July 18 2008: In the bizarro, art deco'd-out universe of chic, historical & flamboyant South Beach, two places have constantly been at the top of my lodging list : the Shore Club & The Delano. Forget the Ritz .

I'm writing this brief blurb as I'm shocked the Shore Club is not in VibeAgent's Top Miami destinations. First of all, the Shore Club pool is THE place to be in SoBe. Much like the Hard Rock Hotel pool in Vegas, its laden with all the excesses and trappings of luxe accoutrements you could imagine. In fact, I must confess, when I'm in SoBe and not staying at the Shore Club, I smuggle a Shore Club room key with me just so I can get into the pool area (sorry, the hotel is accessible to guests only -- unless you know someone, or have at least pseudo-celebrity status (or notoriety) there).....if pressed you could almost make the Chateau Marmont comparison.

The other reason to save those Shore Club keys, folks (I'm kiddding, I'm kidding...but seriously.), is that the Shore Club is home to SkyBar, one of the cooler nightlife destinations in South Beach.

With regard to the actual room acommodations, they are pretty teensy. They are decked out with modern stylings and usually "whitewashed" (everything's white), but definitely a bit cramped. Don't worry, you won't be spending too much time in your room...if you are, you're doing something wrong!

Date of stay: January 2008
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Friends/Group)