"How did it strike you on arrival?It’s impossible to miss The Betsy. Blink and you might think you mistakenly hopped a plane to Savannah instead of South Beach. But at the northernmost end of Ocean Drive, the hotel’s Florida-Georgia style of architecture sticks out like a colonial masterpiece in a sea of pastel-colored Art Deco gems. It also brings a bit of genteel Southern charm to a street that is otherwise drowning in neon-lit signs and two-for-one cocktail catastrophes. Stepping through the front door is an instant cure for stress. What’s the crowd like?While some people head to South Beach with only late nights out on their mind, The Betsy attracts a different, more erudite crowd. Yes, they love being in the thick of all that touristy mayhem, but prefer that it not happen right outside their window. And it’s not just the hotel’s quaint façade that seems to attract a different type of South Beach reveler; inside, the public spaces act as a sort of art gallery, with photo exhibitions rotating throughout the year. The Betsy also hosts a series of festivals and lectures, and prides itself on maintaining a mini library of books in each room, as well as a hotel library available to all guests. Importantly: Tell us about your room.Though the hotel offers several levels of rooms and suites, we opted for a Royal Suite to ensure maximum comfort and privacy—and it more than delivered. At 600 square feet, the room felt palatial, and its layout made it feel like a home away from home. Before you got to the room itself, a private hallway kept the bathroom, closet, and storage area away from the living space, and there was even a writing desk with a collection of interesting novels. We were lucky enough to land a corner suite, which overlooked Ocean Drive and Miami Beach. But the best part of the room was the heavy set of wooden doors that separated the master bedroom (which also looked out at the beach) from the living room. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?As if having a separate master bedroom weren’t enough to make you fall in love, the king-sized bed was grand—and its view right out onto the ocean made it that much easier to fall asleep. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?While the personal libraries in each room are a charming touch for any bibliophile, the fact that the desk was separated even from the master bedroom and living room made me never want to leave. Equally impressive: that the staff is able to keep a number of orchids blooming in each and every room. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The Betsy’s Thasos & Carrera marble bathrooms are big. Just how big? Well, ours was large enough to feature oversized double sinks, plus a walk-in glass shower that, on estimate, could easily fit a half-dozen or so of our best friends. Malin + Goetz products always get a big thumbs up. We can all use some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that?Wi-Fi was powerful, whether it be on the front porch, by the pool, on the rooftop, or in the deepest recesses of our room. Even better? It was free. Food and beverage: What's the scoop?Room service comes courtesy of LT Steak & Seafood, the popular lobby restaurant that some people might remember as BLT Steak (if you eat at the restaurant itself, prepare to start with what might be the world’s largest, and most delicious, popover). True to the eatery’s name, they’re happy to deliver a wide variety of steaks to your room—at $45, an 8-ounce filet mignon is the closest to a bargain choice. I opted for the $16 burrata salad with arugula, romesco, and grilled bread (be prepared to shell out more if you want to add grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, smoked salmon, or seared tuna). Laurent Tourondel also runs The Alley, a modern bistro on site at the hotel, too. How did you find the service?As we arrived a couple hours earlier than check-in, our room wasn’t ready when we first walked in the door. But the front desk made it clear that this was not a problem, and even offered us a private space to change if we wanted to use the pool or sundeck while we waited. We opted to have a drink at the bar instead, and got an excellent rundown of the hotel, its amenities, and all the art happenings that were going on that week from the bartender. He got even more bonus points for mixing up a perfectly spicy Miami Margarita (the addition of jalapeño, kiwi, and orange bitters is what makes it “Miami”) and refilling our snack bowl about 30 times without even the hint of an eye roll. Anything stand out about other hotel features?Given its beachfront location, the hotel maintains its own staff of beach attendants to get you situated with chairs, umbrellas, and anything else you might need. If you’d like all the benefits of a salty ocean breeze but without the sand and limited walking, there’s a rooftop ocean deck loaded with beach chairs (and a bar). A recent renovation means that there are now two pools to enjoy: a courtyard one on the ground floor toward the back of the hotel doesn't get a ton of sun, while the new rooftop pool has sun-lovers rejoicing. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?As much fun as a stroll up and down Ocean Drive can be, there comes a point when being accosted by restaurant employees who want to sell you on their $5 breakfast deal or two-for-one happy hour special loses its charm. Because of its location at the tippity top of Ocean Drive, The Betsy is a couple of blocks removed from all that mayhem, yet still offers the same great beachfront address and all the wild people-watching you can handle. Bottom line: Is it worth it?With its spacious accommodations, helpful staff, and breezy feel, The Betsy is really the only choice for someone who wants to be a part of the Ocean Drive action without being a part of the Ocean Drive craziness." - Jennifer M. Wood
