In the historic Art Deco district, the Cardozo Hotel, on beachfront Ocean Drive, is a good choice for heart-of-South-Beach seekers. The 1939 rehab's guest rooms gets high marks for romance with hardwood floors, mosquito-net-shrouded four-poster beds, animal-print blankets, and mosaic-tile baths. Although ocean view rooms are in high demand, quarters above the courtyard are quieter. Celebrity peepers note that the hotel is owned by singer Gloria Estefan.

Cardozo Hotel Amenities:

• 43 rooms, 3 story. Check-out noon. Restaurant, bar.