This 45-room hotel is located among homes of the super-rich on a lush, private island that's a 10-minute ferry ride from the Miami mainland. It doesn't have the party scene, the high-design rooms, or the gourmet restaurants of the mainland luxury hotels. But its history, charm, and beautiful golf and tennis facilities make it a great choice for couples and families looking for something special.

The 100-room Hotel Breakwater's highlight is its location -- on Ocean Drive, across the street from the most popular area of the beach (however, proximity to Ocean Drive's restaurants and bars can mean noisy nights). The hotel takes up two adjacent towers, one of which is in the former Edison Hotel building. Rooms all feature handsome, modern yet minimal decor -- crisp white bedding with avocado-green throws, sepia-toned photographs, dark patterned carpets, and streamlined furniture. The rooftop lounge (where a Calvin Klein underwear ad was shot) is a popular nighttime spot, and the pool (though small) is sleek, and has views of the ocean.

After its $1 billion facelift in 2008, the Fontainebleau's 1,504 new rooms, nine pools, phenomenal spa and gorgeous design are hard to top. Despite its sexy ads and nightclub, it's a relaxed property that attracts mostly families and convention goers. Its peacful Miami Beach location - next to the also snazzy Eden Roc hotel - is 30 blocks from the South Beach action.

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.

A moderately priced designer hotel on posh upper Collins Avenue, the National boasts one of the largest, sleekest pools in Miami. Small rooms, though, and relaxed, haphazard service doesn't contend with its super-chic neighbors, the Delano and Sagamore hotels, but a 2013 revamp to exterior and common spaces did help.

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.

This historic Art Deco hotel on Collins Avenue got a breath of new life when it reopened as a stylish 87-room boutique in late 2012. Retro-chic rooms have black-and-white photos on the walls and beachy blue-and-white decor; all have whopping 55-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and sleek bathrooms with walk-in showers (but no tubs). The sunny rooftop pool; clubby lounge with fancy, fresh cocktails; and the super-hip basement nightclub with 80s decor and a soundtrack of 90s hits are all draws. But be warned that the signage can be confusing -- it says The Gale on the front and The Regent on the back, for the two historic hotels that were combined to form the current property. Also, some rooms are noisy, there are no good beach views, and Studios are tiny.

After a $40 million overhaul, the Betsy reopened in 2009 with a beautiful rooftop spa and solarium, a renowned restaurant (BLT steak), and bright, charming rooms. The pool's a bit disappointing, and the rooms aren't as large as the Mondrian's, but for tasteful luxury and a rare dose of tranquility on Ocean Drive, this is where it's at.

There's nothing luxurious about all-vintage, authentically nicked furniture (except maybe the price). But the Raleigh's iconic pool, great restaurant, plush beds, high-def TVs, lively bar scene, DVD library, and relaxed dedication to all things cool make it ideal for low-maintenance hipsters craving lackluster glam.

Apartment-style suites, a huge assortment of kid-centered activities, and a beachside location in safe, suburban Sunny Isles -- the Newport is an excellent option for a family vacation. It might not be as swanky as the nearby Acqualina or Trump International, or even the Loews in South Beach, but it's often a better value.