The Savoy Hotel – South Beach

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Savoy Hotel is a picturesque, three-story hotel with Art Deco architecture that harmonizes with the tropical South Beach surroundings. In the 1980s, the hotel -- merged from the 1941-built Arlington Hotel and the 1937-constructed Savoy Plaza Hotel -- was purchased by investors, including Rolling Stone’s Ron Wood. The hotel is currently owned by a husband-and-wife team who often personally greet guests.

The entrance is emblazoned with a silver marquee. The airy, high-ceilinged lobby is decorated with tall white columns, potted tropical palms, clean-lined leather furniture, and colorful ceramic tiles that continue up the staircase next to the elevator. A flavored water dispenser is on the front desk and staff often provide cold towels on especially steamy Miami days, both of which indicate the hotel's dedication to relaxation and personalization. Outside, the turquoise Miami sky and blue lounge chairs, umbrellas, and canopy beds pop against the hotel’s white exterior. The two lagoon pools are surrounded by tropical foliage, and more than enough loungers to go around. The hotel’s quiet atmosphere and outdoor facilities appeal to families and couples.

The Savoy Hotel is located in Miami Beach’s quieter beachfront neighborhood, known to locals as SoFi, or South of Fifth Street. The area, with surrounding apartment buildings, is more subdued than the action-packed bars and restaurants that South Beach is famous for, but the livelier areas are still in close walking distance. The hotel’s rear gate provides private access to a beautiful beach. There's a Walgreens two blocks away for any essentials you may need, and it’s a six-minute drive to the American Airlines Arena. The airport is a 20-minute drive away, while downtown is 13 minutes. It’s a 20-minute walk to the Flamingo Park and Pool. The hotel offers valet parking for a fee.

All renovated in 2012, the Savoy's one-bedroom suites and standard rooms are decorated in a variety of beachy styles, most with light blue walls and palm tree-patterned textiles. Many have private balconies. All have free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, mini-fridges, sofa beds, ceiling fans, safes, coffee/tea makers, bathrobes, slippers, flat-screen TVs, and irons. Traditional rooms have kitchenettes with mini-fridges and microwaves. Suites have separate livings rooms and kitchens with dishwashers, stovetops, and toasters, and many also have two balconies and whirlpool tubs. Marble bathrooms -- some with antique-inspired fixtures -- have shower/tub combinations. Windows and balconies offer pool, street, or partial ocean views.

The hotel has two lagoon pools, one of which is heated; nearby, a desk offers a cold water dispenser and towels. There are two sundecks; one has outdoor showers, partial sea views, and a gate leading to the beach, where there are additional umbrellas and lounge chairs. The on-site restaurant is decorated in comfy white sofas, classic chairs and tables, dark wood floors, blue walls and pops of red decor. There’s a bar, facing arched windows, that overlooks the pool. The restaurant’s poolside terrace is a pleasant outdoor spot to dine, and drinks and snacks can also be ordered to your lounger.

There's also a standard fitness center, and a business corner with a PC and a printer. The hotel has three meeting/event spaces, and the front bar, sun deck, pool deck and restaurant can also be rented for private events. Pets are allowed for a fee. In-room spa treatments can be arranged. Note that the hotel charges a resort fee that covers many of its services.