Shelborne South Beach

Built in 1940, the Shelborne's $150 million renovation in 2014 combined its Art Deco roots with a more modern design. The eight-floor hotel is painted a typical Miami white, blending in seamlessly with its prime location on Collins Avenue in South Beach. Inside, the large lobby is filled with tan leather couches and coffee tables with photography and fashion books that are under funky light fixtures. At the black and white marble front desk, guests are checked in and provided a "prescription" for a free cocktail at the apothecary-themed Library Bar; it has has brown leather stools next to comfortable velvet chairs and couches. Across from that is the Drawing Room -- a chic spot with brown leather benches and shelves lines with custom-covered books; it's a quiet spot to work during the day, and turns into a more happening scene at night. Sometimes, a DJ or three-piece instrumental band play music by the pool, but the vibe is typically relaxed and not rowdy like at other nearby hotel pools. For a more happening scene, the Shore Club has trendy pool parties and is often similarly priced. The Delano next door is also known for its pool scene, but tends to be pricier. 

The Shelborne is right by the Shore Club and Delano hotels and has direct beach access. Even though it's on Collins Avenue, the Shelborne isn't part of the Miami catwalk, which makes it is relatively calm. It's about a 10-minute walk to the north end of Ocean Drive, where travelers will find Art Deco hotels and bustling nightlife spots. Lincoln Road outdoor mall is about a five-minute walk away. The trendy Fontainebleau in Miami Beach is about an eight-minute drive north. For business travelers, the Miami Beach Convention Center is under a 10-minute walk away.

Thanks to a 2014 renovation, the 200 guest rooms at the Shelborne have a stylish, upscale Art Deco design. Carpets have a blue and white pattern; comfortable beds have brown or baby blue leather headboards and brown blankets; closets and one wall have a white and bronze print; and desks have brown swivel chairs. Room decor was inspired by vintage cars: The minibar's handle resembles a car reflector, the door finish is that of a car's, and chairs are covered in a leather similar to that seen in a car. The standard City View Rooms are on the small side for this caliber, starting at 220 square feet, which may account for the rates here often being lower than most competitors'. All have small bathrooms outfitted with walk-in showers, plush robes, and luxe toiletries, but no bathtubs. Partial Ocean View Rooms are identical except for the view. Some rooms have nice balconies. Note that rooms in the Ocean View category may have only a partial, indirect view of the water. The Junior Suites are larger and have a small sitting area. All rooms have a flat-screen TV, digital music players, in-room safes, hairdryers, turndown service, and free Wi-Fi. Cribs are available upon request. 

There's plenty to keep guests busy both inside and outside the hotel. Outdoors, the heated swimming pool has comfortable striped loungers, poolside service, an adjacent whirlpool, and well-outfitted cabanas available for rent; there's also a sundeck by the pool. The Shelborne has direct beach access and the resort fee includes a chair and towel, but umbrellas will cost extra. The spa has a range of treatments available, a nail salon, and 24-hour fitness center that provides free yoga classes daily. There's over 15,000 square feet of event space, including meeting rooms and a ballroom, as well as a business center, so the hotel sees a good number of business travelers. For dining or drinks, guests have the options of casual or upscale. Inside, the Drawing Room and adjacent Library Bar serve up hand-crafted cocktails, as well as coffee and small plates. Other spots to grab a drink include the The Sarsaparilla Club, which serves all three meals. The Bistro, a casual spot in the lobby, serves salads, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee. Located between the pool and the beach, the Oasis Restaurant is a Mediterranean-inspired grill with dishes that can be enjoyed while lounging on the pool deck.