Holiday Inn Miami Beach

This Holiday Inn stands out from others in the chain with its beachfront setting and 1950s-era Miami Modern facade. The high-rise building is white with mint-green trim and palm trees out front, setting the stage for the property's fun, relaxed vibe. The lobby has Miami flair by way of tropical leaf-patterned carpeting and a vaguely Art Deco fountain. There's plenty of seating for guests checking in, from mint-green armchairs to a pair of velvety green couches near a flat-screen TV. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for views of the property's lush grounds, which extend to a popular garden area where numerous hammocks are strung up between palm trees. The restaurant and bar are just off the lobby and have the same carpeting, along with uniform wood-laminate tables and chairs. Guests are mostly vacationing couples and families who want to soak up a more low-key version of Miami Beach than is available in nearby South Beach. 

Situated where highways 1-95 and A1A meet, this Holiday Inn offers convenient access for travelers arriving by car. Miami International Airport is a 15-minute drive away. Across the street from the hotel there are car rental agencies and a parking garage with spots available for a fee. But the main draw here is the beach, which is separated from the property by a short footbridge. The Miami Beach Boardwalk also runs right behind the building for strolls to nearby cafes and bars -- several are within a five-minute walk. For a more active scene, the nightlife, shops, and restaurants of South Beach are an 11-minute drive away (without traffic). Business travelers can get to the Miami Beach Convention Center in six minutes by car. 

Guest rooms at the Holiday Inn Miami Beach are fairly basic and don't offer anything too unexpected. Decor in standard rooms is typical of a chain, with white bedding, dark-wood desks, and brownish carpeting. There are coral-colored accent walls, framed photos of tropical beach scenes, and patterned drapes with some retro charm. However, these rooms could use an overall refresh -- particularly those with tube-style TVs. Oceanfront Rooms feel brighter, with pale-pink carpeting and bedskirts, and windows offering views of the Atlantic. All rooms have windows that open, although some look upon neighboring buildings. Coffeemakers come as standard. Executive Club Level rooms add microwaves and mini-fridges, while Suites have separate living rooms with queen-size sleeper sofas and separate bedrooms with king-size beds. Bathrooms are bland with beige walls and white shower/tub combos. Bath products and old-fashioned hairdryers are provided. Rooms have free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. 

The best feature of the Holiday Inn Miami Beach is its beachfront setting. Umbrellas and chairs are available for extra (steep) fees on the sand. There's also a nice-sized outdoor pool with loungers and a tiki-style bar on the deck serving up cocktails. The Paradise Cafe serves hot and cold buffet breakfast (for a fee) with items such as cooked-to-order omelets. Lunch and dinner are also served and room service is available. The Blue Parrot Bar in the lobby has flat-screen TVs and several stools where guests can gather for drinks. There's a small gym that's carpeted and has a decent selection of cardio and weight machines. The 24-hour business center has two PCs, free Wi-Fi, and various services like copying and faxing. There are seven event spaces including a ballroom with space for 280 people and a terrace that seats 70. On-site coin laundry, vending and ice machines, and a mini-mart selling snacks, soft drinks, and gifts round out the amenities here.