Lincoln Arms Suites

Originally built in 1942, this white-washed Art Deco building was overhauled in 2012, resulting in a quirky mix of contemporary and fashionable fisherman's lodge decor. From the outside, the historic neon sign atop the Art Deco building promises charm, and this hotel delivers. The lobby pulls together everything from riveted steel and leather club chairs to an enormous mounted marlin to a bare Edison bulb chandelier. The only common area with any kind of congregation, however, is the astro-turfed rooftop terrace, which has comfy loungers and umbrellas, potted plants, and free chilled water. With apartment-style suites and a location slightly beyond the nightlife hustle of Ocean Drive, the property primarily attracts vacationing couples ready to explore Miami.

The Lincoln Arms Suites is in the heart of Miami's historic Art Deco District, a two-minute walk from Collins Avenue and the Miami Beach Convention Center and a four-minute walk from the beach. It's also a four-minute walk to the Fillmore theater, which is across the street from Soundscape Park, an outdoor event space for concerts and cultural activities. From there it's another two minutes on foot to the pedestrian-only Lincoln Road Mall, an open air shopping area that's loaded with shops, cafes, and clubs. The north end of Ocean Drive is about a 10-minute walk, along which the famed Miami-nightlife reigns. The Miami beach cruise ship terminal and Miami International Airport are about a 20-minute drive, depending on traffic. The hotel offers free airport shuttle service. Parking is available by valet, but costs an extra nightly fee. 

Guest rooms at the Lincoln Arms Suites are modern, well-equipped, and spacious, with generous seating, kitchen, and sleeping areas. The decor is contemporary -- with minimalist furnishings, neutral color schemes, wood floors, and stainless-steel appliances -- and offers up some appealing boutique touches, such as stuffed throw pillows shaped like fish, in-room lending libraries, and live plants. 

Amenities are extensive. The kitchens are well-equipped, with coffeemakers, mini-fridges, microwaves, toasters, sinks, pots, pans, dishes, and utensils. There are in-room safes, 42-inch plasma TVs, iHome clocks, as well as ample closet, shelf, and drawer space, including space in the bathroom for personal items. Beige tiled bathrooms have full tubs in addition to hairdryers and premium toiletries.

The downsides? The bathrooms and tubs are tiny, especially compared to the room size as a whole. Guests also occasionally complain of noise due to thin walls.

The highlight of the Lincoln Arms Suites is the rooftop terrace. Covering the entire roof, this space has some sweet city views in the evenings, though it's mostly used during the daytime for its loungers. The garden around the property is also lined with cabanas, but it doesn't lend itself well to lounging. The parking situation is generally frustrating -- there's no on-site garage, and so the valet is limited to spaces on the nearby streets. This can take awhile, and it's pricey. However, the hotel is in walking distance of many attractions, and car services are plentiful. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and the hotel offers free shuttles to and from Miami International. 

There is no on-site pool, gym, bar, breakfast service, or restaurant, though the hotel offers free nightly happy hour drinks and pool-use at sister hotels nearby, which includes the Catalina Hotel & Beach Club, a three-minute walk, and Riviera South Beach, a four-minute walk. There's also no family amenities and no cribs are offered for guests traveling with children. (Guests have reported traveling with kids, though the hotel website indicates that suites are for two guests only.)