THE FACTS ABOUT THE TOWNHOUSE

USA Florida

The 71-room Townhouse is the groovy new kid on the South Beach block, prodigy of the marriage between young, Paris-based designer India Mahdavi, who worked on New York's Mercer and owner Jonathan Morr, the man behind hip, downtown Manhattan restaurant Bond Street. It is aimed at those who still feel young enough to stay out clubbing all night, and who, after only a few hours sleep can turn around and head straight for the beach. The funky design is edgy, but fun; the lobby is furnished with comfy white chairs and long wooden tables strewn with comics and games. Instead of valets there is a self-service laundry room; there are no mini-bars stuffed with champagne, only empty fridges for self-stocking; no fitness-centre, but gym-stations are at the end of every corridor; no pool, but residents can sun-worship on waterbeds on the rooftop deck or chill out in the Japanese Zen water tower. The Bond Street basement sushi-lounge is achingly cool. WHEN TO GO Anytime, although it gets busier at weekends WHICH ROOM TO BOOK Opt for the more spacious corner rooms. Standard rooms from $99; superior from $125; penthouse from $395 CONTACT The Townhouse, 1120 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139 (00 1 305 534 3800; fax: 534 3811; email:info@townhousehotel.com; www.townhousehotel.com)