Metropole South Beach Hotel

Located in the heart of the Art Deco district a block from the beach, the Metropole Apartments is next to excellent shopping and bustling bars and clubs. After spotting the black and white awning, guests walk through a tunnel lined by bushes and bougainvillea to the lobby entrance. The lobby is teeny, with only a single wooden chair that directly faces the front desk clerk and a few book shelves. The only common area for guests is the interior courtyard, positioned away from Collins Ave; it's semi-secluded behind hedges and outfitted with broad, cushy sofas. Hanging lanterns and palm trees provide a welcome reprieve from the urban hustle of Miami Beach, just as long as you don't look over the shrubs at the surrounding buildings. Inside the courtyard, there's a mix of families and groups sitting or taking a dip in the tiny plunge pool. 

The block of Collins Avenue surrounding the Metropole gets moderate foot traffic from shoppers; it's nothing like the dense throng on Ocean Drive. Immediately across the street are a series of one- and two-story Art Deco buildings that house several retail stores. The foot traffic is a little more sparse here than on Ocean Drive, but the area is very safe. Around the corner on Ocean Drive, guests can find not-so-great restaurants interspersed with some high-quality cuisine. Meanwhile, the Cuban food at Puerto Sagua, half a block north on Seventh Street, is an Oyster favorite.

The nearest bars are a block east on Ocean Drive, one block west on Washington, or farther north on Collins Avenue. Unlike at its Ocean Drive counterparts one block away, the Metropole's entrance isn't impeded by aggressive menu solicitation. Despite the calmer environment, it's no trouble getting to the beach, one block east and across Ocean Drive.

Valet parking is available for a fee, but note that there have been complaints on the excessive time taken for guests to get their cars. A free shuttle to and from Miami International Airport runs daily. 

The one- and two-bedroom apartments are large, almost twice the size of most South Beach hotel rooms. They all have separate sleeping quarters, walk-in closets, fully equipped kitchens, snack baskets, and minibars. Electronics-wise, each room packs 42-inch plasma TVs and an iPod dock. However, the gray leather pull-out sofa and white leather dining chairs look cheap next to the sleek glass table and modern lamp hanging above it. The beds -- king-size, with 300-thread-count Belgian linens -- are exceptionally comfy, but brown fabric headboards have a few spots.

Bathrooms have walk-in glass showers with rain showerheads, toiletries, and hairdryers that could use replacing. Bathrobes, an in-room safe, iron, and an ironing board are also provided. 

The courtyard, Metropole's best feature, contains an itty-bitty splash pool. It's not good for much but sitting in, but it does that job just fine. Most guests head to the busy beach, which is a quick block away. There's free Wi-Fi but no business center or gym. There's no on-site dining, but the in-room kitchens are great and stocked with snacks and drinks for sale. Additionally, guests are given vouchers to Whitelaw Hotel & Lounge, a sister property, for free drinks each night. The hotel is very pet-friendly, offering beds, water bowls, and doggy treats for furry guests.