The Shepley Hotel

This lovingly restored Art Deco treasure built in 1937 is a stylish and quiet oasis on busy Collins Avenue, famous for its wildly popular restaurants, clubs, shops, and boutique hotels. This white building features blocky turquoise lettering that spells out the hotel name. The property makes a classy statement on entrance with its large covered front porch, where comfortable sofas sit atop beautiful terrazzo floors in white, green, and gray shades. Palms in large planters set the tropical tone at this space that’s a perfect place to have breakfast or people-watch. The same distinctive floors continue into the impressive lobby, with bookcases behind the registration desk and richly upholstered black and gray sofas. Modern wicker chairs along the exterior walls provide seating in a sunny spot. More potted palms and a large circular chandelier hanging from the coffered ceiling add appeal to the long, narrow space. The hallways are like a photography exhibit, filled with dozens of photos of Miami’s people and places, both past and present. This property mostly hosts tourist couples and has a relaxed and friendly vibe. Business travelers with events at the nearby Miami Convention Center may also find this a convenient spot. 

The Shepley is located on world famous Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach’s Art Deco Historic District. It’s one block (a two-minute walk) to Ocean Drive and the beach, and surrounded by restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Lummus Park, a beautiful beach and grassy park with walking/biking paths, is a six-minute walk. Business travelers can reach the Miami Beach Convention Center in 15 minutes on foot. It’s possible to walk to the many shops and restaurants of Lincoln Road Mall (and its mile-long pedestrian promenade) in 13 minutes. Flamingo Park, with sports courts and an aquatic center, is 15 minutes away on foot. The Port of Miami, American Airlines Arena (home to the NBA's Miami Heat), and the MLB stadium Marlins Park are about 15 to 20 minutes away by car. Miami International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away by car or taxi. 

The standard Shepley Queen and Shepley Full Rooms (with two full beds) are stylish but somewhat small. They share the same minimalist decor that utilizes vintage touches and white as the dominant color. Walls are painted chalk-white or have attractive white or beige wood paneling. Bedding is crisp white with beige-upholstered headboards, accent pillows, and (for some) throws. Drapes are white canvas, and the floors are rustic hardwood planks in a light natural shade. The overall effect is clean and airy. Wood nightstands are dark brown, and most rooms have antique-style tables holding flat-screen TVs. Little to no art decorates the stark walls, and there are no desks or chairs. Closets store electronic safes, and all rooms have mini-fridges with clear-glass doors, but no coffee/tea facilities. Bathrooms are spacious and have classic Art Deco white and black tile floors, showers or shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads, and pedestal-style sinks (with scant space for personal items).

The two Suites are significantly larger (500 square feet) with an open-room layout. Suites have king-size beds, brown upholstered sofas, larger closets, and electric kettles and capsule coffeemakers. Bathrooms have more space, with twin marble vanities, and shower/tub combos with glass doors. 

Views are limited except from front-facing rooms overlooking the street, but they tend to get more ambient noise (although on the whole, rooms are generally quiet). All rooms have free Wi-Fi. 

This small hotel has limited amenities, but it does include a free self-serve continental breakfast that guests can eat outside on the lovely front porch or inside the small lobby. Guests tend to like the selection of pastries, cereals, coffee, and juices. Concierge and valet dry cleaning/laundry services are available. Wi-Fi access is included in room rates, and there is a computer station with Internet access and a printer for guest use. Loaner beach towels and chairs are provided. Parking in a city-owned garage is across the street (for a fee). This two-story hotel has an elevator that reaches the second floor. Pets and smoking are not allowed on the premise.