THE SHEPLEY SOUTH BEACH HOTEL, Miami Beach

The hotel sits in the heart of South Beach, just off Ocean Drive, with the beach one block away. Lincoln Road Mall and its many restaurants, cafés, and stores are within a 10-minute walk. Miami International Airport is 15 km away; the 150 Airport Flyer bus stops at 13th Street and Collins Avenue. Port Everglades is a 1-hour taxi ride (approx. $100). The neighbourhood is walkable to dozens of dining options, including Havana 1957, Salt Cafe, and Taj Mahal Bengal Indian Cuisine, all within 0.5 km. Street parking costs $4 per hour; a municipal garage across the street offers 24-hour parking for $20-$30.

Rooms are compact, with full-size beds (134.5 cm wide) in double-bed rooms; a Suite offers a king bed. The decor includes steamer trunks and bead-board details, but storage space is limited - no wardrobe, only a few hooks. Noise levels vary: street-facing rooms and those near the restaurant next door can be loud, and footsteps from above are audible due to creaky floors. Air conditioning units in some rooms are noisy. Some rooms have mold smells or dust issues, while others are reported clean and comfortable. The bathrooms are private but tight, with low water pressure reported in some. For a quieter stay, request an odd-numbered room away from the street.

Breakfast, when offered, is a light continental buffet with bread, pastries, fruit, and coffee - no hot items or eggs. The dining space is small and can get crowded. A 24/7 coffee/tea station is available in the lobby, along with a kitchen area with a microwave and refrigerator for guest use. There is no on-site restaurant or bar, but the hotel's location puts you steps away from numerous dining options, from Cuban cuisine to Italian and American fare, ensuring meal variety is easily found elsewhere.

The hotel provides beach chairs and towels free of charge for a day at the beach (no umbrellas). The beach is public, just across Ocean Drive. For additional leisure, a golf course is located within 3 km (extra charge). Kids' outdoor play equipment is available on the property. There is no swimming pool, sauna, or gym, so the focus is entirely on the nearby beach and outdoor activities in South Beach.

Wi-Fi is free in all areas. The 24-hour front desk offers concierge service and tour desk. Luggage storage is available at no charge before check-in and after check-out. Daily housekeeping is included; laundry and dry cleaning are available for an additional fee. A business centre and meeting facilities are offered (extra charge). The hotel has a lift, air conditioning, heating, and soundproofed rooms in some areas. Safety features include 24-hour security, CCTV, key card access, and smoke alarms. Parking is off-site: a public garage opposite the hotel charges $20-$30 per day (street parking $4/hour). Airport shuttle is not available; use the 150 bus or taxi. Incidentals deposit of $200 is required (cash or card). Accepted payment: American Express, Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard.