Albion South Beach

A classic example of 1930s Miami "ocean liner" architecture, the Albion still retains the porthole windows and curved shape of a ship's prow. Inside, sunlight pours from striking two-story windows into the cheerful lobby, where couples can be seen relaxing on navy couches set around Art Deco-inspired coffee tables. Clay-colored terrazzo floors are also in line with the hotel's Art Deco roots, and the rest of the space is stylish and appealing, with a huge red accent wall covered in original artworks owned by the Rubell family, and a navy and white color scheme punctuated with pops of orange and beige.The outdoors are serene and relaxing, especially the tropical courtyard area adjacent to the raised pool deck. White patio furniture with electric blue pillows offers plenty of space for unwinding and socializing, and palm trees provide a break from the strong Miami sun. Most guests here are young and middle-aged couples, but the hotel's pleasant pool and spacious rooms draw families as well.Rates are competitive for what you get; rooms here are nicer than those at the Townhouse Hotel, which can sometimes be more expensive. They're also more stylish than those at the sometimes pricer Essex House Hotel.

The Albion is located on the corner of Lincoln Road and James Avenue, a residential street that, although somewhat deserted at night, offers a welcome respite from the chaos of Ocean Drive. The hotel has a private area on the beach located just down the street, where guests can rent loungers, umbrellas, and cabanas for a fee. Lincoln Road Mall, one of the prime SoBe spots for dining, shopping, and drinking, is about a five-minute walk, as is the New World Symphony; the Miami Beach Convention Center is an eight-minute walk. The hotel's section of Lincoln Road isn't chichi, but it's only one block from the beachside Ritz-Carlton and a few minutes' walk to the posh Delano. Downtown Miami is a 20-minute drive away, and it is less than 25 minutes by car to Miami International Airport. There are a couple of public parking lots within three blocks of the Albion, but the hotel also offers valet parking for a fee. 

The hotel has 100 rooms, all decorated in a stylish blue and white color scheme with Art Deco influences. Most units are spacious, but at 180 square feet, Petite Rooms are tiny and only good for solo travelers. Quality beds are topped with white duvets and navy accent pillows with cute sailor’s knot designs that are nods to the property’s ocean liner architecture. Dark wood desks and headboards have clean lines, wire desk chairs and contemporary lamps with USB plugs are nice touches. Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, and iHome docks are all standard amenities, but rooms lack coffeemakers. Clean bathrooms have white subway tiles, dark floors, shower/tub combos, and Aveda toiletries, but most are small, and showerheads are a little dated. Junior Suites and all suite types have sofa beds in the living room, and Penthouse Suites have spacious terraces furnished with loungers, tables, and chairs.

The Albion has a long, pleasant pool set on an elevated deck above the courtyard. It has small portholes overlooking the outdoor lounge, and features plenty of loungers and umbrellas around the pool and in a separate area a few steps above the main deck. The hotel’s restaurant, Repour Cafe, is located on the mezzanine level overlooking the lobby, and serves a decent continental breakfast, and salads and sandwiches for lunch. The indoor dining room is simple and a little dated, but the outdoor terrace is a favorite among guests, with about a dozen tables with umbrellas, and courtyard views. The hotel also features a tiny fitness center, indoor and outdoor meeting space, valet parking for a fee, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Dogs under 30 pounds are allowed in rooms and some common areas for a one-time deposit.