Beacon South Beach Hotel

Past the bustling sidewalk restaurant at the front of the hotel, guests enter a narrow lobby designed in classic Art Deco style. Original terrazzo floors are inlaid with an intricate, orange-and-brown sunburst pattern and white chairs with swooping, tufted backs stand at attention. There's a tiny bar in one corner, while a second-story mezzanine houses the business center and a small lounge with flat-screen TV.

The Beacon is in the Art Deco District on busy Ocean Drive, just a few blocks north of the MacArthur Causeway leading to mainland Miami. The hotel is surrounded by scores of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants (including one right outside the front door), so expect plenty of pedestrian traffic, encouraged in part by hostesses hawking giant margaritas. Lummus Park, the liveliest area of the beach, is right across the street.

Rooms are clean and feature fresh white decor with bright turquoise or silver accents, but most are on the small side. The bathrooms -- though quite pretty with mosaic tile and pedestal sinks -- are especially tiny, with little space for stowing towels and toiletries. Oceanfront rooms are larger and offer lovely views, but overlook the busiest, loudest street in South Beach. Rooms at the back of the hotel are considerably more quiet, although some guests complain of a lack of soundproofing between walls.

As with most hotels along Ocean Drive, the Beacon lacks a pool. There is a small workout room with one treadmill and a multifunction weight machine that's open around the clock. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and there are three computers for guests to use in the mezzanine business center. Valet parking is available for a daily fee.