The Wave Hotel

Location. The neon sign winks "Lord Balfour," beckoning South Beach vacationers to the chic Wave Hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. Located in a historic 1940's Art Deco building, the hotel stands amid the activity on famous Ocean Drive and is a short stroll from the beach. Vibrant South Beach features nightclubs and dining options, and guests are less than one-and-one-half miles from shopping and cafes at the Lincoln Road Mall. Eighteen blocks away, golfers can tee off at the Miami Beach Golf Club. Miami International Airport is 10 miles away.

Hotel Features. Despite featuring modern conveniences, the Wave Hotel still retains its classic look. The lobby, styled by Italian designer Romi Ferretti, who also designed the guestrooms, hosts modern couches in soft blue tones, a blue ceiling and tiny hanging lights. Hotel amenities include complimentary continental breakfasts and Internet access. Icy concoctions are available at the bar, and the hotel also features a quaint patio area with bistro-style seating.

Guestrooms. Accommodations at the Wave Hotel feature custom Italian furnishings, Murano glass lamps, high café tables, and blue dressers with wave-shaped drawers and frosted-glass tops. Wave sound machines help to create a soothing environment with options such as spring rain, heartbeat and white noise. Amenities include CD players, digital in-room safes, minibars, bathrobes, framed silk abstract designs and Internet access.

Expert Tip. The Miami Design Preservation League, just one-half mile away, offers guided walking tours of the district's period Art Deco buildings every Thursday and Saturday.