The Vagabond Hotel

Friendly staff, nice courtyard, comfortable rooms,

Pros: I was concerned that the relatively low price would be reflective in the conditions but I was pleasantly surprised to find it a very well kept, clean and neatly designed facility. The staff clearly tries very hard to make you feel welcome and comfortable. The rooms are a blend of modern and 50's retro style with a huge shower and extremely comfortable pillows! My favorite part though, was the beautiful courtyard/pool/bar area that was like an oasis. Surrounded by a thick hedge of plant-life which keeps it private from outside the facility, but still gives you a gorgeous view of the western sky as the sun sets at night. Nice, well stocked bar right there by the pool, and they had a free (mini) concert with a DJ performing there in the courtyard. If it hadn't been Miami Music Week, I might have considered staying to just party at the hotel! In the morning, I woke up a little earlier than my girlfriend to go for a swim. It was such a beautiful morning, quiet, with just a few guests catching some rays by the pool, and there was a small photo shoot for a clothing magazine going on at the other side of the hotel - pretty cool, and understandable that they would pick the Vagabond to do a photoshoot because the decor all over the place really is neat and would be fitting for a retro-type clothing line. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and I'm very happy because I know exactly where I'm going the next time I come back to Miami - The Vagabond Hotel!

Cons: On the way in from the interstate, I had to drive through some sketchy neighborhoods.