Best Hotel Service in South Beach

From freshly mixed tropical fruit juice and cold hand towels at check-in to hand-delivered letters confirming dinner reservations to doting poolside drinks service and refreshing spritzes on the beach, guests receive the perfect amount of attention -- neither too smothering nor too aloof. The chocolate cookies and large glass bottle of Evian at turndown are especially appreciated.

Check-in takes place in the room, preceded by a tour of the hotel. Staffers are available at your beck and call 24/7, and every guest is assigned a personal assistant who acts as a private, personalized concierge. They'll do everything from make restaurant reservations to arrange business meetings to meet the "outlandish" requests promised on the hotel's website. Poolside service is particularly phenomenal -- extremely precise margarita instructions are followed to the letter. Best of all, the service isn't in the automated, self-conscious, you-better-tip-me South Beach tradition.

The Ritz' reputation for great service holds true here. Bags are promptly whiseked away upon arrival, and the staff goes over-the-top to make you feel welcome and at home. OUr reporter received a room upgrade at no extra cost.

The Angler's staff is expertly professional, and with such a small property, they are able to offer highly personal service. They make you feel like an honored guest without being stuffy -- appropriate for the chilled out South Beach setting. Check-in actually happens inside the room: A front desk clerk will escort you to the room, allow you to sign the wavers while comfortably seated at the desk, arrange your luggage, and introduce you to the entertainment system and minibar. Pool guests are continually checked up on by waitresses, and the restaurant servers are knowledgeable and attentive.

The Mondrian delivers diligent, enthusiastic service. Expect doors to be held open and bags to be in a porter's hands within seconds. Our reporter received a free room upgrade without asking, and the pool attendants let him enjoy a private cabana for free even after check-out.