Hotel Shelley

The Hotel Shelley is a charming three-story Art Deco hotel built in 1936, offering a budget-friendly Miami property that's walkable to South Beach nightlife and sandy shores. A fair amount of pedestrian foot traffic passes by the hotel’s front patio, where the stylish dark rattan furniture and purple umbrellas match the building's purple-trimmed facade. Otherwise, the lobby is the only real common area at this small hotel, and guests do hangout here. Terra-cotta tile floors set the scene for a beachy, French provencal vibe, while shabby chic details finish the look: a patinated fireplace, leathery white couches, and cracked leather button-tufted armchairs with rolled arms. The small, U-shaped bar area in the corner is the real gathering place, though, with a free nightly happy hour, live DJ entertainment, and hookah offerings (guests do occasionally complain about the smell). It's an ideal kickoff to a night out or a fun plan for staying in. The hotel attracts tourists, particularly couples, though bachelor or bachelorette parties also make their way through. 

Hotel Shelley is located on Collins Ave in the heart of South Beach, just two blocks from frenetic Ocean Drive (two-minute walk) and an easy jaunt to Lummus Park and the beach (four-minute walk). Ocean drive in particular is lined with tourist-ready restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, like Mango's, just a two-minute walk from the property. A few blocks north of the hotel, Collins Ave transforms into a drag of swanky, high-rise party hotels and remodeled Art Deco heritage buildings. The hotel offers free shuttle service to the Miami International Airport, but guests complain about the hefty extra daily fee for valet parking. - Six-minute walk to Versace Mansion

• Eight-minute walk to Miami Beach Cinematique
• Eight-minute drive to Lincoln Road Mall (20-minute walk)
• 15-minute drive to Miami Beach Convention Center
• 15-minute drive to Jungle Island
• 15-minute drive to Miami Beach Golf Club
• 15-minute drive to Miami Beach Cruise Ship Terminal
• 25-minute drive to Miami International Airport
• 45-minute drive to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Rooms are small but modern and stylish with beautiful bamboo floors and a beachy color palette that pairs deep purple and turquoise embellishments with gray walls and gray faux leather bed frames. Wood paneled accent walls, inset ceiling lights, and illuminated wall art add style. Bathrooms tend to be tiny, but showers are roomy and the gray-and-white marbled tiling on the walls and floors lends a luxe feel.Rooms come with either one queen bed or two double beds (both are recommended for two guests). All rooms have individual AC units, Sony stereos with docking stations, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, and minibars, plus irons/ironing boards, cushy down comforters, bathrobes, and safes. There are no in-room coffeemakers. Large windows let in natural light, but most of the views are lackluster -- a rear alley, a neighboring hotel -- though some rooms have views of Collins Avenue. Guests occasionally complain about noise or smells from the bar's hookah, particularly on the first floor.

The small stylish bar in the lobby of the Hotel Shelley is a hip hangout spot in its own right, with free daily open bar, live DJ entertainment, and a hookah. When the DJ is out, the flat-screen TV is on, creating a living room/lounge feel. There are few other extra property features, though -- there's no wellness facilities and no restaurant. Breakfast isn't offered here, and there's no ice machine either.The lobby has and ATM machine and free newspapers. Concierge services include luggage storage and VIP passes to area nightclubs, allowing guests to skip the line and often pay less than at-the-door prices. The hotel also offers free, regular shuttle service to Miami International Airport, but guests complain about the hefty daily fee for valet parking. There’s no elevator, but staff can help with bags. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and free loaner beach towels are available, too.