Fodor's Expert Review National Hotel

The adults-only National Hotel is a glorious time capsule that honors its distinct art deco heritage (the building itself and wood pieces in the lobby date from 1939, and new chocolate- and gold-hue furnishings look period-appropriate) while trying to keep up with SoBe's glossy newcomers (rotating art installations complement the throwback glamour). Safari-chic guest rooms, draped in leopard, zebra, and giraffe prints, are found within the historic art deco tower; the poolside cabana wing has larger suites. The hotel serves as a bastion of calm in the sea of white-on-white mod decor and raucous reveling typical of most other beachfront properties lining this stretch of Collins Avenue. The most spectacular feature is Miami Beach's longest infinity-edge pool (a whopping 203 feet long), which stretches from the tower, past a series of comfy striped cabanas and poolside tables, to a tropical tiki bar and the beach.