Cadet Hotel

Cadet Hotel Review

A former home to World War II air force cadets, this gem has been reimagined as an oasis in South Beach, offering the antithesis of the sometimes maddening jet-set scene with 34 distinctive rooms exuding understated luxury. All rooms implement art deco style and feature beautiful antiques hand chosen by the hotel's proprietor. If you're looking for loud music and wild times, go elsewhere. Cadet is more about enjoying a good read on the patio and discovering elusive serenity in the heart of South Beach. It is one of the few privately owned hotels in the area, owned by breast cancer specialist Vilma Biaggi, M.D., who spends almost every weekend at the hotel (and plays piano for guests some nights). The placid patio-garden is perfect for enjoying the included full breakfast. Little touches, like candles in the lobby, fresh flowers all around, high-thread-count sheets, and small pouches filled with fresh lavender or seashells, depending on the season, show care and sophistication. This intimate hideaway is one block away from Lincoln Road, two blocks from the beach, and two blocks from the New World Symphony. Clark Gable stayed in Room 224 during his time training with the Army Air Corps in the 1940s. The hotel's restaurant, Pied-a-Terre, is a gastronomic tour de force.