The Raleigh hotel is one of those storied hotels that almost anyone would want to love. You want to love it because it’s an Art Deco gem, because Esther Williams once plunged into the pool, because character and history fills this place. The thing is, despite the hotel’s many pluses — beach chairs and umbrellas, crisp and cool sheets, and both the beach and that gorgeous pool — it isn’t necessarily the most comfortable stay. I don’t mind sitting on cane furniture that seemingly belonged to Blanche Devereaux or having puddles on the floor whenever I shower. Not a big deal. But I do mind the thin walls, interminably slow elevators (much faster to take the stairs), and the early-morning housekeeping knock-knocks. Because at the end of the day, vintage charm doesn’t make up for a noisy night and morning. And yet: I still love the peach deer ‘R’ logo and the overpriced lobby coffee bar and the sense that you’re vacationing in another decade. So is the Raleigh the best fancypants hotel in Miami? Probably not. Is it a place where everyone should stay at least once, given the chance? Absolutely.

Tags: florida, hotels, miami, south beach, the raleigh