Riviere South Beach Hotel

Set along Collins Avenue in the Art Deco district, this boutique property has an intimate vibe and draws a mix of younger couples and friends keen on exploring the stylish neighborhood. While there's not much differentiating the hotel from others along the street, it's nonetheless charming -- a two-story, pale yellow and clay-colored stucco building constructed in 1934 and framed by tropical shrubs and palm trees. The lobby has a youthful elegance, with a plush, olive-green couch the only spot of color against cream tile floors, white walls, and faux-crystal chandeliers draped in white cloth. Other lobby furnishings -- a series of tables and stools against one wall -- are mod, minimalist, and white. Winding through the property are narrow, clay tile pathways with cozy, wicker seating nooks shaded by leafy trees and plants, offering relaxing spots to unwind with a book after a day at the beach or out shopping. 

The hotel is set amongst other boutique properties, shops, and restaurants -- including Cuban cuisine at Puerto Sagua about a half-mile south on Collins Avenue -- in the historic Art Deco district of South Beach, a couple of blocks west of Ocean Drive. The Art Deco Welcome Center and Lummus Park Beach are each about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Miami Beach Convention Center, the Bass Museum, and Lincoln Road Mall can all be reached in about five minutes by car. Miami International Airport is about 20 to 25 minutes away, and the hotel offers a free shuttle service. 

Guest rooms are airy and minimalist, with pretty bamboo floors and a mainly white color palette, accented with lime green bedding, clear plastic chairs, simple metal lamps, and color photographs of Miami. Deluxe Junior Rooms -- the most basic options -- have flat-screen TVs, safes, toasters, coffeemakers, microwaves, mini-fridges, and air-conditioning. Porcelain bathrooms are simple and white, with toiletries and walk-in showers. Deluxe Suites have kitchenettes with double-burner stoves, in addition to the previously mentioned appliances. Wi-Fi is included. Guest rooms at the back of the property tend to be quieter. All have air-conditioning units, which can be a bit noisy. 

The hotel's location is perhaps its best feature -- smack in the heart of the Art Deco district, within a short walk of the beach, restaurants, and shopping. On-site, the lovely grounds offer shaded seating nooks where guests can mingle or relax. There is no restaurant on-site, but a free breakfast of waffles, muffins, cereals, and toast is served daily, and coffee and tea are available in the lobby. Wi-Fi is free. There are no laundry or parking facilities on-site; public parking is available on the street for an hourly fee, and parking garages within walking distance have day rates of about $20.