The Plymouth South Beach

This refined and stylish hotel has a charming, historic vibe. Aptly situated in Miami's Art Deco neighborhood, the hotel occupies a striking 1940's Art Moderne building with a boxy facade, accented by slit windows and a rounded corner with a protruding concrete blade. Inside, decor follows suit — that is, purposefully dated but not outdated thanks to a complete overhaul of the property in late 2016. The ovular lobby features beautiful murals, potted plants, and squat club chairs in leathery brown and velvety deep red. Off to the side, a bamboo bar with palm-tree wallpaper is flanked by the lobby and the pool, where pastel peach lounge chairs are set on a checkered pool deck. The hotel, which is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, makes its mark in part because of its historic decor, but it's also immaculate, with thoughtful, attentive staff and luxe amenities. It attracts a large share of vacationing leisure travelers -- particularly couples -- and some guests here on business. 

The Plymouth is situated in the heart of Miami Beach's Art Deco neighborhood, across the street from a small park, only a two-minute walk from Collins Ave and a five-minute walk from the beach. For business travelers, it's convenient to the Miami Beach Convention Center, about a five-minute walk away. Lincoln Road Mall is roughly a 12-minute stroll, and the north end of Ocean Drive can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot, though it'll take longer to walk down it. The party scene at South Beach is a bit of a hike, but only an eight-minute drive and some guests choose to bike. Miami International Airport takes about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

Guest rooms are homey yet sophisticated, with a neutral color palette and transitional decor from Restoration Hardware. Light-wood floors pair with taupe walls and beige drapes, while big button-tufted headboards, stocked bar carts, and classic wood furnishings lend a refined air. Bathrooms are particularly chic, with sliding doors, white subway tiling, marble sinks, chrome fixtures, and huge walk-in showers with rainfall shower heads. 

All units are air-conditioned and feature minibars, Illy espresso machines (though the supply of free capsules is limited), HDTVs, iPod docking stations with Bluetooth, and free Wi-Fi. They also have irons and ironing boards, electronic safes, bathrobes, and high-end Molton Brown individual toiletries. 

Entry-level rooms start at a comfortable 215 square feet, while the largest Two-Bedroom Terrace Suite measures over 1,000 square feet. Upgraded units may add seating areas with couches, freestanding clawfoot bathtubs, Juliet balconies, or furnished terraces. The best views are over the swimming pool, but as of our 2017 review, some had disappointing views of a construction site. 

The hotel has amenities geared toward relaxation, including two eateries and a lovely outdoor pool. A highlight of the hotel is the Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, open for dinner until late. In addition to top-notch sushi, there are steakhouse dishes on the menu—Oxtail Fried Rice is a favorite. The restaurant itself is sleek and modern, while the bar situated off the lobby has a playful 1940s-tropical vibe.

Plymouth Cafe, a casual option near the pool and lobby, is ideal for breakfast, dessert, snacks, or lunch. For hotel guests, breakfast is included in the rate, with fresh-squeezed OJ and light a la carte options like Belgian waffles, avocado toast, or yogurt parfaits. Some guests complain that the free breakfast menu isn't as extensive as the regular breakfast menu, and there are fees for add-on items like eggs or sausage. The hotel offers 24-hour room service, and guests love eating sushi or breakfast poolside.

While the pool isn't isn't huge, the pool area is spacious and attractive, with Art Deco style that includes a checkered deck, private cabanas, four potted Cycads, and lounge chairs with peach cushions that match the peach-and-cream striped canopies and umbrellas. The hotel also has an exclusive beach area on 21st Street, and guests can borrow two chairs and two towels free of charge, though umbrella rental costs extra. There's no on-site gym, though guests have access to one a few blocks away. Another high-end amenity is a hospitality suite with a shower, designed so that checked-out guests can still clean up after a final trip to the beach. 

For guests traveling with children, the hotel has cribs and babysitting can be arranged by the hotel's concierge. Dogs are allowed for a pricey extra fee. Guests complain about the hefty fee for valet parking, though this is typical in the area. There's also a "resort fee" that covers the cost of the beach towels and chairs, Wi-Fi throughout, and other services.