Boulan South Beach

Boulan South Beach has a luxe vibe, from its sleek apartments to its  public spaces, all decked out in cool, all-white decor. The lobby has high ceilings and accents like artsy, boxy light fixtures and an orange front desk. The color scheme is a mix of burnt orange, gold, and dark wood, offset by cool limestone floors and a smattering of bamboo plants. Several small reception desks in lieu of one massive check-in counter make for a more personalized feel. Clusters of couches and chairs scattered around the lobby, as well as cushioned lounges and armchairs dotting the manicured grounds, add to the intimate vibe. The Zen meditation garden has a turf lawn, and the courtyard has a large fountain. The hotel is popular with couples, groups of friends, and families who are looking for spacious rooms and decadent surroundings, without the pretentious atmosphere.

The Boulan South Beach is located in the culturally vibrant South Beach neighborhood, which has everything from dance clubs to famous design museums. The colorful Art Deco buildings and miles of white sandy beaches are what the area is known for. The Bass Museum of Art is a two-minute walk away, and Miami City Ballet is a five-minute stroll up the road. The Miami Botanical Gardens have waterfalls and myriads of different plants, and they're 10 minutes walking from the hotel. The beach can be seen from the hotel's rooftop, and is only a block away. The hotel provides guests with beach towels and folding chairs. Valet parking is available for a fee.

The 52 apartments at the Boulan South Beach all have luxurious modern decor, with hints of the building’s Art Deco origins picked up in the retro furniture. Highlights include textured gray carpeting, sleek white furnishings, limestone floors, and Tempur-Pedic mattresses with high-end white bedding. All rooms offer modern amenities, which include flat-screen TVs, well-equipped minibars, bathrobes, hairdryers, air-conditioning, walk-in closets, and iHome units. In addition, the kitchens have full-sized fridgesand dishwashers. Bathrooms are similarly sleek, with a minimalist-chic feel and rectangular sinks, as well as double vanities, glass rainfall showers, designer toiletries, and, in some, separate bathtubs. Most rooms have large private balconies, some with views of the ocean. Some guests do complain about issues with the quality of the housekeeping.

Located on the roof deck, the pool and hot tub are real show-stoppers, surrounded by palm trees and comfortable cabanas, with views of the ocean and a busy bar, although there aren't enough umbrellas to keep off the searing South Floridan sunshine. The bistro, Orange Blossom, is located adjacent to the hotel on Collins Park and serves up decent food on marble-topped tables; the free breakfast is served there. The on-site fitness center has a good range of machines, as well as flat-screen TVs mounted on the wall. There’s also plenty of natural light in the fitness center and the mirrors make the room look bigger than it actually is. The Zen Garden is pleasant, but nothing exceptional, with wicker sun-loungers on a strip of turf. The courtyard is prettier, with its fountain-pond, tropical plants, and shaded, cushioned seating area; the palm trees light up at night. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi throughout, but there is a hefty resort fee.