Thanks to renovations a few years back, this once drab midrange resort has been bumped up a notch in the ranks. Though far from fashionable, it is a strong midrange family-friendly operation with more dining options and better service than the sprawling Landmark Resort. Still, the new rooms at the Landmark are more sophisticated.
The new cream-color exterior softens its former Miami Beach persona, and the newly revamped public areas have been equally tempered with pastel hues and fun tropical touches. The lobby makes a smart impression with teal and raspberry tones, tan tile, tropical wall coverings and upscale fabrics.
Dining venues have
been altered since the last inspection, with a new Caribbean restaurant replacing the long-popular Italian place. The buffet room is a static fixture here, as are the casual seasonal bar and grill by the pool. A sports bar serves libations and light fare. Seasonal entertainment, including karaoke, takes place poolside.
Leisure-seekers have plenty to do here, with two outdoor pools, two wading pools for children, a large outdoor whirlpool and a lazy river tube ride. Indoors are a third pool, two more whirlpools, a sauna, steam room, fitness room, and a game room complete with an eight-lane bowling alley. Those here to bronze can do so naturally on the beach and on extensive sundecks with showers, or artificially on tanning beds. Guests have complimentary tennis privileges 
at a nearby club.
Meeting space seats 120 delegates, parking is underground, and two floors have laundry machines. A small gift shop and general store are located in the lobby.
Similar to those at the Holiday Inn, the long, narrow guest rooms sport a colorful sand and sea palette, durable furnishings, and busy spreads and drapes in bold coral and blue. New elevators make for effortless ups and downs. All have TVs with Nintendo, paired double or king beds, two barrel chairs, refrigerators, microwave ovens, coffeemakers, safes, phones with voice mail and wide balconies. The combination baths have heat lamps, hair dryers, limited counter space 
and large mirrors. Efficiencies and one-bedroom units add narrow galleylike kitchens with full-sized appliances. Suites offer beachfront living rooms with rattan furniture. Oceanfront units add Murphy beds, and a balcony separates the handful of rooms that open to the pool. Corner suites fetch the highest rates for their larger front balconies and a second tiny balcony off the bedroom.
Room service is limited, but room rates can't be beat for those wanting to be right on the beach. Thanks to its manageable size, families will be especially happy here—perhaps happier than at the giant, commercially tinged Landmark Resort.
