But the once-chic Sanctuary is a poorly maintained property on an off-beat side street with a dainty, hardly usable pool. Even Ola's innovative cuisine fails to justify the Sanctuary's often-inflated rates. Rooms renovations brought a more contemporary look to all rooms, as well as updated amenities
Big, beige, and offering striking ocean views, the 430-room Grand Beach Hotel is a relaxing alternative to the hectic South Beach scene. Guests get more space for their money; big, contemporary suites have balconies, mini-kitchens, and separate living rooms. There are several pools -- including an adults-only tranquility pool on the 7th floor -- and the hotel is located on a long stretch of uncluttered beachfront. Few dining options are within walking distance, but there is a full-service restaurant on-site and a small bar in the lobby. There is also a sunny fitness center, bikes for rent, and free Wi-Fi but there's a pesky fee for chairs on the beach.
Big, beige, and offering striking ocean views, the 430-room Grand Beach Hotel is a relaxing alternative to the hectic South Beach scene. Guests get more space for their money; big, contemporary suites have balconies, mini-kitchens, and separate living rooms. There are several pools -- including an adults-only tranquility pool on the 7th floor -- and the hotel is located on a long stretch of uncluttered beachfront. Few dining options are within walking distance, but there is a full-service restaurant on-site and a small bar in the lobby. There is also a sunny fitness center, bikes for rent, and free Wi-Fi but there's a pesky fee for chairs on the beach.
The 75-room Blue Moon is a serene, unpretentious boutique hotel that is relatively secluded from the crowds that throng Ocean Drive and the beach, but still conveniently located within walking distance of these popular spots. This historic Art Deco hotel was once the tropical retreat of Merv Griffin, but is now part of Marriott's vast portfolio -- which accounts at least in part for the upscale property's polished service. However, much like many of Miami's vintage hotels, rooms and bathrooms here are tight on space.
The 75-room Blue Moon is a serene, unpretentious boutique hotel that is relatively secluded from the crowds that throng Ocean Drive and the beach, but still conveniently located within walking distance of these popular spots. This historic Art Deco hotel was once the tropical retreat of Merv Griffin, but is now part of Marriott's vast portfolio -- which accounts at least in part for the upscale property's polished service. However, much like many of Miami's vintage hotels, rooms and bathrooms here are tight on space.
The three-pearl President Hotel is a boutique property that's well-situated in the Art Deco district of Collins Avenue, a few minutes' walk from Ocean Drive and the beach. The hotel has 64 guest rooms on-site and 20 villa-style units in an annex next door. All are fresh and modern, with nature-themed wall murals, white furniture, and wood floors, though they tend to be small, with limited furnishings. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, but units lack coffeemakers. The hotel has a small front terrace and a cocktail and smoothie bar in the lobby, plus a casual full-service on-site restaurant -- but the daily resort fee to cover items like breakfast and Wi-Fi may be a turnoff for some, and there's no gym. Travelers looking for an upscale stay nearby can check out The Betsy – South Beach.
The three-pearl President Hotel is a boutique property that's well-situated in the Art Deco district of Collins Avenue, a few minutes' walk from Ocean Drive and the beach. The hotel has 64 guest rooms on-site and 20 villa-style units in an annex next door. All are fresh and modern, with nature-themed wall murals, white furniture, and wood floors, though they tend to be small, with limited furnishings. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, but units lack coffeemakers. The hotel has a small front terrace and a cocktail and smoothie bar in the lobby, plus a casual full-service on-site restaurant -- but the daily resort fee to cover items like breakfast and Wi-Fi may be a turnoff for some, and there's no gym. Travelers looking for an upscale stay nearby can check out The Betsy – South Beach.
Smack-dab in the heart of South Beach, the Aqua Hotel is a basic budget property that attracts partiers looking to be in the center of the local action. The 46 rooms here are simple and get lots of natural light, plus they all have minibars, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Many, however, are showing wear and tear, and bathrooms are old. On-site amenities are limited to a whirlpool in a small courtyard with some greenery, and a couple of computers in the lobby for guest use. The hotel tacks on a resort fee to cover what little they do offer: notably, Wi-Fi, basic continental breakfast, loungers on the beach (though umbrellas are only available for a steep daily fee), and a set-time shuttle to the Miami Airport. Similarly priced hotels abound in the area, such as the Whitelaw Hotel nearby, which offers a better value.
Smack-dab in the heart of South Beach, the Aqua Hotel is a basic budget property that attracts partiers looking to be in the center of the local action. The 46 rooms here are simple and get lots of natural light, plus they all have minibars, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Many, however, are showing wear and tear, and bathrooms are old. On-site amenities are limited to a whirlpool in a small courtyard with some greenery, and a couple of computers in the lobby for guest use. The hotel tacks on a resort fee to cover what little they do offer: notably, Wi-Fi, basic continental breakfast, loungers on the beach (though umbrellas are only available for a steep daily fee), and a set-time shuttle to the Miami Airport. Similarly priced hotels abound in the area, such as the Whitelaw Hotel nearby, which offers a better value.