| What to expect: The Hotel Shelly-- located at 9th Street and Collins Avenue, one block from the ocean beach in Miami’s trendy SoBe (South Beach) neighborhood-- has a purple-and-white Art Deco façade and a small seating patio in front. The hotel has a casual ambience with comfortable chairs, small tables, e-mail station, and a TV lounge scattered about the Spanish-tiled lobby. The Shelley draws a young, budget-minded crowd that appreciates the modest prices and complimentary amenities. Amenity highlights: The Hotel Shelley charges a daily resort fee that covers Continental breakfast in the lobby, evening cocktails at its companion hotel across the street (the Chesterfield), transportation to and from the Miami airport, incoming and outgoing faxes, and use of beach towels. In addition, the hotel offers complimentary- or VIP passes to area nightclubs. Insider tip: Guests can avoid the crowds at Lummus Park public beach and get a glimpse of a more diverse side of Miami by heading south, to the beach area below 2nd Street. Topless bathing is permitted at the beach. |