The Raleigh Hotel has been dubbed as the "It" hotel more than once in its history. It was previously owned by Andre Balazs, known for his New York celebrity hang out, the Mercer, and Los Angeles' Standard..

In the romantically lit lobby restaurant chef Keith Harry of NYC's Butter will be cooking up hearty fare like chicken stuffed with chorizo and truffle fries. Before, or after, dinner you can relax at the Oasis Lounge or grab a sunset drink at legendary Martini Bar. But forget about trendy restaurants and lounges, the pool is the Raleigh's hottest spot. The scallop-shaped pool was once graced by Esther Williams and still draws video producers, party-goers and fashion photographers, as evidenced by Lindsay Lohan's recent rooftop photo shoot.

The hotel itself has quite the Deco allure with polished wood, original terrazzo floors and the deliberate Victorian accents (hallway chandeliers and in-room oil paintings).

The rooms are effortlessly chic and come standard with stereos, DVD players, twice daily maid service, linen duvets, 400 thread count sheets, complimentary wireless Internet connection and newspaper as well as Kiehl's toiletries. We definitely recommend requesting a room overlooking the stunning pool area (with ocean views!) - you won't be disappointed.

If you want to splurge the 6,000-square-foot, three-bedroom penthouse with a nearly 2,000-square-foot terrace is the ticket. One look at the Raleigh and there will be no doubt as to how this hotel made its way onto the Conde Nast Hot List for 2005.

Raleigh Hotel Hotel Details

Rating:	- 4 stars based on 1627 reviews across the Web
Address:	1775 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Rates:	$$$
Payment:	Cash, All Major Credit Cards
Reservations:	800-258-7503
Website:	www.raleighhotel.com
Oceanfront:	Yes
Pool:	Yes (gorgeous)
Wi-Fi:	Yes
Accessibility:	Wheelchair Accessible