After being in business for over 30 years this family-friendly hotel has finally received a well deserved makeover and is now the perfect vacation stay for budget-conscious travelers who still want to be in the mix. The updates include plasma TV’s in the rooms, a redesigned restaurant and banquet hall and a newly tiled and furnished pool. There are also plans to build a spa in 2010. Since the Newport Beachside is always booked, management decided not to close down the hotel and opted to do improvements by sections instead. Although it may not be directly on Ocean Drive, it is centrally located within 15 minutes of everything. This hotel is for the bargain hunter who wants to save their money for the glitz and glam of South Beach nightlife, and for those who plan annual family vacations.

Room rate: $100–$200 per night