Sobe You Bed and Breakfast

Only a small sign at the edge of a tropical garden indicates your arrival at the Sobe You Bed and Breakfast, so be on the lookout for a bright orange door at the end of a short walkway paved with terra-cotta tiles. The two-story, white stucco building (whose roof also features terra-cotta tiles) feels very homey, unlike many of the larger resorts in the area. There's a wonderful mix of Art Deco design elements (think: large fluted lamps, a curved wood reception desk, and frosted glass sconces) and modern art. Large, colorful flower prints by Brazilian pop artist Romero Britto line the walls. While children are welcome here, there is not much space for them to run around. Parents may find themselves doing a lot of shushing, as the atmosphere is on the quiet side.

From the quiet residential area where the hotel is situated, it's a 15-minute walk or less to the beach, Ocean Drive, and the Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall. Flamingo Park is a few blocks away, as is Alton Road, where a 24-hour Walgreens, Whole Foods, and other stores are located. It's about a 10-minute walk to West Street to catch the South Beach Local, which is an air-conditioned shuttle with a low fare that stops at popular destinations throughout South Beach and is bike/wheelchair accessible. The hotel doesn't provide parking.

10 rooms include all-white color schemes punctuated with the vibrant art by the famous Brazilian pop artist, Romero Britto. They have classic touches, such as plantation shutters that grace the windows. Modern comforts include 50-inch, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, iPod docking stations, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning. Other convenient amenities are mini-fridges, hairdryers, irons, ironing boards, and safes. Standard Rooms share bathrooms and are small, but cost less than most of what is offered in the area. Larger rooms with private baths and balconies are also available at Sobe You, but at higher rates. The bathrooms retain the historic character of the building, with original Art Deco tiles in bright colors outlined with black. Flooring varies between wood and white ceramic tile. Beds have good mattresses and are adorned with fluffy down comforters, Egyptian cotton sheets, and an assortment of pillows. Guests who have an issue with steep stairs should request a ground-floor room when booking. Swimming pool views are pleasant.

The centerpiece of the Sobe You Tropical Bed and Breakfast Inn is a charming courtyard with a small pool surrounded by lounge chairs, tall palm trees, and potted tropical plants. Guests gather for their free breakfast on the adjacent covered porch where a continental buffet is set up and orders are taken for entrees. Vegan dishes are available. Afternoons and early evenings find guests relaxing at the pool, often with drinks in hand. The property does not offer much else in the way of amenities, with free Wi-Fi being the only other major perk. Compare rates at Pelican Hotel-Miami Beach if a happening bar and restaurant are important to you, but be prepared to lose the pool and quiet found at Sobe You.