Marseilles Hotel

After undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation, the Marseilles Hotel reopened in 2015 with a fresh, cheerful look. Its Art Deco architecture is on display outside, while interiors are contemporary and filled with pops of bright colors such as pink and purple. Its biggest appeal is its South Beach location between the beautiful sandy beach and bustling Collins Avenue, and this upbeat vibe extends to the pool area and daily happy hours. The daily happy hours includes free cocktails ($1 tip requested), but many past guests have complained that there's just one bartender and lines are too long to get a drink. It's not as chic or happening as nearby properties like the W or Delano, but affordable rates and private beach section make it a decent option. Guests are a mix of families, couples, and groups of friends.

The hotel is on the beach and within quick walking distance of South Beach party central on upper Collins Avenue. It sits alongside a number of other hotels, and is directly across the street from the livelier Catalina (about the same price). For a late-night bar scene, the far hipper -- and far more expensive -- Delano is just half a block away, as is the more reasonably priced Raleigh and a number of popular, high-end clubs. The Lincoln Road outdoor mall, where you can find some of Miami's best dining and shopping, is just two blocks away. Downtown Miami is a about a 17-minute drive, while Miami International Airport is 25 to 30 minutes away by car.

Rooms at Marseilles Hotel are bright and contemporary, featuring lots of white and dark-wood furnishings, plus pops of pink, purple, or blue in beds and upholstery. Small pieces of artwork and patterned throw pillows are the only form of decoration for most, leaving the rooms feeling a bit underwhelming. Also on the downside, all lack mini-fridges, and only a few have small balconies. Some units have ocean views. Nevertheless, they're bright and well-sized. Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, coffeemakers with free tea and coffee, electronic safes, desks, and ironing facilities. Compact bathrooms have showers, an array of toiletries, and hairdryers, while Jacuzzi Suits have big jetted tubs.

Certainly the highlight of this hotel is its direct access to a private section of the beautiful beach. As part of the resort fee, guests get access to a lounger and umbrella, plus towel service. Travelers can also head to the outdoor pool for a dip, which is a good size and lined with loungers and a few daybeds. The vibe at the pool is largely relaxed. Also included in the resort fee are access to a business center, free Wi-Fi, and free cocktails at the daily happy hour, though the drinks offered include limited cocktails and there are often long lines due to just one bartender. Still, the bar is a popular spot outside of happy hour thanks to an adjacent lawn area with hammocks, games, and seating. Open all day, the casual restaurant, Chloe's Patio, serves burgers, salads, and pastas. THere's no spa on-site, and the tiny gym is housed in a basement.