The South Beach Hotel Group (Pictures)

Are you searching for the perfect hotel for your next Miami vacation?

You want a place with some local style to stay, but the high end places are a little too glitzy, expensive and impersonal, while the hostels aren’t exactly…private.  Then the object of your quest for the chic, sleek and unique is most likely boutique—hotels, that is.  Around here, these intimate Deco gems are so numerous and nautical, they look like a fleet ready to set sail! And, as we examine the who’s who among the local boutiques, the South Beach Group properties are a logical place to start…

Back in 1997, shortly around the same time that serial killer Andrew Cunanan unintentionally helped place a newly reinvented South Beach squarely on the map, The South Beach Group came into existence.  Inspired by Barbara Capitman’s preservation frenzy, the company bought up a handful of downtrodden Deco establishments, and revived them to their former beauty. 

First on the list of acquisitions was the Hotel Shelley, followed by other familiar landmarks: The Chesterfield, The Lily Guesthouse, The Mercury Resort, The Whitelaw Hotel, The Hotel Chelsea and lastly, the Leon Hotel.  Today, many of these properties have been combined into larger complexes, and there have also been some additions to the list.

The hotels, while all stunning examples of the Deco period, each feature special amenities and style which set them apart from one another, while staying true to the charm and romantic intimacy that makes the Boutique experience unique.  What follows is a description of each hotel and its basic features.  The names of celebrities who’ve stayed there have sometimes been included, not to try to impress you (unless it does), but to give you an idea of the personality of the individual who might like to stay there.  In addition, the all-important issues of of air-conditioning methods and cost of Wi-Fi are addressed:  A/C is as important as oxygen itself in these parts, and, due to our typically tranquil seas, you’ll probably be doing most of your surfing inside on your laptop.  As for the quality of the bedding, General Manager Karen Lempert informed me that all of the hotels in the group provide 300 count Belgian linens, down comforters and pillow top mattresses.  In addition, each hotel offers free shuttle service to Miami International Airport.

THE CATALINA HOTEL AND BEACH CLUB: STYLIN’ SUSHI

With its 190 rooms, Catalina Hotel and Beach Club (1732-1756 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-674-1160), boasts a four star rating, placing it at the top of the line of the South Beach Group accommodations.  A union of older hotels Catalina, Maxine and Dorset, finding a vacancy is less of a chore than in the smaller boutiques.  Wi-Fi here is available for $15 per day.  While air-conditioning in the Dorset and Maxine is central with vent controls in each room, the center building, The Catalina, contains normal window units in 8 rooms and central throughout the other 55 rooms. 

Low season rates starting at $150 per day, while the high season prices start at $250.  But what makes this place stand out is the fish: it is home of the brand new Kung Fu Chu’s, a spiffy sushi joint.  If you’re like me and like your fish flapping fresh, this location gives you the opportunities to get your omega 3’s in style.

WHITELAW HOTEL: CHIC ELEGANCE WITH GRAFFITI ACCENTS

The Whitelaw (808 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-398-7000), a 49-room, 3.5 star hotel, is a playful melange of culture and counter-culture: it’s stylish, with its over-sized Victorian armchairs adorning the trendy lobby, but it has graffiti accents to keep it real! Known for its ample patio space, it’s said to offer the best people-watching opportunities in South Beach, outside perhaps from Lincoln Road.  Rates vary from $99 in the low season, to $250 in the high season.  Wi-Fi is free in common areas, and the hotel features central air-conditioning.

Famous people who’ve stayed there: Shannon Leto- 30 seconds to Mars, Will Iam of Black Eyed Peas, Richi Rich of Heatherette

THE METROPOLE HOTEL —SMOKE-FREE EXTENDED LIVING IN SOBE

The first completely non-smoking hotel in the South Beach Group, The Metropole Hotel (635 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-672-0009) is ideally suited for those seeking extended stays in the area.  Offering daily, weekly and monthly rates, this 42-room hotel also provides office and meeting space.  With a 4 star rating and rates starting from $150 in the low season, and $450 in the high (for a one bedroom suite) it makes an ideal getaway for those seeking elegant surroundings and resort-caliber customer service in a residential setting.  Free Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the property and centrally-air-conditioned rooms.

Famous people who’ve stayed there: Wayan Brothers, James Campbell (Life in the Fab Lane), Rick Pipino (Celebrity Stylist), Michael Bivens (New Edition), and Trina, the singer.

