ALBION HOTEL

One of Miami Beach's Nautical Art Deco masterpieces, the Albion South Beach Hotel a luxury ocean liner on dry land stands a block from pedestrian only Lincoln Road Mall, which is crammed with shops and restaurants, and serves as home to a symphony orchestra, multiplex cinema and theater. More than 50 local artists work and display their creations in the walk in studios. One of the boutique Rubell Hotels, the Albion, located two miles from the beach, sports a distinctly contemporary simple, yet elegant, in hotel parlance interior design. The 60 foot pool on the second level includes portholes looking into the deep end. After swimming laps, guests can work out in a nearby fitness room. In addition to 24 hour room service, they also can dine at The Pantry, where they can sit indoors or outside by the pool. They also can belly up to the bar with the locals at the hotel's Fallabella Bar. Guestrooms feature a stark, minimalist décor, with custom wood furnishings by architect Carlos Zapata, and amenities ranging from CD players, cable TVs, spa bathrobes and the Rubell Hotels' own cucumber scented bath essentials. Albion guests may also access the amenities of the two other Rubell hotels in the area: the nearby Greenview and the oceanfront Beach House in Bal Harbor. What's more, they can schedule private tours of the Rubell family's renowned collection of contemporary art. The Albion's clients are a mix of business and leisure, with an emphasis on U.S. and European travelers from the fashion, media and art worlds. Catalogue crews, magazine editors and photographers often use the hotel's superb architecture as the focal point for photo shoots. Families descend on the hotel looking for that unique Miami Beach experience, while couples with romance on their minds find the Albion the perfect retreat for a weekend getaway. &nbsp