Miami Beach Florida Hotels

Miami Beach offers a wide range of accommodations. In the South Beach neighborhood, the elegant and graciously restored Art Deco hotels offer unique accommodations near to shopping, dining, and, of course, the beach. Further north, along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, are the larger resorts. These hotels generally offer more facilities and services than the smaller, Art Deco hotels. However, they don't usually have quite the same flair.

Arguably the best-known hotel in Miami Beach is The Fontainebleau. Located at the end of Collins Avenue and 44th Street, this extravagant resort was completed in 1954. In its long, colorful history, The Fontainebleau has hosted every president since Eisenhower. It has been the setting of numerous movies, including "Scarface" and the James Bond thriller, "Goldfinger." However, be aware that you will be paying a hefty sum to stay here.

Art Deco Elegance

South Beach--the area of Miami Beach along Washington Street, Collins Avenue, and Ocean Drive, bounded by 1st Street and Lincoln Road--is home to a varied collection of independent Art Deco hotels, originally built in the '20s and '30s and carefully restored to their whimsical elegance. These charming inns stand regally across from the beach and boardwalk. Fanciful details such as flamingos, porthole windows, and sunny, pastel colors give these hotels an unmistakable look.

You might think about staying at an Art Deco hotel for something a little different. Hotels in this area vary from small, family-run, moderately priced hotels with limited amenities to lavish, deluxe, full-service properties. However, be sure to book in advance, since you can't always count on vacancies in this area of Florida.