The Ritz-Carlton South Beach

Description:

• Far from ostentatious, The Ritz-Carlton South Beach moves away from gilded opulence in favor of the more soothing pastel-washed touches of Deco. Though South Beach is better known for its trendy boutique hotels, The Ritz-Carlton provides comfort to those who might prefer 100% cotton Frette sheets and goose-down pillows to high-style minimalism. The best rooms, by far, are the 72 poolside and oceanview lanai rooms. There's also a tanning butler who will spritz you with SPF and water whenever you want. With its impeccable service, an elevated pool with unobstructed views of the Atlantic and a weekend DJ, an impressive stretch of sand with a fabulous beach club, and a world-class 13,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, The Ritz-Carlton kicks sand in the faces of some smaller hotels that think they're doing you a favor by allowing you to sleep there. Parents love the Ritz Kids program for kids ages 5 through 12, and for gourmands there's the Ritz's amazing Sunday champagne brunch.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Travel + Leisure 500

•  Best Hotel 2008
•  Best Hotel 2009

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2009
•  Very Highly Recommended 2010

Other features:

The hotel has 54 poolside lanai rooms in the style of early Miami Beach, 40 suites, 67 Ritz-Carlton Club Level rooms and suites and a Ritz-Carlton Suite.