Fodor's Expert Review Shelborne South Beach

The iconic Morris Lapidus–designed Shelborne hotel is a retro-chic 200-room property. It really has everything one covets in a South Beach property: stylish yet functional rooms that channel 1950s glamour; the beach's most oversized poolside cabanas (which also happen to be air-conditioned); a slick pool scene; a private beach club; and a location that offers direct access to downy sands, art deco, and superlative shopping. The rooms tend to be on the small side, but the incredible location makes up for it (and translates to minimal lingering).

room

Choose from double or king rooms with or without oceanfront balconies. Each room, however, is equipped with Frette 30 thread-count cotton sheets, a mini-bar stocked with premium spirits, writing desk, and a seating area. Some rooms offer pullout sofas.

bathroom

Modern bathrooms feature a shower stall and GUYandGIRL bath products.

lobby

The lobby has been refurbished to its original midcentury modern splendor, thanks to Meg Sharpe of Meg Sharpe Interiors. Sputnik lamps light the way as you walk on iconic terrazzo flooring and explore various settings. Some areas are classic Mad Men style, others made modern and whimsical by the addition of animal prints and chrome accents.

pool

The original diving board towers are a reminder of a bygone era. The pool deck retains its charm, though modernized with chaise lounges, sun umbrellas, and a fully stocked bar.

Photo: join the #poolparty at #shelbornewyndhamgrandsouthbeach / @christinagrill

spa

The property offers meditation by Innergy Meditation every Saturday morning on the beach & every full moon in the garden.

gym

A guest fitness center offers treadmills, stationary bikes, and strength training equipment.

Photo: Sittin pretty ???????? Absolutely love this hotel and it's decor #shelbornewyndhamgrandsouthbeach / @amandaryp

dining

Top Chef alum, Jeff McInnis and Janine Booth partner up on Root & Bone, an outpost of their New York City restaurant that offers modern takes on traditional Southern comfort food. The fried chicken -- brined in sweet tea -- was named the best in New York a few years ago. The Shelborne Caffe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a casual beachy setting.

Photo: Sittin pretty ???????? Absolutely love this hotel and it's decor #shelbornewyndhamgrandsouthbeach / @amandaryp

drinking

The Drawing Room offers cocktails with flair. Cocktails are infused with fruit, herbs, and a hint of magic at this bar that fuses together molecular gastronomy and mixology.