Located in upscale Coral Gables near the University of Miami and the Miracle Mile's shopping and restaurants, the 2009-renovated Hyatt Regency has clean, spacious rooms and consistent service, making it a good bet. The fairly large, 5th-floor lap pool bests competitor Westin Colonnade's 2 blocks away.

Renovated in 2008 and just steps from the shopping, drinking, and dining on the Miracle Mile, Westin's 157 rooms are clean and spacious with excellent beds. Service is sound, but the gym and pool are significantly better at the Hyatt Regency, just two blocks away.

Built in 1926, the iconic Biltmore (a national landmark) brings timeless luxury to a hotel scene overwhelmed by skin-deep glitz. Though far from any beaches, it offers doting (tip-free) service, a miraculous pool, a prestigious golf course and a catalog of amenities. Unfortunately, its residential neighborhood can get boring.

Built in 1926, this 28-room B&B-style property in upscale Coral Gables -- about a 25-minute drive from the beach -- is a unique departure from the sleek minimalist hotels found just about everywhere else in Miami. Rooms are a bit worn, however, and features are scarce (no pool and no gym). Vivaldino restaurant, serving Peruvian cuisine, opened in 2012 and a second restaurant, Portofino, is in the works as well.