Our room at the Indian Creek Hotel was pretty standard: bed, shower, closet. Nothing fancy, but tidy and big enough to not feel cramped. We chose to stay here because it allowed us to splurge on other things like fancy cocktails and dinners out every night.

But the courtyard of this hotel is definitely a standout feature. With palm trees shading the pool and lounge chairs, you can settle in with a good book and completely forget you’re in the city.

Though we didn’t dine at Creek 28, the on-site restaurant, we did have a few drinks out on the patio. The service was good and the warm evening air mixed with twinkling lights made for the perfect romantic evening.

Indian Creek is one of those hotels where you leave your room key at the front desk every time you go out. I’ve seen this before. But never has my key been attached to a giant rubber alligator. So kitschy, so funny, and so totally Miami.

Tim and I were really happy with our hotel stay here and would recommend it to anyone looking to spend some time in Miami without going broke.