Blanc Kara Boutique Hotel

In a chic, relatively staid area of expensive hotels, the Blanc Kara stands out for being stylish and a good value, offering practical amenities like kitchens in each of its spacious studios. Its neat, white masonry property, built in 1923, has an adults-only policy that keeps things quiet year round, though it can get quite busy during high season. Lacking on-site features like a restaurant, bar, or pool, there are few chances to linger in common spaces aside from the lobby. The stylish space features a strong black and white color palette, with a large linen-slipcovered sofa and chairs with flokati throws accompanied by a enlarged wall-sized black-and-white prints of languid bathing beachgoers. A white lacquered table serves as the reception desk, while a dark wood shelf is stocked with items for sale, like tote bags and candles. The hallways are glossy dark wood with low lighting and somewhat suggestive black-and-white photos. Stair treads are illuminated by fluorescent tubes. The property draws a hip, international crowd, but one that is mindful of the price tag. 

In a quiet neighborhood of luxury condos, Blanc Kara is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the beach, which is just five minutes away on foot. South Beach is a five-minute drive (or 15-minute walk) from here, as is the Art Deco district, which is a draw for history buffs and fans of American architecture. Lummus Park Beach is a six-minute drive, or about a 15-minute walk. Several attractions are a short drive away, like the Bass Museum of Art (10-minute drive), the Miami Beach Botanical Garden (10-minute drive), Vizcaya Museum and Gardens (15-minute drive), and the Lincoln Road Mall (10-minute drive). Miami International Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive.

The hotel offers chic and spacious studios with small kitchens that are equipped with stainless steel appliances, wire chairs, and marble tables. White walls and furnishings and dark tile floors are complimented by poppy-red accent walls and pops of color from vibrantly hued bedside tables. Furnishings are similar to those seen in the lobby: rumpled, linen sofas; generally oversized, flokati-covered or striped fabric chairs; and wire-legged coffee tables strewn with art magazines. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, electronic safes, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some studios have terraces adorned with bougainvillea in white planters and furnished with white mattresses in wood frames. The bathrooms are all white with white tile and galvanized metal stands with square porcelain sinks. The hotel provides tote bags, handy for beach-going guests, hanging from the roomy, glass-door rainfall showers, as well as high-end toiletries, hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors. Guests should note that there have been some complaints of noise issues due to poor soundproofing. 

As a petite boutique hotel, the Blanc Kara doesn't offer many features and lacks a pool, restaurant, bar, or a fitness center. There is a 24-hour front desk and concierge service. A variety of chic items are available for sale at the front desk, including candles, jewelry, and high-end tea. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and luggage can be stored for free. Valet parking is available for a fee. The three-floor building has an elevator and is handicapped accessible.