The Angler's Boutique Resort

Hotel description

Well south of Lincoln Way on a formerly neglected stretch of lower Washington Avenue, the Angler’s is a bit of a departure for South Beach hotels; visually it’s a Mediterranean Revival standout in the midst of the Art Deco district, and in terms of atmosphere, this enclosed residential compound feels miles more private than the big-show high-rise hotels along the seaside.

The original Angler’s hotel dates back to the Thirties, long enough ago that Hemingway drank here — surely he drank in at least as many places as George Washington slept, but it’s a bit of Miami history nonetheless. And its architectural credentials are certainly in order: after years of disuse the hotel’s original Henry Maloney structures have been thoroughly redesigned by celebrity designer Wallace Tutt (of Versace Mansion fame) and augmented by two buildings by famed Miami architect Allan Shulman.

Today’s Angler’s offers larger, more well-appointed rooms, as well as an air of discreet privacy about the place. The hotel’s suites come in split-level and studio plans, and come with most of the charms and conveniences of home — assuming home includes a plasma television, a stereo system with iPod docking station, and a wet bar, along with, in some cases, balconies and terraces.

Spa treatments are offered in-room or by the pool, and the designated beach area is just two blocks away. A French restaurant occupies the old main building of the original Angler’s hotel, if you’d like to stay in; and if not, Angler’s guests are offered VIP status at a number of South Beach nightclubs — and the nightlife, let’s face it, is no small part of Miami’s appeal.