SOUTH BEACH PLAZA HOTEL, Miami

The Beach Plaza Hotel is a historic, three-story boutique art deco property located in Espanola Way. Most rooms are either Superior or Imperial, about 300 square feet, with a king-size bed or two full-size beds. Standard villa rooms feature king-size beds available for any length of stay. Rooms include custom lighting, signature furniture, wood floors, a CD alarm clock radio, a 32-inch TV with cable channels, plush bath towels, and bath amenities. Conveniences include safes, irons/ironing boards, and phones with free local calls. Private bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Rooms provide air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and parquet floors. Note that rates are based on 2 guests; maximum occupancy is 4. The hotel requires advance notice for additional guests.

South Beach Plaza Hotel provides a free continental breakfast and a free daily manager's reception. Guests can have drinks and snacks at the bar. The Courtyard Lounge features an outdoor patio where guests can also have a drink. Several guests have complained about bothersome flies and mosquitoes around their food outside.

A courtyard -- called the Moroccan Gardens -- is separated from the street by a high fence. Guests can mingle with other guests at the complimentary reception, held daily.

South Beach Plaza Hotel enjoys a location on Collins Avenue and 14th Street. It is less than a block from the world-famous Ocean Drive and a block away from great, less touristy restaurants along Espanola Way and Lincoln Road. Crystal clear waters and white sand beaches are just a block away. The hotel is approximately 25 minutes from Miami International Airport and just two blocks from Lincoln Road Mall, an outdoor pedestrian promenade. Other attractions include the Jackie Gleason Theater of the Performing Arts, Convention Center, and museums. Landmarks nearby include the Holocaust Memorial (2 km), Lummus Park (0.5 km), Sobe Is Love (1 km), The Bass (2 km), 8th Street Designer District (0.5 km), Art Deco Historic District (0.5 km), Collins Avenue (0.5 km), The Wolfsonian (0.5 km), and Miami Beach Convention Center (1 km). Popular for bars, Ocean Drive is less than a block away, and Collins Avenue Shopping Area and Miami Beach Boardwalk are worth visiting for shopping.

With newly renovated hallways and common areas, the hotel features an intimate lobby bar. Staff is friendly. Guests can grab one from friendly staff. The hotel also offers charm and elegance in service and style.