By David Harris
Miami beach, Florida, sits on an island between the Bay of Biscayne and the Atlantic Ocean. Though it is considered part of Miami, Miami Beach fosters a luxurious image of exclusive hotels and restaurants. Made famous by "Miami Vice," Miami Beach is home to South Beach, a famous district of Art Deco architecture and numerous
resort hotels. After a day at the beach, bicycling or shopping, check out Miami Beach's finest hotels.
The Betsy Hotel
Set on Miami Beach's famous Ocean Drive, The Betsy Hotel opened in the 1940s. The hotel, which prides itself as being the only example of Georgian architecture in the district, offers 63 rooms and suites. The rooms include marble bathtubs and hypoallergenic bedding. The Betsy is also home of The BLT Steak, a steakhouse run by Chef Laurent Tourondel. Bon Appetit named Tourondel the Restaurateur of the Year in 2007. The Betsy's beachfront location will be key with guests, but it also offers a day spa and pool.
The Betsy Hotel
1440 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139-4186
(305) 531-3934
thebetsyhotel.com
Angler's Boutique Resort
Angler's Boutique Resort, two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, offers luxury suites for those looking for a more spacious getaway. Guests can choose rooftop terraces, balconies, pool views, private spas or private gardens. Each suite features one King or two Queen beds, plasma television, DVD player and wireless Internet. Angler's is also home to the 660 Mediterranean Kitchen, a seafood restaurant with an Italian flair.
Angler's Boutique Resort
660 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 534-9600
theanglersresort.com
Tides Hotel
Tides Hotel, in the South Beach district, is housed in one of the area's famous Art Deco buildings. The hotel offers 45 suites, including three exclusive penthouse suites, that provide each guest with an ocean view. Each room is equipped with a 42-inch plasma television and Internet access. Spanish and Italian tastes combine at the hotel's La Marea seafood restaurant. Tides Hotel also caters to business travelers, offering special-event rooms for up 260 guests, audio-visual equipment and translation services.
Tides Hotel
1220 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 604-5070
tidessouthbeach.com
Clevelander Hotel
The Clevelander Hotel reopened after a multimillion-dollar renovation completed in 2009. The hotel, in the middle of Miami Beach's famous Ocean Drive, features 60 rooms and suites, views of the ocean and city, a pool and an indoor dance club. The Clevelander also offers a cafe that serves all three meals and snacks.
Clevelander Hotel
1020 Ocean Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 672-7388
clevelander.com
About the Author:
David Harris is a writer living in Portland, Ore. He currently is the editor-in-chief of the online magazine Spectrum Culture. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Sarah Lawrence College.
