THE NATIONAL HOTEL

Located in the heart of funky South Beach's glitzy shops, nightclubs and cafes synonymous with the good life, the restored 1939 National Hotel towers over a stretch of sand known as Glitter Beach. Guests will gasp at the Nation's 205 foot long pool, one of the world's most photographed pools. And that's just one of the hotel's two pools. At the beach, the National beach staff provide chairs, towels and drinks. Art Deco is the rave in Miami Beach, and the canary yellow National is no exception. Its lobby is decorated with Art Deco antiques and richly designed wood furnishings, and even a concierge's desk that replicates the original one. Ravenous vacationers can find nifty cafes in SoBe, but the National's Art Deco eateries are no slouches. Tamara tempts tastebuds with French fusion salads, quiche, steak, salmon, lobster and lamb. Guests at this Miami Beach hotel can enjoy specialty drinks, a Friday happy hour and live entertainment in D'Lounge or throw back cocktails and and enjoy a grill menu at Zee Pool Lounge. Exercise freaks, meanwhile, can work out at a fitness center or participate in complimentary poolside yoga. The National also stands close to golf courses and two blocks from the Miami Beach Convention Center and Lincoln Road Mall's great shopping. National guestrooms come complete with the New York Times or Miami Herald, DVD players, fancy Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, 250 thread count European custom designed sheets, high speed Internet access, bathrobe and slippers. Being in the heart of SoBe (that's Miami Beach lingo for South Beach, the National Hotel caters mainly to upscale leisure travelers. Guests looking to indulge in SoBe's nightlife, however, will find getting into the jammed packed clubs almost as impossible as elbowing into Fort Knox. That's why they should be extra nice to the National's concierges, who are adept at providing VIP access to many top nightspots. &nbsp