Cavalier Hotel 1320 Ocean Drive Miami Beach FL Tel: 305-531-3555   Written by Wendy R. Williams Photographed by Krisztina Fazekas

The latest trend for South Beach's renovated Art Deco hotels is the lobby bar (in the spirit of, "Get this party started" Pink) and the newly renovated Cavalier Hotel has definitely taken that trend to its zenith; it is actually a sand-in-your-shorts surf bar with a hotel check-in desk tucked discreetly into a corner.

Located right on Ocean Drive (between 13th and 14th Streets), the Cavalier has a young funky vibe. There is no pool, just an incredible view of the Atlantic Ocean across the street. The hallways and elevators still have an original Barton Fink-like feel, but the rooms have been totally renovated and are decorated like movie sets. The bathrooms feature high-end toiletries and the rooms are impeccably clean. This is definitely an anti-chain hotel.

The Cavalier is also blessed with a great location. It is just a short walk up Ocean to the trendy bars at equally trendy and swank hotels like: the Delano; the Ritz; the Setai; the Standard; the Sagamore; and the Shore Club. And it is yet another short walk down Ocean to the fun and gritty bars of South Beach like Mango's. And if you are not "up to much" because of the previous night's activities, you can just stumble down stairs to the lobby restaurant/bar.

The Cavalier - just the place for a hip South Beach vacationer with both a budget and a sense of fun.

Cavalier Hotel Lobby Restaurant/Bar
Photographed by Krisztina Fazekas

Cavalier Hotel Lobby Restaurant/Bar
Photographed by Krisztina Fazekas

Bed in a Cavalier Hotel Suite
Photographed by Krisztina Fazekas

Cavalier Hotel Suite Sitting Area
Photographed by Krisztina Fazekas

Cavalier Hotel Suite Sitting Area
Photographed by Krisztina Fazekas

Cavalier Hotel Beach View
Photographed by Krisztina Fazekas