Hyatt Regency Coral Gables

Located in Coral Gables, an affluent but low-key Mediterranean-style residential Miami neighborhood, the 250-room Hyatt Regency, like most chain business hotels, isn't edgy or avant-garde. It's clean, dependable, and ideal for business travelers or family members meeting students at nearby University of Miami. Roughly 40 percent of guests are in meetings all day, and the others are typically out shopping on Miracle Mile, playing golf at the nearby Biltmore, or flocking to the immaculate pool on the fifth-floor terrace. It's this pool that helps the Hyatt best its top competition, the Westin Colonnade, two blocks away.

Built in the 1920s, this Mediterranean-style neighborhood confounds Miami stereotypes by being (ahem) genteel. Skirting hippie-chic Coconut Grove in the north and sticking to the coastline in the south, this residential community is known for golfing, pastels, and a shopping scene to rival Bal Harbor.The Hyatt is on a relatively quiet four-lane thoroughfare surrounded by mid-rise office buildings and apartments. Its immediate vicinity is boring, but a five- to 10-minute walk away is Miracle Mile, a shopping street with fine-dining restaurants, upscale stores, and what seems like an endless number of wedding dress boutiques.A mostly residential area with immaculately landscaped and lush gardens, the Gables' claims to fame are the University of Miami, the historic Biltmore Hotel and golf course, and multimillion-dollar homes. If you're looking to be close to the beach, this isn't the place -- it's about a 25-minute cab ride to South Beach, or a 15-minute ride to Key Biscayne.For golfers, the Hyatt is in a pretty good spot. It's just two miles from the renowned 6,800-yard, par 71 championship golf course at The Biltmore, a course designed by Donald Ross. It's 12 miles to the Marriott Doral golf course (with preferred tee times for Hyatt guests), and 15 miles to 18-Hole Links at Key Biscayne.There's both self and valet parking for a fee.

Like the Westin Colonnade, the Hyatt's 250 rooms are spacious -- more than 400 square feet. They each have a king or two full beds, and the clean, modern uniform furnishings of the typical business hotel -- thick, heavy wood furniture, a big brown headboard, and brown carpet. To some, the rooms might look a little dark and gloomy for the Sunshine State.Standard rooms come with kings or two double beds, before moving up to a petite suite which has a large sitting area (standard rooms only have a chair). My standard was on the seventh floor overlooking the pool and was very quiet, while others face the city and are equally quiet. Some rooms even come with balconies, patios, and skylights.Beds are firm, and sport 250-thread count sheets, down duvets, and firm pillows -- slightly edging out the beds two blocks away at the Westin Colonnade, which are equally soft and comfortable, but have such thick duvets that I woke up sweating.Every room comes with a massive, 42-inch flat-screen HDTV and basic cable (NBC, ESPN, and National Geographic, among others). Rooms also include modern touches like an iPod docking station, and an electronic safe that's big enough for a laptop. Rooms have empty mini-fridges. There's also a coffee machine in the cabinet with house grounds.Bathrooms are spacious, featuring shower/tub combos and KenetMD bath products. 

The heated pool on the fifth-floor outdoor terrace is clean and long enough for laps, and there's also a small Jacuzzi hidden away in a mezzanine in the corner. It's a much better pool than the one at the Westin Colonnade, two blocks away. It has a better atmosphere and is more lively, but doesn't have as good a view.The gym is well-equipped, with plenty of cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as free weights. Exercise mats, resistance bands and balls are also available. 

Cribs and roll-away beds are free, and fit into any room. There are also connecting rooms, which can join beds of any size.The pool is heated, but the shallowest end is still pretty deep, just under three feet.

Two Sisters restaurant is on the ground floor of the hotel and serves basic, but fresh food for breakfast and lunch. Guests on the go can drop by Perks -- an on-site coffee shop that serves everything from lattes to prepared sandwiches from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Those looking for a little sophistication can drop by Bar 50 from 2:00 p.m. until midnight where they can imbibe in the 2 for 1 happy hour special or catch a sports game. The lounge also offers small plates.There are plenty of options in the area, ranging from fast food to upscale dining.