Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel

Housed in a 1940s Art Deco building and an adjacent newly built structure, the Iberostar Berkeley Shore Hotel feels upscale and cozy from the outside. Palm trees line the sidewalk, and there’s a pleasant courtyard with a few tables placed under large umbrellas that draws passersby as well as guests. The property underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2017, but the Art Deco design remains, albeit with a more sophisticated feel. Interiors are chic yet welcoming, in particular the lobby, which is decked out in a handsome combination of navy velvet couches with golden accents, brown leather easy chairs, blue area rugs, and marble-like accent walls. The restaurant has a similar design, and huge floor-to-ceiling windows let in lots of light in all common spaces. The vibe here is casual, though, and the outdoor areas, which include a lovely rooftop pool, invite guests to unwind while taking in the view of famous Collins Avenue and, in some cases, the ocean.The Berkeley Shore is a solid option for couples and groups of friends wanting to stay near the action on Collins Avenue, but families may prefer the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, located across the street and featuring a kids’ club as well as top-notch wellness and fitness facilities.  

The Iberostar Berkeley Shore has an excellent location right on Collins Avenue, the main strip in South Beach. The avenue is lined with luxe hotels, restaurants, and shops, and there are dozens of bars within a few blocks of the hotel. Metered street parking is hard to come by in the area, but the hotel offers valet parking for a nightly fee. One of the area’s top shopping destinations, Lincoln Road Mall, is a five-minute walk away, and the hotel is also within an easy stroll of both The Fillmore Theater and the New World Center. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the charming Espanola Way on foot. The drive to Miami International Airport can take between 25 and 45 minutes, depending on traffic. 

This boutique has 96 rooms spread over two buildings -- the main Art Deco-style structure and the modern, 10-story tower next door. The interior design is similar across the board, with a combination of dark hues, clean lines, and retro and Art Deco-like touches such as golden geometric ornaments on walls and streamlined glass lamps. Floor-to-ceiling windows add some visual space but, at 230 square feet, Standard units are a tad compact for the price, and some offer mediocre views of an adjacent building. For the best views, guests may want to book the Premier and Premier Plus rooms, which feature furnished balconies looking out over the city -- and the ocean between the buildings across the street in some cases. Each room is equipped with a great array of solid amenities, including 50-inch smart TVs, iHome docks, single-cup coffeemakers, and stocked minibars. Wi-Fi is included in the resort fee, and turndown service comes standard in all room categories. Open-layout bathrooms have sleek Onyx showers and spacious dark-stone sink areas with big mirrors. Though most have frosted glass around them, some showers are in clear-glass cabins in the middle of the room, which guests may find lacking in privacy. Robes, slippers, and a wide range of Gilchrist & Soames toiletries are provided in all rooms. 

Located on the fourth-floor rooftop deck, the pool at the Iberostar Berkeley Shore is a property highlight. The deck around it is narrow, and the towers around it keep it in the shade several hours per day, but the pool is long enough for laps and the views are nice. Loungers and pool towels are available free of charge, as are fruit-infused water jugs throughout the day. The pool, however, lacks a bar. The gym is small but modern, with a handful of cardio and strength-training machines that are varied enough for a decent workout. Room service is provided 24/7 by the on-site restaurant, which serves well-reviewed international fare in a light, stylish space off the lobby. There is outdoor seating as well. The hotel charges a nightly resort fee (common in Miami) that covers property-wide Wi-Fi, use of loungers and towels at the beach down the street, unlimited local calls, and airport shuttle service at set times. Valet parking, however, is an extra fee. The hotel lacks a spa and massage services.