Notes: The Metropole features 1 and 2 bedroom suites complete with Italian kitchens, living and dining rooms. Perfect for extended stays and production and corporate groups. Current Accounts include: MAC, Vidal Sasoon, Zara, Ralph Lauren, Nicolle Miller, Kimora Lee Simmons - KLS, Sony, BMI music, FORD Models, Universal Music.

CHESTERFIELD HOTEL —FOR THE TIGER IN YOU

Today’s Chesterfield Hotel (855 Collins Ave Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-531-5831) is a merger of three former boutiques: The original Chesterfield, The Lily Guesthouse, and the Leon; the end result: a 91-room complex of hardwood floors, mahogany furnishings and aluminum accents.  Rates for the low season in this 3.5 star getaway begin at about $175, and rise to $275 during the cooler months.  Wi-Fi is free in all areas.  Air-Conditioning varies: one tower features window units, while the other two are centrally air-conditioned. 

What makes this place stand out is the attention to amenities: this hipster heaven has its own spa, offering facials, manicures, pedicures, and other salon services.  You can enjoy pear martinis in the Safari Bar, which, in keeping with The Chesterfield’s African motif, is decked out with zebra print accents, and primitive tribal masks along the walls.  Or, keep it on the down-low in your room and enjoy free drinks from 7 pm -8 pm!

For guests wanting a lengthier vacation, the Lily-Leon towers offer residential suites, while the main hotel is ideal for shorter stays.

Among its more famous guests: Kevin Federline, Dennis Rodman, and New York (not the City, but I Love New York, on VH1)

HOTEL CHELSEA—PEOPLE WATCHING AT ITS FINEST

No need for binoculars here.  At The Hotel Chelsea (944 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-534-4069), you can simply sit out on their patio and watch the crowds parade by from its ideal vantage point at Washington and 10th St.  Later on, the patio and lobby transform into a live entertainment venue, with live music often free of charge to the right gig.

This 42-room building comes in at 3 stars, with rates ranging from $125 in the low season, to $275 in the high.  Wi-Fi is available free of charge, while you can set the thermostat on cool and enjoy the central air-conditioning.

MERCURY HOTEL—OCEAN VIEWS FROM YOUR ROOFTOP JACUZZI

Modern, Italian-style furnishings, a marble bath with whirlpool spa, European catering kitchen, and a private rooftop ocean-view deck and jacuzzi for penthouse guests are among the amenities you can enjoy at the Mercury Hotel (100 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-398-3000), a 44-room resort with a 3.5 rating. 

Rates range from $175 in the low season to $350 in the high, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the common areas (or $15/day for in-room).  The central air ensures an ideal temperature year-round.  Situated at the foot of South Beach, this hotel is situated in a quieter part of the neighborhood, while still convenient to world class entertainment, such as the Nikki Beach Club, Privé, and Nemos.

Among the celebrities who’ve passed through their doors are Justin Timberlake, Jeremy Pivens, Elle McPherson, Carlos Ponce, Shannon Briggs.

Interesting facts: “SoBe’s best kept secret”.  Production friendly. Complete with kitchens, dining and sitting rooms.

HOTEL SHELLEY—WHERE THE LIVIN’ IS EASY

For the boutique experience on a budget, Hotel Shelley (844 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-531-3341), a 49 room, 2.5 star establishment, offers some very competitive low season rates.  Starting at $55 to $95 during the warmer months, the summer is a perfect time to stay here without breaking the bank.  The high season, with rates ranging from $145-$395, offer winter guests a wide range of possibilities.

There is free Wi-Fi in the common areas, with window-units for air-conditioning.  From 7pm - 8 pm each night, you can enjoy an open bar in the lobby, or take it outside on the their cozy patio.

Located one block from the beach, it’s right in the heart of SoBe, within walking distance to the premier bars, restaurants, and clubs.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY

Whether you’re trying to escape the papparazzi or just want a weekend away from the complications of 9 to 5 life, boutique hotels offer a rate, ambience, and privacy level for every style and personality.  The above examples from the South Beach group are but a small sampling of what’s available in the neighborhood; there are many more as well, which we’ll cover in the coming weeks—ensuring that your next trip can be something to remember!

Related Links: • 2-Star Hotels • South Beach Group Hotels • Catalina • Whitelaw • Metropole • Chesterfield • Chelsea • Mercury • Shelly Related Categories: Hotels Miami: Travel News, Douglas Eames is a freelance writer, homespun philosopher and budget bon vivant who divides his time between Southern California and South Beach. See more articles by Doug. See more articles by Doug Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others! Tweet

Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.

Discuss the surrounding area in our hugely popular Miami forum.