The restored Art Deco hotel of South Beach is located on Collins Avenue and 8th Street just a block away from Ocean Drive and beach, situated close to busy Lummus Park and its long stretch of public beach.
Although many are on a budget these days, there’s still good value in affordable accommodations from several South Beach hotels and this is little darling is one of them.
Originally built in 1939 as the Tiffany Hotel switching the name to The Hotel of South Beach after a dispute with Tiffany jewelers. In fact the original sign still looms over the entrance, causing mild confusion among visitors not in the know.
All efforts were made to preserve the spirit of the original hotel. Designer Todd Oldham built the new design around a “gem of the ocean” theme. Diamond-shaped mirrors, jewel tones and shapes permeate the property with an emerald-shaped pool keeping within the jewelery theme.
The Collins Avenue Hotel has its own Beachfront
Guests of the hotel have access to a private section of the beach which provides two chairs and one umbrella per room, and beach towels are provided upon request.
Featuring an Emerald-Shaped Rooftop Pool
Providing a great vista over the beach and the busy SoBe scene, The emerald-shaped rooftop pool, though small nevertheless seems to suit guests just fine. Three cabanas line one side of the pool and provide a shady spot to relax on the deck.
This is an easy place to spend all afternoon with the deck well arranged, and plenty of chairs positioned on all sides.
Besides if the area isn’t what you had hoped for, you’ll have access to The Hotel’s sister property Park Central, which offers rooftop movie nights as well as another pool.
The Hotel’s in-house fitness center is also rooftop, with large windows overlooking the pool. The small workout area offers the basic free weights, cardio and weight machines, but is rarely crowded, so you should get a quick workout in. Yoga classes (free for guests) are held on the roof every Saturday at 11:30
- All rooms have hurricane-proof, soundproof windows keep rooms surprisingly quiet on busy Collins Avenue
- flat-screen televisions with a cable package and in-room movies
- iHome iPod player/clock radio docks on bedstands.
- Smartly designed bathrooms make the best of a small space Stand-up showers are spacious, but there’s no bath.
- Minibars in each room are stocked with plenty of liquor nips, soda, beer, water, and snacks.
The hotel expanded In 2010 and opened 20 ocean front deluxe rooms and suites. The addition, also designed by Todd Oldham - this time going with a color scheme of corals, grays and browns. The 430 square feet Ocean front rooms and have a balcony where you can view the Atlantic Ocean. All rooms in the 801 Ocean Drive portion have an exclusive Ocean Drive entrance and toiletries by The White Company.
The Wish Restaurant
Located in the hotel lobby it has a large indoor and outdoor dining areas. The outdoor area is a cool, shady garden tucked away from the action of South Beach. This excellent restaurant offers great Mediterranean fare and excellent service. The Mediterranean menu that also includes excellent basics like burgers and sandwiches. The food is excellent!
The Hotel of South Beach is clean, well designed, has great amenities for the price($230.00 ), and a private beach area – all adding up to a GREAT, affordable Sobe vacation.
