The Hotel (formerly The Tiffany Hotel) is the place for the fashion-conscious to see and be seen. The Hotel is the pet project of fashion designer Todd Oldham, former fashion industry executive Jessica Goldman Srebnick, and father Tony Goldman, an urban developer and preservationist. The Hotel is a hip hangout with a great location - one block from Ocean Drive's strip of restaurants and bars, and one block from the ocean.

• Rates: 1/1/03 - 4/30/03: $275; 5/1/03 - 12/20/03: $255
• Rooms: 53 units
• What to do: Soak up the sun on the rooftop patio, take a dip in the emerald-shaped pool, or get a massage in one of the poolside cabanas.
• Details: 801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Tel: 305.531.2222, 877.THE-HOTEL / 877.843.4683; Fax: 305.531.3222; www.thehotelofsouthbeach.com.
• Credit Cards: AM, DC, MC, V, Diner's Club.
• Parking: 24-hour Valet service: $18; Self-parking (1 block from hotel): $10.70.

The Astor is a chic boutique hotel that prides itself on its relaxing ambiance - the double-insulated walls, down pillows, muted color scheme, and mood lighting with dimmer switches ensure a serene and luxurious escape from the stresses of everyday life. The Astor is also easy on the pocketbook, with some of the lowest rates in the South Beach area.

• Rates: 1/1/03 - 4/19/03: $165; 4/20/03 - 5/31/03: $155; 6/1/03 - 10/15/03: $145; 10/16/03 - 12/27/03: $155; Additional person: $30
• Rooms: 40 units
• What to do: Sink into the luxurious down pillows and dream away.
• Details: 956 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Tel: 305.531.8081; Fax: 305.531.3193; www.hotelastor.com.
• Credit Cards: AM, MC, V, Diner's Club.
• Parking: 24-hour Valet service: $20.

If your idea of an ideal vacation involves rolling out of bed and onto the beach, head to The WinterHaven Hotel, located directly across the street from the ocean. Most of the guest rooms offer ocean views, so even if you're seeking respite from the searing Miami sun, you can still enjoy that view. The WinterHaven's Art Deco-inspired interior and streamlined design are reminiscent of Miami's high style, high-luxury era of the 1930s.

• Rates: 1/1/03 - 1/31/03: $139; 2/1/03 - 4/15/03: $149; 4/16/03 - 6/1/03: $109; 6/2/03 - 10/31/03: $99; 11/1/03 - 12/29/03: $139
• Rooms: 65 units
• What to do: Head out the door and hit the beach, or relax in the comfort of your room and enjoy the view.
• Details: 1400 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Tel: 305.531.5571, 800.395.2322; Fax: 305.538.6387; www.winterhavenhotelsobe.com.
• Credit Cards: AM, DC, MC, V, Diner's Club.
• Parking: 24-hour Valet service: $18.

The Sagamore Hotel is a chic, trendy boutique hotel with an eye for modern art and a crisp minimalist aesthetic. The Sagamore has its own modern art and photography gallery, as well as paintings and sculptures in just about every room on the property. From the pool there is a dazzling view of both surf and sky - The Sagamore Hotel is located directly on the water, though it is a bit of a walk from the main drag.

• Rates: 1/1/03 - 5/31/03: $300; 6/1/03 - 10/31/03: $225; 11/1/03 - 12/31/03: $300
• Rooms: 93 units
• What to do: Unwind in your whirlpool bath-shower - located in every room - or check out the famous "Ocean Front Zero-Entry Infinity Edge Pool."
• Details: 1671 Collins Avenue, Miami, Florida 33139. Tel: 305.535.8088; Fax: 305.535.8185; www.sagamorehotel.com.
• Credit Cards: AM, DC, MC, V, Diner's Club.
• Parking: 24-hour Valet service: $20.

RESTAURANTS

Wish, The Hotel’s restaurant, and one of Miami's hottest new culinary additions. Chef Michael Reidt combines French-Brazilian food with Persian-inspired décor and a lush, garden setting.

• THE FOOD
  Reidt’s menu has a lot of unusual selections, like quinoa, seared watermelon, avocado hollandaise, and his Blueberry-Lemon Thyme Glaze.
• RECOMMENDED DISHES
  Braised Beef Short Rib "Churrasco;" Rioja Braised Veal Cheeks; Peekytoe Crab Salad; Winter Squash Soup; Truffled Taro Root Ravioli with braised “rabada” (oxtail).

Metro Kitchen, located in The Astor hotel, is an experience unto itself, showcasing Chef Rob Boone's latest creations through an exquisite menu with elegant presentation.

• THE FOOD
  Chef Rob Boone prepares fresh and tasty Asian-inspired fare.
• RECOMMENDED DISHES
  Duck breast and Leg with Grilled Apples and Fresh Spinach; Local Snapper with Wood Barreled Soy, Tuna Belly with Fresh Horseradish; Steamed Snapper with Udon Noodles and XO.

Rumi feels like an upscale disco, with a trendy clientele and huge lights suspended from the ceiling. If you’re interested in the South Beach scene, this is the place to check out.

• THE FOOD
  Rumi is the place to go if you’re ready to party – and have tasty snacks along the way.
• RECOMMENDED DISHES
  Salmon Tartar with Key Limes, Black Olives and Crispy Potato Sticks; Key Lime Tart with Brazil Nut Crust; Stone Crab Salad with Roast Tomato, Tomato Jelly, Baby Mustard Greens and Mustardy Crème Fraîche; Lobster Bisque.

La Broche and Chef Angel Palacios are relative newcomers to the South Beach dining scene. Dining at this restaurant is an experience - this is not a repeat of the Chilean Sea Bass prepared for the umpteenth time.

• THE FOOD
  Each dish is delicately prepared with creativity and precision, from the cocktail to the dessert.
• RECOMMENDED DISHES
  Eggplant Soup with Cheese Foam and Tomato Sauce; Mojama with Bread and Tomato; Gratin Mushrooms; Rockfish with Sautéed Spring Onions and Pink Pepper; Pork Cheeks and Sautéed Vegetables; Coffee with Milk and Almond Muffins with Butter.

Nemo Chef Michael Sabin and Pastry Chef Hedy Goldsmith are a dream team, packing a one-two punch that satisfies both sweet and savory cravings to the fullest.

• THE FOOD
  The menu’s savory selections, each as appetizing as the next, are balanced by equally appealing dessert offerings.
• RECOMMENDED DISHES
  Garlic Cured Salmon Rolls; Crispy Prawn Salad; Spicy Vietnamese Beef Salad; Whole Pompano with Lemongrass; White Chocolate Cream and Bing Cherry Napoleon; Meyer Lemon Trio.

Azul Chef Michelle Bernstein adventurous menu shows a broad array of world culinary influences.

• THE FOOD
  From Malaysia (Curry Stewed Vegetables) to Korea (kim chee) to Italy (Sicilian Olive-Tomato Sec and Polenta), the menu is exciting and diverse.
• RECOMMENDED DISHES
  “Short Rib Burger” with Truffle Fries; Duck Confit; Foie Gras Torchon.

Biscaya Grill has elegant cuisine and impeccable service (there are even little stool for purses).

• THE FOOD
  Chef Willis Loughhead, the mastermind behind the food, served his version of classic, French-inspired fare with grace and creativity.
• RECOMMENDED DISHES
  Seared Foie Gras on Caramelized Pear, with a taste of "Doktorenhof" vinegar; Smoked Duck with Rabbit Confit; Grand Marnier Soufflé.