If you're coming to Miami to party by the pool, then the mid-range Clevelander Hotel or "The Cleve" as it's lovingly called by locals, is a solid choice. If you have little ones or want a quiet night's rest away from the action, look elsewhere. The 60-room hotel provides small rooms with a minimalist aesthetic and almost zero property features that aren't related to nightlife. Three bars, two rooftop terraces, and an outdoor pool host nonstop parties with a creative and eclectic cocktail list and gourmet bar food. Karaoke events, drink specials, and guest DJs are some of the events designed to get guests into the "anything goes" spirit of South Beach. The sand is a short walk from the hotel.
If you're coming to Miami to party by the pool, then the mid-range Clevelander Hotel or "The Cleve" as it's lovingly called by locals, is a solid choice. If you have little ones or want a quiet night's rest away from the action, look elsewhere. The 60-room hotel provides small rooms with a minimalist aesthetic and almost zero property features that aren't related to nightlife. Three bars, two rooftop terraces, and an outdoor pool host nonstop parties with a creative and eclectic cocktail list and gourmet bar food. Karaoke events, drink specials, and guest DJs are some of the events designed to get guests into the "anything goes" spirit of South Beach. The sand is a short walk from the hotel.
Offering just 52 rooms in one of the world's most desirable destinations, it's no surprise that the Grand Vacations Club, a timeshare property owned and operated by Hilton, is sold out for months at a stretch. Divided between two adjacent Art Deco buildings directly on Ocean Drive, the hotel clearly has a lock on prime location. However, guests expecting resort-style amenities will be disappointed: The property has no pool, restaurant, or lounge, and parking is valet only. Families will likely appreciate the small kitchen for whipping up a quick breakfast or lunch.
Offering just 52 rooms in one of the world's most desirable destinations, it's no surprise that the Grand Vacations Club, a timeshare property owned and operated by Hilton, is sold out for months at a stretch. Divided between two adjacent Art Deco buildings directly on Ocean Drive, the hotel clearly has a lock on prime location. However, guests expecting resort-style amenities will be disappointed: The property has no pool, restaurant, or lounge, and parking is valet only. Families will likely appreciate the small kitchen for whipping up a quick breakfast or lunch.
The Casa Grande Suite Hotel is a mid-range property with 35 privately owned condo suites. While the Casa Grande feels more like a temporary-stay apartment building than a hotel, it's ideal for big groups and families seeking a home base in the middle of SoBe. It's tucked behind the shops and restaurants on bustling Ocean Drive, right across from Lummus Park and the beach, so there's plenty to do nearby. But the building itself doesn't offer much in the way of amenities -- no pool, gym, restaurant, or bar. Suites, which range from studios to three-bedrooms, are simple but contemporary and spacious with fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, sitting areas, plasma TVs, and free Wi-Fi. By comparison, Princess Ann Hotel offers more standard hotel digs for a similar price, but rooms there aren't nearly as big.
The Casa Grande Suite Hotel is a mid-range property with 35 privately owned condo suites. While the Casa Grande feels more like a temporary-stay apartment building than a hotel, it's ideal for big groups and families seeking a home base in the middle of SoBe. It's tucked behind the shops and restaurants on bustling Ocean Drive, right across from Lummus Park and the beach, so there's plenty to do nearby. But the building itself doesn't offer much in the way of amenities -- no pool, gym, restaurant, or bar. Suites, which range from studios to three-bedrooms, are simple but contemporary and spacious with fully equipped kitchens, bathrooms, sitting areas, plasma TVs, and free Wi-Fi. By comparison, Princess Ann Hotel offers more standard hotel digs for a similar price, but rooms there aren't nearly as big.
Located off Collins Avenue, The Pestana South Beach is a quiet, relaxed 99-room boutique two blocks from the beach. A central courtyard has a lovely pool with tall palm trees along with a bar and restaurant. Rooms are modern and bright with big flat-screen TVs, but there is no fitness center or business center. A variety of restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance. Guests may want to compare prices with nearby mid-range options such as the Albion (which does have a fitness center) and the Cadet Hotel.
Located off Collins Avenue, The Pestana South Beach is a quiet, relaxed 99-room boutique two blocks from the beach. A central courtyard has a lovely pool with tall palm trees along with a bar and restaurant. Rooms are modern and bright with big flat-screen TVs, but there is no fitness center or business center. A variety of restaurants and bars are within easy walking distance. Guests may want to compare prices with nearby mid-range options such as the Albion (which does have a fitness center) and the Cadet Hotel.
Location is the main selling point of the Crest Hotel Suites: Just a block from the ocean, steps from Lincoln Road, and in the South Beach Art Deco district, it offers a great home base for families and couples exploring Miami. Basic and clean is the theme of both public spaces and guest rooms, thought the outdoor pool area is slightly grungier than the rest of the property. Each of the 66 rooms have flat-screen TVs and hair dryers; suites also have kitchens and dining areas. The on-site cafe is a popular feature for guests to gather and the hotel offers beach club access including lounge chair, umbrella, and cabana rentals. Otherwise, there are few amenities.
Location is the main selling point of the Crest Hotel Suites: Just a block from the ocean, steps from Lincoln Road, and in the South Beach Art Deco district, it offers a great home base for families and couples exploring Miami. Basic and clean is the theme of both public spaces and guest rooms, thought the outdoor pool area is slightly grungier than the rest of the property. Each of the 66 rooms have flat-screen TVs and hair dryers; suites also have kitchens and dining areas. The on-site cafe is a popular feature for guests to gather and the hotel offers beach club access including lounge chair, umbrella, and cabana rentals. Otherwise, there are few amenities.
