Picture Perfect South Beach

Sleeping in Style

The Shore Club and the Delano are the official hotels of the festival.

Both of these exemplify the true essence of South Beach, with their trendy bars, lush tropical gardens and state-of-the-art gyms.

Other luxe lodgings include the Hotel Victor, The Bentley Hotel and The Tides, all of which are centrally located boutique hotels.

The Loews and the Ritz-Carlton are always good choices if one desires bigger hotels with superb service.

They both offer poolside lunch service, exclusive spa treatments and kids' clubs.

Or try the seaside Setai, a 40-story glass tower that is one of the tallest buildings in the South Beach skyline.

Each room has a rainfall shower, oversized tub, Lavazza espresso coffeemaker and Acqua di Parma toiletries.

But be prepared to pay -- nightly rates range from $900 for a studio to $6,000 for a three-bedroom suite with a ocean-view balcony.

When the Lights Go Down

Dinner, the main event in South Beach, usually starts in the late evening.

Be sure to call ahead; reservations are a must.

Some of the hotspots include Barton G, which serves eclectic American cuisine and has a beautiful enclosed outdoor garden; Prime 112, a popular steakhouse (expect to wait hours, even with a reservation); and Bond Street (150 20th St.) and Nobu, which both serve superb sushi and Japanese fare.

Newcomer Ola (425 Ocean Dr.) boasts locally-inspired Latin food and impeccable service; the restaurant at the Setai dishes up Asian and French fusion, which is served either indoors and out.

In terms of nightlife, expect to pay a premium to get through the trendiest doors.

South Beach clubs usually play a mix of house and hip-hop and typically get going well after midnight.

	South Beach After Dark

Some of the more touristy nightclubs include Prive and Opium (both at 136 Collins Ave.) and Mansion (1235 Washington Ave.).

For a classier, more exclusive club, check out The Fifth (1045 5th St.). Again, make reservations and don't expect to avoid waiting in long lines.

And for the morning after, put on those sunglasses and check out the outstanding brunch at the Ritz Carlton, which includes unlimited champagne -- the perfect way to revive yourself after the endless art-party weekend.

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