I was just there last week for the 2nd time. I was there in 2004 and it was a different place back then. The bottom line is this: This place has gone to hell in a soace shuttle. It has become a shabby facility that has been painted over just about as much as it can be! I think of it as a really, really old actress that used to have the look and feel, but just is not that good anymore, no matter how much make up you put on her and doll her up. She may have held the top spot at one point, but those days are all memories now. First off - Some of the staff were horrible and rude! (The ones I dealt with were anyway) They could not seem to communicate with the least bit of english and their manager was even worse (She was an American lady)! She shouted and screamed at the mostly immigrant staff for just about as long as the day was bright, and they would humbly reply "yes maam" in fear of not having a job no doubt. The Front desk team were horrible and rude. The refused to let people pre screen the room on several occaisions. They have no faith in the facility and it shows! They have probably seen all to many folks come back with a big fat " NO THANKS" after a peek at a prepared room. They (one staff member who appeared to be in management)SMOKED in the lobby, or blocked the entrance with the cigarette hand sticking out the door as a means of ventilation, he was particularly rude and arrogant. The thing that made us check out and look elsehere whre the many many "BUGS" in our room. They were coming out of nowhere, and when we reported it, they seemed to have a look on their faces like "Hellooo..bugs..yes this IS Florida! and NO this is not the Ritz Carlton". Thats fine, we checked out and found a nice spot in surfside. Bottom line, unless you get on of the renovated roms on the south section of the hotel - then you will have sub-standard quarters. They fron desk staff do not deserve apenny of your money. My advice, please go some where else. please please please -

I stayed here for a week in an oceanfront room with a small kitchen. The room was clean, comfortable and functional. Very friendly staff who allowed me to check in early. Beach chairs and towels are provided and the beach is very nice and not crowded. Comtinental breakfast was disappointing so I made my own. There is a supermarket 5 minutes away and various restaurants and stores too. I didn't rent a car because I wanted to rest and spent most of my time on the beach. If you don't have much luggage you can take the city bus from the airport for only $2 instead of spending $45 on a cab ride! That's what I did - ask the driver to let you off at the corner of Collins and 94th & you will be right outside the hotel! Here's the link:

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You can check your email at a computer in the hotel lobby.

I'd never been to Miami before, so after a ton of research we decided to give this place a try. I couldn't have loved it more. Don't get me wrong. It's not The Four Seasons, but If you're on a budget, and you want to be by the water, don't hesitate. The location is phenonmenal. The beach behind the hotel wonderful. Yes the property is old, and a little rough around the edges, but it was clean, everyone on staff was friendly and helpful, and the beds/sheets/pillows were comfortable. The suite had a living room, a kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom. Really worked out perfectly.

We paid a little less than $100 a night, including taxes, for our little suite. We booked through Priceline--but not the 'make a bid' section, just the regular section where you know in advance where you're choosing to stay. Added an extra night at the end of our stay (didn't want to leave!) and front desk clerk was nice enough to match that price, even though if you book directly it's 50% more (the webpage, for that night, said $169).

Pros:
--great location at oceanfront, the view will break your heart
--big spacious rooms, ours was a suite with kitchen
--Publix grocery store one block away; bus stop in front that'll take you down to SoBe. CVS walkable distance.
--Two pools! One heated. (Also, giant ocean ;-)
--Free parking, which amazed me, considering how big and expensive an ordeal parking was in Miami Beach/SoBe
--Restaurants and shops (Bal Harbour) a very short walk away
--Away from the chaos of South Beach, so you can go down there in the evening, and come back to your room for some peace
--Did I mention location? The plants and flowers on site and the ocean access were just stunning.


Cons:
--Not the Four Seasons. It was run down, and was rockin' the 80's nostalgia vibe, but in a sort of charming way.
--The continental breakfast was limited. I didn't mind at all, but if you're thinking it'd be okay to feed your family for breakfast, you might be disappointed.
--These idiots that deliver the complimentary papers to your doorsteps at 5 am are loud and annoying.

My husband and I stayed here for 2 nights. The resort/motel is on the ocean and it was a great place. The room we had was like a small apartment. Separate bedroom, kitchen and living room. Lots of storage too. The place was very clean and quite nice for the price and location. Close to all in Miami Beach area. The staff was very helpful and friendly. They had a continental breakfast that was very nice, fresh and abundant. It's a great place if you have kids because of the kitchen area. There are also 2 pools which were very nice as well. We didn't want a very expensive place as we'd really just be at the beach all day.