For what this is worth, the name Betsy Hotel (sounds all crinoline and lace, doesn't it?) was shortened when new management took over the old Betsy Ross Hotel some years ago. They just cut the Ross. So that explains the odd girly-sounding name.

The Betsy is on the very north end of Ocean Drive in South Beach, between 14th and 15th streets, facing the avenue and across the street from a broad, sandy beach. Despite the general tone of Ocean Avenue and South Beach, which is cheesy and rocking by night, The Betsy stays classy. I don't want to call it prim, but it sees itself as upscale, which it is. You can relax and talk in the bar/lounge without having anyone blast loud music at you. If I recall, the lobby was silent, or maybe had soft jazz. I can't remember.

And the hotel restaurant, BLT Steak, is a first-rate restaurant, better than most you are going to find within walking distance of the hotel. Since I was in a group with some older folks for whom walking to, say, Lincoln Road was not an option, we stayed put and had one dinner there. It was pricey, but not out of range for quality dining in South Beach. It features Wagyu Beef, which one day I will try. For decent cheaper dining, you can head for Jerry's deli, right around the corner on Collins Ave.

I was there as part of a conference package, and my room was deeply discounted. They made it back on money we spent on meals and in the bars, including a rooftop bar that is open evenings. But I'd stay there at full fare if circumstances called for it. The rooms are on the smallish side, which matters only if you are going to hang out in yours. But the place is exceptionally well run. It is a family operation and the managing family member is always somewhere to be found. And it is friendly to the arts, and there is often some kind of arts programming going on there. Check their on-line schedule.

Because my conference meetings there annually in November, this is my third time at The Betsy. It has earned its high rating on TripAdvisor

We went to the rooftop lounge on an uncharacteristically chilly night. Tim made us so comfortable and was the consummate pro. Ended up spending the evening eating delicious food, laying back admiring the moon. If you want hospitality, the natural beauty and art of SOBE and intellectually gracious savior faire, look no further.

We recently stayed here on the last night of our honeymoon as we needed a layover in Miami. The Betsy was a perfect place to end our trip and readjust back into reality. It is a beautiful hotel, lovely staff, and great vibe. A bit funky without being edgy and too modern. They have several great cultural touches: a library in each room, a photography exhibit in the lobby and hallways, live music in the bar, etc. We would definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone!

We stayed for three nights the week of November 12th after reading about the hotel on TA. The hotel looked to be one of the nicer ones on the strip. We had a Classic King Suite on the second floor overlooking an alley. The rooms are small but very comfortable and quiet when you use the sound machine supplied in the room. We had dinner in the BLT Steakhouse two nights and it was good. We had breakfast twice on the patio. The service was very good. The only complaint about the food was that both times the toast was cold. We enjoyed the deck but this is one area that they need to work on the service levels. The service staff rarely come by and on some occasions were gone for extended periods. We went to the beach and the folks that handle the chairs etc. Did a nice job. They have food and beverages available for sale on the beach. The staff in general were very pleasant and accompanying. We will be back.