Best for: Families or couples looking for a full-scale resort in Key West that includes a beach.

Public spaces: The lobby retains its sweeping grandeur but with a fresher look and broader views -- plus an absinthe bar. The spa and fitness facilities are across the street. The jaw-dropper, though, is the new pool area.

Rooms: The renovation brought variety; along with standard rooms you can now book lofted suites (expensive, but family-friendly) and rooms with rooftop balconies overlooking the sea.

Caveat emptor: The hotel sits on the island's southern side, making much of Duval Street a long walk (or reasonable bike ride) away.

Details: 1500 Reynolds St., Key West; 888-303-5717; www.casamarinaresort.com.

Deals: Summer rates start at $149.

CLEVELANDER

MIAMI BEACH

What's new: The ultimate party hotel got a $40 million rehab, recently debuting a much spiffier version of itself. The lobby that formerly housed a sports bar was returned to its original Art Deco look, and an extra pool-deck bar was added. But the real highlight is the rooftop deck; there's even a waterfall pool up there. Most of the hotel's 70 rooms were redone, though new ''Rock Star'' suites offer a bit more space and nicer amenities (including a ''rider'' guests fill out saying what they'd like in the mini bar -- no, you can't ask for a bowl of M&Ms with the brown ones removed).

Best for: Anyone looking to party it up in South Beach. No need for long pants at the Clevelander -- shorts and a tank top will be just fine. Plan on staying up late and sleeping in -- thanks to blackout curtains in every room.

Public spaces: The fun at the Clevelander revolves around the outside party area, where frozen drinks and cold beer fly from three bars surrounded by palm trees. There's a pool, and a stage for bands and regular ''Best Body'' contests. It all overlooks Ocean Drive, making this a great spot to plant yourself and watch the crazy world go by.

Bragging rights: Right in the middle of the Ocean Drive scene -- for under $200 per night, even in high season. You'll be sleeping steps away from one of the busiest bars in town. And after you order one of the new 120-ounce cocktails, you won't have far to go to get in bed.

Rooms: All the rooms but the suites are still a bit small. But updates include glass-walled showers and oversized shower heads plus sound-proofed walls and windows to the point you might actually get a good night's sleep there. But why would you want one?

Caveat emptor: One thing to keep in mind if sharing a room with friends: the new bathroom doors just slide on tracks -- which doesn't exactly provide the kind of privacy some want in a water closet.

Details: 1020 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach; 877-532-5006; www.clevelander.com

Deals/rates: Rooms start at $179.

EDEN ROC

MIAMI BEACH

What's new: The $180 million renovation completed this winter nearly doubled rooms (now numbering 631), added infinity-edged pools and revamped the lobby -- making today's Eden Roc (operated by Marriott as one of its Renaissance hotels) a far cry from the place that the Mertzes and Ricardos stayed during I Love Lucy episodes.

Best for: Families who want to be away from South Beach, but don't want a resort quite as big as the Fontainebleau.

Public spaces: Even if you're not staying there, the new lobby and restaurants are worth visiting. Dominated by a retro mural standing two stories tall, the lobby bar tries to revive the original ''Rat Pack'' vibe of the Eden Roc's 1950s origins. ) And the gia Italian restaurant actually offers a great breakfast alternative. (Treat yourself to the gingerbread custard French toast).

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