The Miami Beach EDITION

Originally the Seville Hotel, built in the 1950s, the Miami Beach EDITION is the result of a partnership between Marriott and famed hotelier Ian Schrager (original owner of the nearby Delano). The hotel incorporated a couple of the large lobby's original features -- white marble floors and gold-tiled columns -- while adding arrangements of beige and white seating, dozens of potted plants, and glass candle holders that transform the lobby into a sultry, tropical garden at night. The primarily white lobby is clean but glamorous, also outfitted with a mirror-backed bar, marble billiards table, and stark, marble front desk. 

On one side of the lobby, guests will find a series of counters at the casual Market eatery; the other side houses the revamped Matador restaurant and bar. Matador was a part of the original Seville hotel and is now being run by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The bar area has a gallery wall filled with photographs of matadors, jewel-toned banquette seating, and an oval-shaped bar. The restaurant has a circular design with a sunken middle section, the original chandelier, and an exquisite matador jacket on display. There's also outdoor seating on a wooden terrace lined with bougainvillea, where guests can sit on wicker chairs under hanging plants or at the bar.  

North of bustling South Beach, Mid-Beach encompasses the Miami Beach area between 23rd St. and 63rd St. The EDITION sits on Collins Avenue and 29th St., and enjoys direct access to a large, private section of the beach (though non-guests can pay to use the beach service as well). The area has begun to rival South Beach for the trendy nightlife spot, thanks to the nearby Fontainebleau. But for guests who want to head to South Beach, it's about a 20-minute walk down to the Delano and a 15-minute drive to the Art Deco district. Miami International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Valet parking is available at the hotel for a fee (during our visit it cost $40 per day).

The 294 guest rooms and suites range from standard rooms starting at 385 square feet to large oceanfront suites in a separate Bungalow Tower. All rooms feature similar neutral-toned furnishings: wooden walls and furniture; white bedding with a light brown blanket; white porcelain tiles. There's little decor or color, save a single green leaf in a vase and framed beach photos; leaf wallpaper adds a surprising pop of color to the inside of the closet. All rooms have a plush lounge chair, wooden desk, stocked minibar, in-room safe, copy of PAPER magazine, and robes. High-tech amenities include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, BEATS Bluetooth speakers that can be taken to the pool or beach, and pre-filled iPods and iPads are available upon request. But the rooms lack coffee/tea facilities. 

Bathrooms have walk-in showers with rain showerheads, black bottle custom Le Labo toiletries, and hairdryers. Some rooms have marble soaking bathtubs. Many rooms also have balconies with teak lounge chairs, either overlooking the ocean or city. There's also nightly turndown service, free bottled water and free newspaper delivery. 

The EDITION has direct access to its pretty, private beachfront where attendants will set guests up with chairs, umbrellas (for a fee), and drink service. There's also a sandy area with plastic beach toys for kids. Note that locals and non-guests can pay to use the beach area. If saltwater isn't your thing, there are two good-size pools at the property lined with lounge chairs and private outfitted cabanas. The pool area also has hammocks, a bean bag toss, and a secluded enclave with cushions, pillows, bright tables, and a ping-pong table set up.

The upscale spa has nine treatment rooms, a hammam, steam room, infrared sauna, nail and hair salon. A modern fitness center with various cardio and strength training machines and free weights is open 24 hours a day. For those guests seeking fun over relaxation, they can head to BASEMENT, an underground section including a bowling alley, ice-skating rink, and nightclub outfitted with dramatic lighting effects.

Business travelers will appreciate the business center and both indoor and outdoor meeting spaces.

There are multiple restaurants and bars throughout the property, so guests won't have to go far for a libation or bite to eat. Indoors, there's the Lobby Bar and Market at EDITION, which is described as a food bazaar with multiple counters and tables. The Matador restaurant and bar can be reached through the lobby, where patrons can sit inside or outside. The restaurant serves Latin-inspired dishes like short rib tacos, avocado pizza, and charred Florida octopus. Next to the pool is Tropicale, a casual outdoor spot with all-day dining.