Room Mate Waldorf Towers

The original orange Art Deco architecture of the Room Mate Waldorf stands out even on the busy, palm tree-lined Ocean Drive. Architect Albert Anis designed the hotel, which was built in 1937 and sits across from the beach and Lummus Park. South Beach's beachy, party vibe is reflected in the hotel’s interior design scheme. Entrance is through the outdoor restaurant, tucked under palms and umbrellas on the sidewalk, which is popular with both tourists and locals. Stylish rattan chairs, white tables, and cushioned benches line the sidewalk and the hotel’s terrace. There are flat-screen TVs and ceiling fans mounted on the orange ceiling. Inside, the small lobby is lined in colorful geometric tiles. Windows -- covered in sheer gray curtains -- have cheeky lettering that reads: Do you want to sleep with me? White leather furniture, geometric silver chandeliers, and colorful floor tiles contribute to a hip atmosphere that appeals to stylish sun-seekers. There’s a small old-fashioned elevator, which is reportedly slow, so many guests opt for the stairs. The bar in the lobby has a faux wood facade and white countertop with a water dispenser.

The Room Mate Waldorf is located on bustling Ocean Drive in the Art Deco District of South Beach. The beach and Lummus Park are across the street, with a sandy fitness area, bike path, volleyball courts, and picnic tables. A Citi Bike rental rack is also located just across the street. The area is busy and lively, with tons of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars in walking distance. The popular Mango’s Tropical Cafe and Club is right next door. It’s an eight-minute walk to the Wolfsonian Museum Shop. Jet-ski tours are 11 minutes on foot at the Boucher Brothers Management. Miami Beach Scooter is a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The airport is a half-hour drive away. The hotel can arrange taxis and car rentals.

Rooms at the Room Mate Waldorf are either Standard, Deluxe, or Junior Suites. All are outfitted with deco-inspired white leather furniture, silver accents, intricate headboards, and wooden floors. Suites have bay windows and sitting areas. Dark tiled bathrooms have signature toiletries, showers and/or soaking tubs with windows, and bathrobes (also for sale). All rooms have flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, basic minibars, coffeemakers, irons, ceiling fans, safes, and air-conditioning. Higher-tier rooms have beach views; the lively party scene can be noisy, so the hotel provides earplugs that read: "Sleep well! zzzzz."  Key cards control electricity. Cribs and disability accessible rooms are available. All rooms have free Wi-Fi.

Apart from its direct beach access, the Room Mate Waldorf's main feature is its restaurant, which serves an extensive menu of standard American fare, and at which guests get a discount. There's also a casual bar in the lobby for guests. At the front desk, there's a laptop computer available 24 hours a day so guests can access the Internet. There’s also an ATM machine near the bar in the lobby.The hotel offers comprehensive concierge services; staff can help with arranging VIP tickets to South Beach clubs, making restaurant reservations, booking guided city tours, or securing rental car or taxi transportation.