The Betsy – South Beach

The Betsy is a boutique hotel at 1440 Ocean Drive, at the northern end of South Beach's Art Deco strip, and it stands out for its cultural life as much as its rooms. The hotel describes itself as legendary for its cultural offerings, with a calendar of book talks, arts festivals and exhibitions, an in-house library and a Writer's Room. It has received a Michelin Key three times and has been named among the top Miami hotels by Condé Nast.

There are several room types, from Classic Kings and Classic Doubles to Betsy Balcony rooms and suites, a Royal Ocean View Suite and a Skyline Penthouse. Choose a balcony or ocean-view room if the sea matters to you, as views vary across the property. The hotel welcomes dogs, which is useful for travellers with pets.

Food and drink are handled by LT Steak and Seafood, the main restaurant, along with The Alley, the Carlton Room Café and La Ventanita for Cuban-style coffee. The Piano Bar has live jazz every night, which gives evenings a relaxed and grown-up feel.

The Betsy suits couples, solo travellers, writers and readers, and anyone who wants a smaller, characterful base in South Beach with the beach across the road. It is less suitable if you want a large resort with extensive pools and kids' facilities. Booking direct can bring savings, and the hotel publishes its accessibility and health and safety policies on its website.

Even if you stay elsewhere, the Piano Bar's nightly jazz and the hotel's book talks are worth looking up, as they offer something different from the usual South Beach nightlife. Check the Culture Calendar on the website for upcoming events, and book a table at LT Steak and Seafood in advance for weekend evenings. Exhibitions in the hotel change over time, so there may be something new to see on a return visit.

The hotel faces Ocean Drive, close to Lummus Park and the beach, and Lincoln Road and the Wolfsonian-FIU are within walking distance. The Art Deco Welcome Center at 1001 Ocean Drive, where the Art Deco walking tours start, is a short stroll south. Reservations can be made online or by phone on 844-539-2840.