1. friendly and patient staff - close to miami beach but not on the noisy part of the beach (ocean blvd) - avoid the rooms facing collins ave or near the elevator shaft - noisy in the middle of the scene at south beach - hotel provides beach towels and a decent bfast for about $7 / day - good shopping and clubs and restaurants on adjacent washington avesuggest overnight trip to key west or key largo to see natural florida and get away - check out john pennekamp state park in key largo for snorkelling - lots of fun .