By Contributing Writer
Hotel Delores--Standard Room
The South
beach section of
Miami is a hot spot for fashionistas and media stars. Events like the annual South Beach Food and Wine Festival and Art Basel/Miami Beach draw an international crowd. At the top of the tourist season, finding reasonably priced
hotel rooms close to the action can be tough. One budget option is the recently renovated Hotel Delores on Collins Avenue. This tiny two-story hotel has just 28 rooms and is located a block from the beach and Lummus Park. Shopping, cinemas, galleries, restaurants and clubs are all within easy walking distance, and this South Beach location is great for people watching.
Insider Tips
The Hotel Delores does not have a restaurant, and it offers a minimalist's version of a complimentary breakfast. The front desk has discount coupons for a nearby eatery, but you can do better. The South Beach area has great dining establishments to fit every budget and taste. A vibrant Hispanic population means there are numerous places to sample the café con leche along with a cubano, a thoroughly delicious pressed sandwich. The rooms at the Hotel Delores come with mini-fridges, and local fresh fruits and juices are readily available. There are coin-operated laundry facilities on the premises, and any services you might need are a short walk away. Make sure to take a walk through South Beach's Historic District to enjoy some truly exceptional examples of Art Deco architecture.
Pros and Cons
A recent renovation has given the Hotel Delores a stylish new look. The rooms are spare, attractive and include some nice features like good bedding and flat-screen televisions. However, keep in mind this is a small hotel with a small staff. There are no elevators or bell captains, so be prepared to lug your own luggage. If you need to have your room made up early, make sure you make your wishes known. Those new tile floors throughout the hotel are noisy; however, rooms on the second floor tend to be quieter. Local phone calls are free and free Internet service is available, if unreliable.
Bottom Line
Because the rooms are small and the services are few, the Hotel Delores may not be an ideal choice for a family vacation. However, for the single traveler or a couple, the hotel is a terrific, inexpensive way to enjoy the delights of South Beach. Clubs, restaurants, boutiques, beaches and action are just outside the door. The staff is quirky; however, they are also helpful and happy to give you everything from parking tips to reminders about using sunscreen. It took a trip to the front desk to get a light bulb and tissues, but it also came with a recommendation for what turned out to be the world's best smoothie.
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