The Standard, Miami

The Standard Miami is the Miami iteration of hospitality group Standard Hotels, a hipster-friendly chain of boutique-style properties that target a younger set. As such, this hotel strives to ironically capitalize on kitsch, from the intentionally dated exterior -- which preserves its mid-century "Lido Spa Hotel" sign across the facade -- to the vintage-inspired interiors. Inside, the lobby is casual and cozy, with granite floors, low, plush sectional sofas upholstered in royal blue, and a large abstract stained-glass window. A ping-pong table sits off to one side. The grounds are similarly funky, with a covered terrace and a half-dozen wireframe swing seats suspended from a ceiling. There's also a pebbled area with an aboveground fire pit surrounded by daybeds, and palm trees and tropical landscaping add to the already secluded setting on Belle Isle, away from the hectic bustle of South Beach. Hammocks and large sculptures only add to the laid-back, but stylish, effect. Note that guests must be 18 and over in order to stay at this property. The hotel attracts both hip business travelers and younger tourists as well as guests who come specifically for the spa. 

The Standard is located on Belle Isle, in Biscayne Bay, between the mainland and South Beach. As such, the slightly removed distance from the party in South Beach won't please those looking to walk (or stumble) to the bars and clubs. Certain South Beach locations are within walking distance; for instance, it will take about 15 minutes to reach the western end of Lincoln Road by foot. Otherwise, it's about a 15-minute drive into downtown Miami and the Wynwood Arts District, while the beaches and Art Deco architecture of South Beach can all be reached in about 10 to 15 minutes by car, or 20 minutes on the bus. Miami Beach Convention Center, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, and the Miami Beach Golf Club are each only around a five-minute drive away. The Bass Museum of Art takes around 10 minutes to reach by car, as does the cruise ship terminal. Miami International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

The Standard offers a wide range of room types, ranging from tiny entry-level Standard Mediums clear up to Bay View Suites. Decor is simple and light, with a distinctly nautical-retro look that has beach-cottage vibes. Expect to see light wood details and blue accents, plus beige and blue striped fabrics and furniture that's equally inspired by the clean lines of Scandinavian minimalism and mid-century American design ethos. While at first glance the vintage design scheme is fresh and bright, we did spot a bit of wear on everything from bathroom fixtures to furniture.Standard Mediums and Standard Larges are all on the second floor and can be compact. These measure 230 and 300 square feet (21 to 28 square meters), respectively, and all feature daybeds, flat-screen TVs, bluetooth speakers, air-conditioning, and minibars with organic food and drinks. Snug bathrooms include walk-in rainfall showers and funky marble vessel sinks supported by wooden, folding-chair-style bases -- while chic, this means there's little in the way of counter space. Located on the ground floor, Garden Medium Rooms measure 345 square feet (32 square meters) and have outdoor terrace areas, as do their larger Garden Large equivalents, which measure 415 square feet (39 square meters). Bath Terrace units come in Medium and Large configurations (and are the same size as their Garden equivalents) and they add outdoor terraces with soaking tubs and privacy curtains. There's also a 515-square-foot (48-square-meter) Bath Extra Large unit with a whirlpool hot tub for up to four people on its outdoor terrace and a 555-square-foot (52-square-meter) Bay View Suite with a separate bedroom and living area plus a terrace that wraps around three sides of the building and a clawfoot tub in the bathroom. The hotel also offers an option to choose your own check-in/check-out time (for a fee), making it a solid option for those with flights at odd hours. 

The Standard's most prominent feature is its expansive spa, which is open to outside visitors as well. Features include a Turkish bath, a steam room with aromatherapy, a Finnish sauna and cold plunge, a saltwater infinity pool, and even a mud lounge with algae-based mud. Treatments include facials, massages (also available in rooms), and mani/pedis along with a number of "integrated wellness" offerings ranging from astrology to sound healing. The spa also hosts one-off workshops and events throughout the year covering topics ranging from health and diet to yoga. The hotel's pool sits next to the bay and has lovely water views. It's surrounded by a number of lounge chairs, and topless sunbathing is allowed. There's also a hot tub and cold pool, and paddleboards can be rented from the adjacent dock. The hotel's gardens are a lovely addition to this compact property, and include fire pits, hammocks, and other seating areas for kicking back and relaxing. A mud lounge that's near the pool also allows guests to enter without clothes -- faint of heart, be warned. Lido Bayside Grill opens in the morning and stays open late. While there are plenty of health-food items on the menu, from spirulina bowls to quinoa burgers and raw vegan lasagna, there are options for those who are less health-conscious, including steak frites and huevos rancheros. The restaurant can be rented out for private parties and banquets, and indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces are also available. The hotel also has a juice bar with healthy snacks as well as a couple of bars in the lobby area. The on-site gift shop primarily sells beach accessories and apparel. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.