The National Rating: 4.0 Pearls

South Beach, Miami, Florida

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On the beach, right beside the super-chic big wigs -- the Delano, the Shore Club, the Sagamore, and so on. Great (expensive) food, shopping, and drinking are ample on Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road, but I took more advantage of the 24-hour Walgreen's on the corner.

Rooms, which were renovated in 2013, have a open feel with white walls and dark wood furniture. Best of all are the elegant art deco touches thoughout, like dark wood antique-style desks between black and white photos, and retro-style modern technologies that include roman column phones and vintage side table lamps.

• Big, luxurious plush beds
• Large wall-mounted flat-screen TVs with pay-per-view and cable
• Alarm clock and CD player
• Wi-Fi, for a fee
• 24-hour room service
• Terrycloth robe and slippers
• Work desks
• Hotel brand amenities
• Roman column phones with touchpad

The pool

• Two pools were beautiful -- a bright "Leisure pool" and the big boy, a 205-feet "Infinity pool" set inside a deeply shaded palm tree garden
• Fitness room was large and had modern equipment, with morning yoga classes available throughout the week
• In-room spa treatments area available
• Poolside drink service
• 24-hour concierge

• The Restaurant at the National has a breakfast buffet, and serves Mediterranean for lunch and dinner
• Aqua Bar and Grill serves fresh seafood, and is open for lunch and dinner
• Blue Bar is open in the evening for cocktails and lighter fare
• 24-hour room service
• Poolside service