Marriott Stanton South Beach

Two palm trees frame the travertine entrance to the upper-mid-range Marriott Stanton South Beach, an 11-floor Art Deco building that’s located on a quiet section on Ocean Drive. At the rear of the property there is a fairly tame stretch of sand that attracts travelers -- couples, groups of friends, and families with children -- seeking a peaceful location away from the bustling South Beach scene. The second phase of the hotel's major redesign project concluded in April 2017, and included a rebuilt porte cochere, renovated meeting rooms, updated decor throughout common areas, new pool furniture, and a Mexican restaurant and bar. The third phase of the hotel's renovation project will be completed at the end of 2017, which will see the addition of a Japanese restaurant, spa, and fitness center. The final phase, expected to be completed in 2018, will see the renovation of Deco Blue, a handsome restaurant that's one of the few with an Ocean Drive address to look directly onto the beach. It's a popular gathering place for hotel guests and those staying all across town.

Situated on a fairly quiet beach in Ocean Drive's SoFi area (or South of Fifth), this location offers a peaceful atmosphere that's still close to the best of South Beach. A paved and landscaped path -- used for walking and running -- runs along the beach, which is at the rear of the property. The gorgeous, sandy beach has Marriott umbrellas, lounge chairs, and bar and food service. The wilder nightclubs, bars, and eateries of Ocean Drive are a 10-minute walk north of the hotel, as is iconic Lummus Park. Popular restaurant Prime 112 is right across the street from the hotel, while local diner Big Pink is a two-minute walk around the corner. Walks to Española Way and Lincoln Road are a bit long, but cabs to either are easy enough to find and the trip will take 10 minutes. The 17-acre South Pointe park is also a 10-minute walk from the hotel. AmericanAirlines Arena and Miami Port are 15 to 20 minutes away by car depending on traffic. It’s a 30-minute drive to the Miami International Airport.

Rooms are fresh and contemporary, with interiors that include white leather headboards, parquet floors, simple light wood veneer furniture, sharp photography, and furnished balconies in some that offer lovely sea views. The look is appropriately beachy, designed by renowned Jeffrey Beers International, and is a nice warm upgrade from Mariott's often corporate interiors. With king beds or two double beds, rooms fit between two to four people, and connecting rooms are available for traveling groups or families. Concierge Level rooms have access to the Marriott lounge with breakfast, evening snacks, and business services. One-Bedroom Suites, which can fit rollaway beds, have stylish, comfy living rooms with bistro tables. Modern bathrooms are a bit small and have walk-in showers. Every room features 32-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, irons and ironing boards, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, fluffy bathrobes, hairdryers, and safes (which sometimes require a fee for use). Wi-Fi is free for Marriott Rewards members.

The star of the show here is the beach, and it's embraced at several turns. The hotel has towel and snack kiosks, plus beachside service, on a relatively uncrowded stretch of white sand. Two outdoor pools and a hot tub -- surrounded by new striped lounge chairs and palm trees -- also overlook the ocean. The Spot serves light fare and drinks poolside. From the pool, stairs lead to Deco Blue, a contemporary dining room with attractive Art Deco-inspired interiors and a popular outdoor terrace. The menu features an abundance of seafood, and the ocean views are great (though breakfast isn't free for most hotel guests). Lolo’s Surf Cantina, added in January 2017, serves Mexican cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beachside setting.There are a couple retails outlets on site, including F1rst Surf Shop with surfboards and stand-up paddleboard rentals, as well as Elycia Indulgence + Sundry gift shop. The Dolcezza gelato shop, a cigar store, and Starbucks are on-site, are also located by the lobby. For Concierge Level guests, the 11th-floor Concierge Lounge offers free breakfast, evening snacks, and two terraces. Modern cardio machines with mini-TVs, free weights, and healthy snacks are available in the gym, while a sauna and treatment rooms are located in the spa. Both of these spaces are set to undergo renovations in 2017. Weddings are held at this beachfront hotel and the ballroom fits up to 120 people -- there are also additional renovated meeting rooms for business functions and events. An Apple computer and printer are in the lobby. There is a fee for Wi-Fi, except for Marriott Rewards members or those who book directly through the hotel's website.