The neon sign winks "Lord Balfour," beckoning South Beach vacationers to the chic Wave Hotel. A historic art-deco building from 1940, the Wave, once known as the Lord Balfour, stands in the middle of the action on internationally known Ocean Drive and a short stroll from the beach, where sun and sea worshipers can rent water sports equipment, lounge chairs, cabanas and umbrellas. SoBe swings around the clock with nightclubs, shops and cafes, and guests are within short distances from the tad-less-swank shopping and cafes of the pedestrian-only Lincoln Road Mall. Eighteen blocks away, golfers will find their heaven at the Miami Beach Golf Club.

Despite modern conveniences, the Wave still retains its classic look, even the original neon sign. The stylish lobby designed by Italian designer Romi Ferretti, who also designed the guest rooms, will impress guests. The curvy couches in soft blue tones, blue ceiling and tiny hanging lights often serve as backgrounds for fashion shoots.

Guests are offered complimentary, buffet breakfasts and free Internet access. The bar is a great place to enjoy drinks, although guests will discover ample choices for dining and entertainment by walking just outside the door into the SoBe nightlife.

Guest rooms are small, but guests shouldn't blame that on Romi, whose stylish decorations are echoed in the custom Italian furnishings; Murano glass lamps; soft blues and grays; high, café tables; and blue dressers with wave-shaped drawers and frosted-glass tops. The rooms feature CD players, digital safes, mini-bars, bathrobes, "wave" sound machines, framed silk abstract designs, and Internet access.

Being oh-so funky and close to all the club action, the boutique Wave Hotel caters to hip young adults and those folks seeking to capture the essence of the Miami Beach good life.