We stayed at the Cavalier because we wanted a decent hotel on the main drag. And that's exactly what we got. The rooms are extremely small and the bathroom fixture might look old, but everything is clean, the staff was nice and helpful and it's right where the action is. Just across the beach, on the main drag. Just put on your best clothes and head out of the door. You're there.
Cavalier looks like your old European hotel: art-deco furniture and a funky old elevator that might scare some but that it only adds to the whole flair.
News Cafe is close by (excellent breakfast.)
We were traveling with our then five-month old baby so we asked for a room away from the ocean and the street which we got. They also provide baby-sitting for an extra cost, but we ended up not using the service. Being on the main street, my husband and I just took turns going out and looking at the street action at night.
Parking is extra and is not easy to find parking around. But hey, it's South Beach. If it were easy, we'd all be living there.
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