These days, before visiting a new place I make a sincere effort to track down the best small to mid-sized boutique hotels – hidden gems with chic décor, unexpected amenities and competitive room rates.

It may require 90 minutes of internet searching, and sometimes more, but my time is always repaid with an enriched vacation experience.

I liken it to my feelings on travel dining: Why would a tourist prefer McDonald’s in, say, Key West, when he or she could savor conch fritters at BO’s Fish Wagon for the same price?

In that spirit, I’m ready to dish on my latest find: Circa39 Hotel at 3900 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.

Roughly two miles north of the South Beach hotspots, Circa39 creates an intimate setting without taking you too far from the party. Originally built in 1939, this fully renovated boutique hotel is dressed to impress with sleek furnishings, poolside cabanas, bistro dining and tropical gardens. The 86 guest rooms include 15 suites with kitchenettes, all just steps from white sands and ocean breezes.

Visitors wanting to see and be seen can follow an oceanside boardwalk down to South Beach. Spend $1.50 to take the H or S bus route, which also stops near Lincoln Road Mall and Espanola Way (both brimming with shops and restaurants).

After a whirlwind night of partying at SoBe’s hot salsa clubs, you’re only a $10 taxi ride away from the quiet retreat of your comfortable bedroom.

Circa39 guests are automatically enrolled into the Spoil Me Plan at check-in time. Take advantage of this $10 per person per day frill, and enjoy daily breakfast (hot eggs, cold cuts, cereal, fruit, pastries, yogurt, coffee, etc.) and a nightly happy hour with unlimited beer, wine and house liquor from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The plan also includes beach chairs, internet and fitness room access, and daily newspapers.

My online inquiries found rooms ranging from about $116 to $232 per night, depending on travel dates, parking fees and taxes. Hot summer months tend to be the least expensive, but it never hurts to check for discounts or specials during any season.