Located at 30th Street, in an improving neighborhood (which is not South Beach, the name notwithstanding), this hotel is an upscale version of a conventional beach resort. In a gray and white high-rise dating from 1945, this hotel remains one of the most attractive, straightforward midrange contemporary resorts in Miami Beach. Granted, it lacks the social provenance of the big boys, but this is a great choice, and an economical one to boot. The gardens, blessed with a pinch of Old Hawaii, are among some of the most enchanting hereabouts.
Keep in mind that in shoulder season, the hotel does a booming meetings trade at times, but the overall atmosphere reflects its casual, well-heeled leisure guests.
Double-height colonial doors open to a lobby that extends toward the
laudable tropical gardens and ocean. Public rooms have updated tropo-contemporary decor marked by whimsical, belt-driven, rattan ceiling fans, terra-cotta floors, oak, teak and coconut accents and wicker furniture. Much of the space, lounges, verandas, terraces and nooks is given over to inviting sitting areas filled with comfortable and stylish plantation furniture.
Buffets and Mediterranean food are served in the conservatory restaurant, which breaks out onto a vast poolside terrace for alfresco dining. Continental breakfast is served in a library-theme lounge with an indoor palm. The veranda bar, furnished with leather banquettes and velveteen-upholstered chairs, features live jazz on selected nights, while the beach bar mixes tipples during the day.
The wide beach 
and boardwalk prove perfect for strolling, and more vigorous activity includes watersports and frolicking in a large pool landscaped with palms, flowers and evocative thatched huts. The game room and shops add variety, as does the fitness room.
The 7,000 sq ft of meeting space and well-equipped business center lure midsized gatherings, and the coquettish gazebo is popular for marriage vows. Valet parking levies a moderate daily fee.
Attractive tropical style drives the decor in the guest rooms, which display cream, green and blue shades and custom furnishings of contrasting light and dark woods. All rooms have ceiling fans, built-in desks, TVs, two phones (one cordless), quilted spreads on paired double beds, safes in walk-in closets, and small baths with marble floors. 
Oceanfront rooms (especially corner ones) are prime picks, and businesspeople, nonsmokers and guests in wheelchairs can book specially appointed units. Room service runs until midnight.
The irritating daily resort fee includes use of beach chairs and umbrellas, a newspaper, free local calls, use of a safe-deposit box, and free shoe shine (leather sandals are waterproofed). Room service stops at 11 pm. Pets are not allowed.
The staff goes out of its way to please, a rarity in these parts. This hotel is one of the best picks in its grade. The RIU flags fun-seeking families, while this hotel excels at personal service and intimate environs.
