The Kent Hotel

While not Miami's most striking example of Art Deco architecture, with its boxy geometric form broken up with rounded corners and vintage signage, there's no mistaking the Kent Hotel's '30s origins. Inside the look shifts a little more to the Caribbean, with a colorful -- albeit a somewhat dated -- combination of greens and browns, leaf motifs, and plenty of tropical greenery. An island flavor continues in the alfresco terrace just off the lobby lounge, with a grass-roof tiki-style bar surrounded by palm trees and bamboo accents. The tone changes again in the corridors, rendered in polished and stylish monochrome after a 2016 renovation project, which also included all 59 guest rooms. Throughout, the vibe is relaxed and friendly, with a bit of a party spirit that can manifest itself during high-season. It attracts mostly younger couples and friends in town for some Miami-style fun. 

The hotel has a prime "SoBe" setting in the center of South Beach's colorful Art Deco District and two blocks from the iconic beachside Ocean Drive. On a quieter street just outside the bars and clubs along Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue the Kent is still surrounded by shops and eateries -- including the Eleventh Street Diner, a late-night staple. In addition, just two blocks south along Collins Avenue begins one of Miami's major shopping drags, with stores ranging from Ralph Lauren to Urban Outfitters. It's just a five-minute walk from the bustling beach at Lummus Park, and it's 10 minutes on foot to Lincoln Road pedestrian mall. Miami International Airport is a 20-minute drive away, and Fort Lauderdale International Airport is 25 minutes by road. 

Having all received a much-needed makeover in 2016, all guest rooms are finished in a smart and modern combination of dark wood flooring, simple contemporary furnishings, and padded headboards. Deluxe Rooms take the revamp a little further with back-lit paneling and patterned fabrics. Rooms start at a fairly spacious 350 square feet, with only the roomier suites opening to balconies. A quarter of the rooms overlook the central courtyard, with most of the rest gazing out on the surrounding streets (which can be prone to noise during busy seasons). One side of the hotel now also looks directly to neighboring new construction.Amenities include (at least 42-inch) flat-screen TVs with DVD players, iPod docks, and mini-fridges; in-room Wi-Fi is free of charge, as are loaner beach towels. Renovated bathrooms are clean and contemporary, with walk-in rainfall showers, hotel-branded toiletries, and wall-mounted hairdryers. Suites add double basin sinks and whirlpool tubs.

With no swimming pool, fitness center, or spa, the Kent Hotel's main shortcoming has got to be its limited or "boutique" facilities. What there is on-site, however, is the fun and laid-back Lime Tree Bar and Restaurant, set on a partially-covered patio with a beach-hut style bar. It's not managed by the hotel and reports suggest food can be inconsistent, but it can be a buzzy and popular place to hang out at night. Inside there's also a small bar and breakfast area (breakfast isn't included in rates), plus an internet workstation and a printer.