We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Sea View in Bal Harbour, Florida. Every one of the staff with whom we had contact was exceptionally polite and helpful.

Our trip was booked as a package deal through Expedia. Our only disappointment was the additional charge from the hotel for an upgrade to an ocean view/balcony room. Although we accepted, we thought it was high.

I went to the Sea View Hotel after not being in Miami for over a decade. After going through many of the other hotel web sites, I finally decided on this hotel for value and quality. On sites I visited this hotel was dubbed a three star which is what I was contented to settle with.

Upon entrance into the hotel lobby and into my room (I got one with a balcony), I was most impressed. It was very clean and upscale.

I was treated VERY VERY well by the staff at the front desk.

The rooms were very very roomy, the walk-in closet was a dream and the balcony gave me even more square footage. The hotel was quite enjoyable and definitely made me want to spend some time in the room.

I think the only drawback is the location in respect to South Beach and restaurants. It's quite a distance from a lil diner where I got breakfast.

I would definitely stay again if I wanted to be away from the hubub of South Beach. I mean you can always drive if when you want the action, right?

My fiance and I stayed at the Sea View for a quick getaway
May 26th-28th. Overall we were satisfied, but departed feeling that the property doesn't live up to potential. Better communication between staff and greater attention to detail would go far to bridge the gap between a good experience and a great one.

The positives:

Room was ready for 9am check-in. A welcome surprise fresh off the plane.

Olympic size pool with cabanas, lounges and restaurant/bar. The staff was friendly, accessible and helpful.

Lunch/drinks at the pool bar. Bartenders were outgoing and drinks had quite a kick. Food was very good/excellent and arrived promptly.

Twice daily housekeeping that kept eerything very clean and tidy.

The negatives:

The breakfast staff of 6 could barely handle 10 tables, and was heard grumbling excuses to frustrated fellow diners. Things improved considerably with the arrival of a manager, but service was bad, food was bad and overpriced all considered.

Hotel adds 18% tip on all food and drink purchases. It's presented as a guest convience but serves only as a dis-incentive to staff who don't have to work for tips.

$3 for a diet coke is outrageous unless it's being consumed under a palm tree at the Ritz or Four Seasons.

The gift shop, coffee shop and salon was closed 2 of the 3 days of our stay. Low season perhaps, but it doesn't seem unreasonable to staff the amenitites year round (or holiday wknd)

Bellhop was overzealous in taking our bag on arrival, and concierge was MIA when we wanted to leave bag in storage prior to departure.

Finally, we arrived back from dinner one night to find 3 police cars at the hotel. Next day pool was closed due to a "sanitation issue" from previous evening, resulting in pool needing to be fully drained and refilled. Front desk would not confirm nor deny the two were related but we surmise it was a drunken disorderly/vomit in the pool situation or similar.

Bottom line: It was a fair value at the $165 Expedia rate, and we'd probably stay again armed with the knowledge of how to work around/avoid the irritations. Just not sure what the Sea View aspires to be or what type of clientel it wants to attract. There are elements of luxury in the marble floors and crystal chandeliers, and great potential to be more than it is. For us, to date, the customer service and general feel misses the mark.

It was suposed to be our aniversary. which we usaully spend at the Mayfair house in the grove.(excellant) but we wanted the beach view and a nice pool area. What we got was a great view of the parking lot. , We had to wait for our room . and to top it off . when we complained .we where first told there were no other rooms , Then after my wife called the front desk . all of a sudden a room apeared for an additional $150. up charge. . Needless to say very thing was down hill from there . I got more help from the poolman and bartender than any one in the front desk. including Mr. Jonathan , ! Stay a way ! from this pleace Just two buildings down is the Sheraton Bal harbor , For the same price you get soo much more .