Hotel Astor

With bold geometric patterns and touches of pastel green, the lobby at the Hotel Astor is a lovely testament to the Art Deco style so prominent in Miami and South Beach. Several large seating areas and tables are available for guests, and the distinctive tiled floor, many windows, and variety of sculptures and artistic touches make for a unique, inviting space. Elevators to guest rooms are nearby, as well as an entrance to the hotel’s nighttime bar and club space, The Downstairs. The mint green front desk offers fruit water as well as travel and tourist information, and is located right by the main entrance. Guests tend to be fun-loving tourists wanting a hotel with character and style.

Set one block from Collins Avenue and two blocks from Ocean Drive and the beach, the hotel is well-situated for dining, nightlife, and culture in Miami Beach -- but still feels quiet. Common areas combine Art Deco features, like graphic marble floors and wrought-iron railings, with more modern furniture. Tropical plants lend additional flair.

Tucked between gardens and palm trees, this property is located right on busy Washington Avenue, and is just two blocks away from both the beach and Ocean Drive. Guests can walk a few minutes in any direction and find a wide variety of restaurants, shops, bars, and culture -- including the Wolfsonian Museum, just a few minutes' walk away in the center of the Art Deco District. While there is plenty to do within walking distance, travelers who want to explore more of Miami can use the city bus, which stops within a block of the hotel.

The variety of rooms and suites at the Hotel Astor have a serene minimalist vibe. Decor is mainly warm neutral shades of taupe, white, and chocolate brown, set off with chrome and blond oak. Some suites have Art Deco features, including marble floors, columns, and graphic patterns. Standard rooms have seating areas and beautiful large bathrooms with beige marble and glass-door shower/tub combos. Several types of suites are also available, with One Bedroom Suites that include a separate living room with a pull-out sofa bed. A daily resort fee provides in-room Wi-Fi and maid service. Guests that prefer a quieter room should request accommodations on the upper floor, as the hotel’s bar and club can be noisy in the evenings.

As a smaller boutique hotel, the Hotel Astor does not offer quite as many on-site features as some of its larger nearby competitors. However, the property does include a few thoughtful amenities, including a free daily continental breakfast in the on-site restaurant. The lobby and restaurant both offer indoor and outdoor seating for guests. There is a public computer and printer for guest use, and free Wi-FI in common areas. In the evenings, the on-site bar and club, The Downstairs, opens for cocktails and dancing. The Upstairs bar provides pastel outdoor seating amid palm trees and tropical plants during the day. The daily resort fee includes beach towels and chairs. Use of the hotel’s custom retro beach cruisers is free. Valet parking is available for a fee.