The Florida of yesteryear, the 1920s to be exact, is what the Biltmore Hotel, the grand estate property of Coral Gables, represents. This place is a true escape to another era, a la Great Gatsby, with lawns and greenery as far as the eye can see, blended with Italian, Moorish and Spanish architectural influences. Picture this: statuesque columns leading to the ceiling arches are reminiscent of a grand church and a baby grand piano sits alongside floor to ceiling French windows and begs to be played. Although leaving the lobby might be tough, there's much more to explore here. For dining there are four excellent options, with each one better than the next: award-winning Palme d'Or, the Italian courtyard restaurant Fontana, casual al fresco Cascade Grill, and the 19th Hole that overlooks the stellar Biltmore Golf Course. The Cellar Wine Club offers 100 wines by the glass and an intimate club-like setting. The rooms and suites are adorned with European feather bedding and Egyptian cotton duvet covers, custom-designed furniture in the seating areas, tile flooring and picture perfect windows overlooking the grounds and pool. And if that weren't enough luxury wrapped up in the Biltmore, there's always the spa. The airy room filled with candles, comfy lounge chairs, beds and a gorgeous tiled spa tub, is a sanctuary for facial treatments, body scrubs, wraps, manis, pedis and all important massages. Complete the spa day with a luscious brunch, a long-time favorite for locals and guests.

Forget for a minute the barrage of fancy high-rise hotels that dot the Miami skyline and envision a leisurely weekend stay at the Miami River Inn, where old Florida is embraced, celebrated and preserved and has been since 1910. Set along the historic Miami River (hence, the name), this quaint bed and breakfast has survived the changes that have made Downtown Miami into a thriving, modern metropolis. The pale yellow house with lime green trim cries out Florida citrus while the lush tropical landscaping surrounding the pool provides a soothing, relaxing, sun-soaking oasis. The Inn's four cottages each with 10 rooms, feature hardwood floors, antique brass, wood and wicker furnishings, lovely sitting areas, garden views and comfortable, beautifully dressed beds. First floor rooms feature porches that open to the garden area, while second and third floor rooms provide a remarkable view of the Miami River and Downtown Miami. The croquet green is a fun way to pass the time followed perhaps by a complimentary glass of wine in the evening. Miami River Inn is located at 118 SW South River Drive, 305-325-0045, www.miamiriverinn.com

With a recent $50 million renovation (who would've thought that was necessary), the already spectacular Loews Hotel in the heart of South Beach is now well...beyond chic. The re-designed lobby, guestrooms, entrance and addition of ice cream shop and boutique take the hotel to another level. With 790-gorgeously appointed rooms and suites, they are spacious with flat-screen televisions, comfortable and luxurious seating areas, bedding, bathrooms and balcony views. For those who need to stay connected there's hi-speed WiFi. The oceanfront pool is the perfect spot to relax and for the ultimate in massage, facials and more the Elemis Spa awaits with yoga and fitness classes, a rooftop sundeck and full hair and nail salon. They make getting ready for an evening out on South Beach a breeze. The Loews is located at 1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 305-604-1601, www.loewshotels.com/miami-beach-hotel

Most of the hotels around Miami's upscale Brickell area near Downtown Miami are big name large hotels so when Hotel Urbano opened its doors hailing itself as an "urban, art boutique hotel with a resort flavor" it was a welcome addition to the area. The 65-room, three-story hotel features double and king rooms with pool and city views, balconies and walk-out lanais. Comfortable seating area with balcony view, flat screen television, premium cable channels and comfy robes make the getaway experience even more complete. Highlights at Urbano include a rockin' menu at the Bistro Urbano Restaurant & Bar by Executive Chef Anthony Velazquez, ecclectic art that rotates regularly when art shows are held and a relaxing, inviting pool area with firepit, waterfall and comfy lounge and covered couch seating. Sipping a cocktail from the bar and nibbling on some killer apps by the pool is the way to go. And it's easy to stretch out the evening with the nearby pulsating Brickell nightlife. Hotel Urbano is located at 2500 Brickell Avenue, Miami, FL

Sitting on the breezy porch of the Betsy Hotel on Miami Beach's most famous stretch of road- Ocean Drive-this hotel is a standout structure with a colonial non-Art Deco look and an environmentally conscious green program throughout the property, something they're proud to flaunt. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and this beauty deserves the recognition. While its traditional look is intact, it still has its South Beach touches. An inviting secluded courtyard pool beckons with an enclosed pool deck and plenty of amenities or there's the rooftop retreat deck for unbeatable ocean views. Plantation style shutters, black walnut hardwood floors, walk-in showers, comfy custom built poster beds, and sunny colors make the suites and classic rooms an inviting place to relax and take in the views; staring at the swaying palm trees across the street and seeing endless ocean views is why they call this place paradise. And when it's time to eat, BLT Steak is where it's at, with delectable items prepared by award-winning Chef Laurent Tourondel, whose skills have been praised by both Bon Appetit and Food and Wine Magazines.

The importance of making a statement is evident at first glance of the Viceroy Miami. Bold statement pieces, like massive, Dali-esque face sculptures, greet both arriving guests and people driving along posh Brickell Avenue. The Viceroy is a unique boutique hotel situated in the heart of the Biscayne Bay- and takes full advantage of its prime location with fabulous amenities. There's rooftop partying and dining on the 50th floor's aptly named Club 50, which wraps around the hotel's pool and where deejays play the hottest tracks during happy hour and for the night owls. The 28,000-square-foot spa bathes guests in relaxation and luxury with a floating library, reflecting pond, hot and cold plunge pools and floor to ceiling windows showcasing dramatic bay views as far as the eye can see. The Viceroy Hotel is as unique, luxurious and bold as its decorative pieces.

Stepping away from the Art Deco theme and chaos that is South Beach is The Setai, a hotel created to soothe the mind, body, and soul of all who enter and arguably the best hotel in Miami- by miles. A zen-like atmosphere is evident the moment one touches the Asian-inspired front door handles and enters the hotel oasis to a chorus of soothing sounds echoing from the sound system. Hard-working models, celebs, and professional athletes are among the regulars that come to enjoy the scenic Setai. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby is a serene open-air courtyard with a centerpiece fountain surrounded by intricately placed palm trees, backless, cushioned benches, and a large wooden bar in the rear. The theme continues in the guestrooms where a minimalist approach, using jade and other Asian-inspired decorative pieces, contributes to an overall soothing experience. The Setai proves a trip to Miami can be as relaxing as Thailand.