Last renovated more than 20 years ago, the Park Central unfortunately gives off the sense that its best days are behind it -- for the second time in its life. The pool, grounds, and decor all need updating, and the front-desk staff seems unhappy to be there. On the upside, the rooms are clean and reasonably priced -- and hey, it's right across the street from one of the most famous beaches in the world.
Last renovated more than 20 years ago, the Park Central unfortunately gives off the sense that its best days are behind it -- for the second time in its life. The pool, grounds, and decor all need updating, and the front-desk staff seems unhappy to be there. On the upside, the rooms are clean and reasonably priced -- and hey, it's right across the street from one of the most famous beaches in the world.
The 25-room Crescent Resort On South Beach is a mid-range Art Deco boutique on Ocean Drive across from Lummus Park and the palm-shaded beach. It has an appealing list of features, including a rooftop terrace with sea views, a small gym, concierge services, and an ATM. One- and two-bedroom suites and a penthouse have flat-screen TVs, kitchens, and whirlpool tubs, but decor can be on the plain side (though artistic details such as colorful paintings and blue accent walls are nice touches). Wi-Fi is available throughout, and included in the resort fee. More upscale hotels can be found in South Beach in this price range, but without the Crescent's in-room kitchens.
The 25-room Crescent Resort On South Beach is a mid-range Art Deco boutique on Ocean Drive across from Lummus Park and the palm-shaded beach. It has an appealing list of features, including a rooftop terrace with sea views, a small gym, concierge services, and an ATM. One- and two-bedroom suites and a penthouse have flat-screen TVs, kitchens, and whirlpool tubs, but decor can be on the plain side (though artistic details such as colorful paintings and blue accent walls are nice touches). Wi-Fi is available throughout, and included in the resort fee. More upscale hotels can be found in South Beach in this price range, but without the Crescent's in-room kitchens.
A member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, the 70-room Winter Haven is a upper-middle-range hotel located across from the beach, on a quiet but still central stretch of Ocean Drive. Access to the Blue Moon's pool five blocks away, free beach chairs, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel makes the Winter Haven a solid value -- and contemporary guest rooms make it a stylish pick as well. For a similar boutique with larger rooms, check out the Edgewater South Beach next door.
A member of Marriott's Autograph Collection, the 70-room Winter Haven is a upper-middle-range hotel located across from the beach, on a quiet but still central stretch of Ocean Drive. Access to the Blue Moon's pool five blocks away, free beach chairs, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel makes the Winter Haven a solid value -- and contemporary guest rooms make it a stylish pick as well. For a similar boutique with larger rooms, check out the Edgewater South Beach next door.
The 250-room Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach is an upscale beachfront property with chic interiors that attracts hip, young travelers wishing to be close to South Beach. It hits all the markers for a trendy hot spot, including stylish dining helmed by a celebrity chef, an attractive pool area with swanky cabanas and luxe padded loungers, and elegant guest rooms equipped with modern comforts like Nespresso machines, bluetooth docking stations, and minibars stocked with gourmet snacks and beverages. Downsides include small bathrooms -- but they have nice rainfall showers and REN toiletries -- and street noise in some rooms. A small fitness center, spa treatments, a lobby bar, and a hip meeting space round out the facilities here. For an alternative in the area, check out Redbury South Beach, which offers bigger bathrooms -- but it's not as stylish and the pool is small.
The 250-room Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach is an upscale beachfront property with chic interiors that attracts hip, young travelers wishing to be close to South Beach. It hits all the markers for a trendy hot spot, including stylish dining helmed by a celebrity chef, an attractive pool area with swanky cabanas and luxe padded loungers, and elegant guest rooms equipped with modern comforts like Nespresso machines, bluetooth docking stations, and minibars stocked with gourmet snacks and beverages. Downsides include small bathrooms -- but they have nice rainfall showers and REN toiletries -- and street noise in some rooms. A small fitness center, spa treatments, a lobby bar, and a hip meeting space round out the facilities here. For an alternative in the area, check out Redbury South Beach, which offers bigger bathrooms -- but it's not as stylish and the pool is small.
The Hall Hotel South Beach is a three-and-a-half-pearl property with 163 rooms located in the heart of South Beach. It's a block from the beach and two blocks from the popular Lincoln Road pedestrian mall. The hotel features a hip vintage-tropical design, though rooms are on the small side. Still, they're fresh and colorful, and come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and upscale toiletries. The casual on-site restaurant is led by Spike Mendelsohn, of "Top Chef" fame, and there's a backyard lounge. The large pool is ringed by cabanas and lounge chairs, and chairs and towels are also provided for guests on the beach. Travelers looking to save a few dollars could check out the nearby Albion, where rates are lower but there are fees for beach services.
The Hall Hotel South Beach is a three-and-a-half-pearl property with 163 rooms located in the heart of South Beach. It's a block from the beach and two blocks from the popular Lincoln Road pedestrian mall. The hotel features a hip vintage-tropical design, though rooms are on the small side. Still, they're fresh and colorful, and come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and upscale toiletries. The casual on-site restaurant is led by Spike Mendelsohn, of "Top Chef" fame, and there's a backyard lounge. The large pool is ringed by cabanas and lounge chairs, and chairs and towels are also provided for guests on the beach. Travelers looking to save a few dollars could check out the nearby Albion, where rates are lower but there are fees for beach services.