You'll get your own South Beach people-watching perch on the outdoor patio at this wonderfully restored Art Deco gem. A favorite with Europeans, especially the British, Essex House has average-size rooms with midcentury-style red furniture and marble tubs. The suites, reached by crossing a lovely tropical courtyard, are well worth the price: each has a wet bar, king-size bed, pull-out sofa, 100-square-foot bathroom, refrigerator, and hot tub. The lobby mural was created in 1938 by artist Earl Le Pan, and touched up by him 50 years later. Pros: a social, heated pool; great Art Deco patio; good service. Cons: small pool.
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