The Setai

Walk in the lobby and you're hit with "I've arrived." Asia meets American Art Deco at The Setai, one of the stars of Miami's luxury hotels collection. As with its sister hotels in Asia, the emphasis here is on efficient, no-fuss service with cutting-edge comforts in a glorious beach setting. The difference? It's The Scene. Located on Collins Avenue and 20th Street, in the Art Deco strip of South Beach, it fronts directly onto the sand and yet is a private enclave of extravagance where guests barely leave the three azure pools, decked with towels, ice-water, magazines and iPods. The 75 guest rooms and 50 one- and two-bedroom suites are in two buildings—the smaller 1938 Art Deco Building (love those Art Deco Junior Suites!) and modern Tower. Dine in the open-kitchen Restaurant, the more casual Grill or alfresco at the breezy Pool & Beach Bar. What would The Setai be without a top Spa (the two-hour Spirit of Bali Ritual is sublime)? The shops, restaurants and nightclubs in red-hot Lincoln Road are just a few blocks away. NB: Recently friends have complained service is not what you'd expect for the level of property and price.

Room rates from $685.

Insider tip from Mr & Mrs Smith, one of my trusted resources:

"Lenny Kravitz designed the rooftop recording studio and the four-bedroom Penthouse suite is very rock 'n' roll (yours for $25,000 a night)."

Get more tips, see photos, and book the guaranteed best rate on Mr & Mrs Smith:
www.mrandmrssmith.com/the-setai