MIAMI BEACH

s a frequent South Beach visitor and nightlife connoisseur I'm gonna let you in on a little secret: Some of the hottest parties thrive in the beach's coolest hotels. And no, I'm not talking about those infamous, drunken celebrity-infested hotel room after-parties either— although those are fun too. But, let's face it: when you go to South Beach you go to party, right? So why not just stay where the party is? Here's a look at the best party hotels in South Beach.

The Astor is located right in the heart of party central on Washington Avenue just steps from Bed, Mynt, Rumi, Twist, Score, Pearl, Nikki Beach, Tantra, Opium Garden, Privé, Mango's, Crobar, State, Mansion, Flute and Jazid. Be sure to stop by the and see the hotel's concierge - he/she will not only put you on the best VIP lists, but he/she also has a limited number of free passes for the bigger clubs like Crobar. The hotel hosts its own Tuesday night party thrown by the infamous Tommy Pooch (rest assured his celebrity posse is not far behind). On the turntables you will find DJ K2 and the Miami Dolphins' resident mix master DJ Irie. Starting at 10pm on Saturday nights, the party is hosted by Aaron Resnick and Jeff Brook from AJAX Entertainment. DJ Mark Brickman spins a smooth mix of house, which you can be sure attracts South Beach's beautiful people. And in true Miami style the party doesn't stop once the sun comes up - the Astor is known for their signature Sunday Gospel-Jazz Brunch, which starts at 11:30am.

If you are looking for sleep then the Delano is not the hotel for you. The Rose Bar, located in the whimsical, yet minimalist, lobby of the Ian Schrager-owned hotel, pours out top-dollar martinis to locals, hotel guests and not-so-incognito celebrities alike. As far as hotel lobby parties go, the Delano's Wednesday night party is one of the best. DJs spin a contagious mix of '60s lounge music, rock and hip-hop. The real party doesn't start until about 1am, so why not start the night out with a bite to eat at Blue Door located just behind the lobby. After dinner you can check out the scene at
the pool bar where everyone from Calvin Klein to Jennifer Lopez has been spotted. Grab a spot on one of the plush couches in the tents located along the pool and conserve your energy until it's time to dance - you're going to need it!

This is the hotel where rock-n-roll lives. Formerly owned by Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, this hip haven also houses South Beach Studios, a recording and mixing facility, which has been has attracted big names bands like Aerosmith and U2 among others. And don't be surprised if you see beautiful models strolling by or catching some rays on the couches in front of the hotel - Elite Modeling Agency also calls the Marlin home. The very hip but low-key Marlin Bar and restaurant attracts a great mix of tourists and locals trying to escape the sometimes over-rated South Beach scene. Located on one of the busiest corners of Collins Avenue, this is definitely the place to be if you are looking to be in the middle of it all. There is no pool, however the rooftop garden/bar area provides a fantastic view of the beach and the city. The hotel also offers reduced rates at Crunch Fitness and VIP access to many local clubs.

In South Beach, the Sunday night party is the one locals anticipate all week long. And while Nikki Beach had Sunday night on lock down for years, looks like these days everyone one from rap star Snoop Dogg to Anna Kournikova to the dime-a-dozen Paris Hilton wannabes hit the Raleigh for the Saint Tropez-style beach club party Soirée Sundays. This ten-hour party is hosted by hotel owner André Balazs and A-list promoters Alan Roth, Tommy Pooch and Ingrid Casares. Although the party keeps going even after sundown - which is when most people come out - let it be known that it is indeed fashionable to show up to this particular party early (festivities start at noon). The shimmering pool with a cascading waterfall, in which Esther Williams was often filmed, is now the backdrop of an amped-up, no holds barred bash (don't be surprised if the entertainment includes a fire-eating performer or two).

The scene at the Shore Club is all about choices. Have dinner and drinks at one of South Beach's most acclaimed restaurants, Nobu conveniently located inside the hotel itself. After dinner you can take your pick of the Skybar hangouts without ever having to leave the hotel. Get a table and order a bottle of champagne in the Redroom (7pm - 3am), or lounge in the hotel's 2,500-square-foot outdoor living room, also known as the Redroom Garden (4pm - 3am). The Rum Bar is centrally located between the pools and offers 75 different rums - just look for the large daybeds and white sheer curtains (Sun. -Thurs. 10am - 2am, Fri. - Sat. 9am - 3am). Or if you are looking for more of a private setting head over to the Sand bar - you won't be disappointed. If you stay at the Shore Club, there is no need really to leave the hotel, but if you want to see what else South Beach has to offer, no worries, you are steps from the Delano, Mynt and many other bars and
restaurants.

The Townhouse is one of the coolest hotels on South Beach mostly because all of its amenities are aimed at a younger crowd (read: those who like to meet new people and party). There are self-service laundry machines and a library of CDs, videos and magazines are provided for guests. Outdoor swings on the front terrace cater to those we like to lounge around lazily in a post-beach haze. It's also easy to make new friends while dining on the complimentary Parisian breakfast everyday from 7 - 11am. Downstairs, some of South Beach's tastiest sushi is served at Bond St. Lounge - a Miami version of the successful Manhattan hot spot. Hot and cold appetizers are served, and on the weekends DJs offer up the latest vinyl hits. The jewel of this great hotel is the roof top bar area - it has one of the best views in all of South Beach and the oversized red waterbeds make for comfortable lounging. Friday night at sunset attracts some of the coolest people on the beach and it's one if the hottest happy hours around.

(HOTELS THAT ROCK, PARTY NOT INCLUDED:)

Owned by the same folks as the Diesel Jeans company, the Pelican is located right on South Beach's famed Ocean Drive. Each of the boutique hotel's 30 rooms and suites is decorated as outrageously as some of the area's drag queens. Each room is a party in itself if you will - Room 309, is the "Psychedelic(ate) Girl," Room 201 is the "Executive Fifties" suite, and Room 313 is the "Jesus Christ Megastar" room. But the most popular and the tough-to-score room is Room 215, better known as the "Best Whorehouse," said to have made even Heidi Fleiss blush. This is the perfect hotel if you plan on going out while you are visiting South Beach but are one of those rare folks who like to go back to your hotel and actually get some sleep. The concierge can put you on any of the beach's VIP lists and the hotel bartender pours one of the meanest apple martinis around.

For all of you jetsetters who will accept nothing less than the best, the Tides will be your home away from home. This luxury hotel will offer you everything you can dream of and that includes the all important location, location, location. Situated right in the heart of Ocean Drive you will be steps from the ocean, fantastic restaurants and Miami's best nightlife. Talk to the hotel's concierge and he/she will be more than happy to make bottle service reservations at the hottest clubs on the best nights. Forget waiting in line behind those velvet ropes because one call from the concierge and your name will appear on every guest list in town. Grab dinner at the hotel's pride and joy 1220, and before you leave be sure and enjoy a "morning after" brunch on the patio overlooking the water. You'll agree - a Bloody Mary never tasted so good.