Bal Harbour Village, Florida

Sea View Hotel in Bal Harbour Village, Florida

Next door to the Sheraton is the European-styled Sea View Hotel. With only 220 guest rooms, it provides a more intimate guest experience. Built in 1947, the hotel was a popular winter retreat from wealthy Northerners who made the hotel their vacation home. All rooms have walk-in closets and refrigerators, and in one of the first applications of the time share concept, some are still owned by the families of the original guests.

The Olympic-sized swimming pool is shaded by palm trees and surrounded by 50 Key West-style cabanas featuring refrigerators, televisions, bathrooms, air conditioning and a covered patio with chairs. Just outside the pool area is access to the Bal Harbour beach, and the jogging/walking trail that follows the ocean shore.

Restaurants include the Crystal Room (named for its collection of antique crystal chandeliers) with renowned chef Bennie Banks, the contemporary Terrace Room with ocean views, and the authentically kitschy Emerald Lounge, a treat for nostalgia buffs with a piano bar and lots and lots of mirrors.

The Sea View's modern amenities include a fitness center and beauty parlor, data port connections in guest rooms, a multi-lingual staff, an on-call masseuse and meeting space.

Pictures and review of the Sea View Hotel