The Raleigh

Miami wouldn't be Miami without its decadent Deco past, and the Raleigh is a great oceanfront spot for old school glamour, right on historic Collins Avenue in South Beach. The hotel was built in 1940 by famed architect Lawrence Murray Dixon, and has been given a sensitive re-vamp by hip hotelier Andre Balazs. Fans of the Art Deco style don't fret ... as soon as you walk into the beautifully restored lobby, you'll see the signature details of the period; lots of monochrome, marble and bold shapes and colors. The 104 spare, contemporary rooms and suites are filled with blond wood furnishings and light-colored fabrics in a beachy palette of sand, coral and seafoam green. If you're wondering what that keyhole in the elevator does, it takes you up to the Penthouse—a three-bedroom super-suite with living room, rooftop fountain and almost 2,000 square-feet of oceanfront terrace—just the thing for admiring the ocean view below. The beach is mere steps away, where you can lounge on chaises under the Raleigh's sunbrellas, but the turquoise pool, made famous by swimmer Esther Williams, is equally inviting. Massages are available in the cabanas or in-room, and although there isn't a spa on-site, guests have access to sister hotel the Standard, which has a phenomenal Roman-bath inspired spa and holistic hydrotherapy themed treatments—well worth spending a day there too! This being sunny Miami, dinner at the Raleigh is an outdoor affair, relaxing under the Seagrape trees on the terrace.

Room rates from $195.