What to expect: Exemplified by a marble lobby with overstuffed seating under a huge chandelier, the Spanish-Moorish-style hotel features expansive, airy, tranquil common rooms with wood accents and terra-cotta tile floors. Leisure travelers come here for access to the beach and to Atlantic Avenue's shopping and dining attractions.

Amenity highlights: The Delray Beach Marriott sits diagonally across the street from an entrance to Delray Beach, a deep, long strand of dove-gray sand, with cushioned teak lounges and fold-up cabanas available for rent. On oceanfront terraces, furnished with padded lounges, the hotel offers two tropical pools and a 14-person spa tub.

Insider tip: Extending east-west on both sides of the Intracoastal Waterway, renowned Atlantic Avenue features a mile of shops, restaurants, and sidewalk cafés.