My fiance and I stayed at the National for my birthday in June 2004. We booked the hotel through expedia and got a pretty good deal for a four star hotel surrounded by MUCH more $expensive$ hotels. It is amazing. Within walking distance of Ocean Drive the beach is right behind the hotel and the pool...The pool is amazing, it is heated to the perfect temperature and was never crowded or even had more than 5 people in it the whole time we were there. We never had to open a hotel door the whole time we were there the doormen were great!
Our room was small but very art deco and cute. The ocean view is WELL worth the extra $$$ (absolutley gorgeous). We didn't eat at the hotel restaurant, though it did look nice my fiance and I are in our early 20's so we didn't feel rich enough to eat there, LOL j/k.
My only complaint is the shower (not tub), there is no shower door so the water gets all over the floor...it's really very odd but we had towels so it was okay.
The hotel is located right in the middle of all the "fancy" hotels like Loews. If you want to stay in a nice hotel in South Beach definitely do not stay on Ocean Drive, those hotels are very run down, not upscale at all.

Recommended: Yes