L Hotel Miami Beach

L Hotel Miami Beach is situated in a classic three-story 1940s Art Deco building with a tiered, white-washed facade. Though the property was completely overhauled in 2015, the hotel still retains a relic of its former self: a teal "Hotel Almo Apt" sign in the upper right hand corner of the building. The exterior gives way to a sleek, boutique-modern interior with wood floors, a cluster of plush ottoman-style seating, and a mosaic tiled accents in bold zebra stripes. A metallic gold divider wall in geometric designs recalls Art Deco style, while playful pendant lights add on-trend flair. The garden area out back offers plenty of lounge space, too, but that's about it for extra property features. Still, it's a nice change -- and a more intimate offering -- than the high-rise hotels that fill the Mid-Beach area. The property attracts couples and families who want to enjoy the beach without the South Beach crowds.

L Hotel overlooks Indian Creek on a busy corner that links Indian Creek Drive with the expressway via one of the few bridges that cross the bay. The Mid-Beach location is best for guests who want to be outside of Miami's party scene but still close to the water. The beach itself is just a three-minute walk, and it's less busy here than at most South Beach counterparts. The immediate area is nice enough -- home to many hotels and high-rise condos, with restaurants and even some nightclubs in walking distance (like LIV, a seven-minute walk). It's a bit of a hike to South Beach -- about 35 minutes on foot to the Lincoln Road area -- but the boardwalk route is picturesque. Driving will take about 10 minutes. For business travelers, the lure is the Miami Beach Convention Center, an eight-minute drive from the hotel. Port of Miami is about a 20-minute drive; Miami International Airport is 20 to 30 minutes away by car, depending on traffic; and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport will typically take 35 minutes to an hour. Valet parking is offered on site, but some guests find the nightly fee pricey.

The fresh, modern guest rooms pair neutral colors like taupe and white with deep purple carpeting and a smattering of bold accents -- think bright green arm chairs and ottomans or stylish gold pendant lighting. A leafy, metallic-palm-frond-papered accent wall behind the bed offers a trendy tropical air, while a cluster of framed black-and-white photos lends a homey feel. A wardrobe has storage space, plus the usual amenities: an iron and ironing board, a hairdryer, and an electronic safe. While rooms are fairly spacious, bathrooms tend toward the small side, though they're stylish and modern as well with square marble sinks, partly partitioned walk-in showers, and mosaic tiling.All rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, bluetooth iHome clock radios, minibars, and free individual toiletries, though coffeemakers aren't standard. Deluxe Room upgrades bring more square footage, wet bars, and Nespresso machines -- but these are considered part of the minibar and charges are attached to use. 

As is common for a boutique property at this pearl level, this hotel has limited extra property features. The main common spaces include the lobby and a nice outdoor courtyard area with green plants and lots of lounge space on modern wicker and rattan furniture. The free breakfast is basic continental fare served in the lobby (bagels, croissants, muffins, coffee, etc.). The front desk is open 24 hours and staff offer concierge service, arranging tours, car rentals, dry cleaning, and luggage storage. There's a resort fee, which covers "freebies" like the Wi-Fi and loaner beach chairs and sun umbrella. Parking, by valet, costs an extra fee. Notably, the hotel has no full-service restaurant, bar, or wellness facilities.