Arriving by shuttle from the airport, there was nobody to help us wheel the luggage across the driveway area. Once at the entrance, we handed over the luggage to a doorman who suddenly appeared and from then on the experience was of a high level of personal service and frequently being greeted by name. Built in the European grand style, the hotel maintains its property and the rooms are well modernized, reasonably sized, quiet and comfortable. Typical of the service standard, there is a town car provided to shuttle guests locally. The concierge was friendly and helpful and one got the impression that no request was too small, large or impossible. Our room had a two sided desk which worked fine as a computer station for me (there is included wifi) and a dressing table on the other side for my wife. One negative is the lack of an in-room coffee maker, but most every other amenity was there. Our stay was short, given the chance we will be back.

Wanted to surprise my hubby for his bday with a stay here. Booked a special that included welcome amenity and complimentary town car service. Welcome amenity took almost an hour to get to our room although it was fresh, yummy and delivered by a very friendly staff member. Went to the pool and were approached by 2 staff members, on separate occasions, in less than a half hour asking if we were actual guests at the hotel?! Booking the town car was a mission. First, i was told i should reserve it as soon as possible. Since i had reservations at a nearby restaurant, i tried to reserve a car as soon as we checked in...i was told to wait until 30-20min prior to my reservation and call from my room. When i call, they tell me the car is out and will be out for 15-20min. 5 min later, i was called to my room to tell me if my hubby and i were willing to share a ride with someone else, the towncar would be available in 5min. My hubby and i rush downstairs and find that the car is waiting for us and that the other gentleman was already in the car...in the backseat. My hubby and i were forced to sit separetly, something i believe the staff should have communicated to the gentleman and asked if he minded sitting in the front as a couple was going to join him. Luckily he was a nice guy and we had good conversation. We did get picked up after dinner without an issue. The special i booked included breakfast, which really meant $20 credit each for breakfast (which doesnt go a long way here). We ordered in room and, i must say, it was delicious! The staff member that delivered it was awesome. She set up our table and was very friendly which really helped me digest the price when i saw the bill!! The room was nice but had an awkward setup in regards to the separation of the living and sleeping areas. Because the tv's for both were back to back, the tv in the living area would respond to the remote when we watched tv in bed! The bathroom was awesome. Super spacious, nice toiletries, really hot water with great pressure...lovely!
Overall, 4/5 stars...nice but slightly missed the mark for the outstanding reputation it has. Maybe it was just an off day.

This was a lovely hotel. First of all, one of the most beautiful pools and lobbies in the world. Gorgeous architecture - very 20s. Like a movie set. As you check in you are offered juice or water and some lovely person will bring it to you while you sit peacefully on the sofa. Parking can be either valet or self park and the self park is literally one minute from the pool entrance, so hardly an imposition. When I needed my boarding pass printed the concierge took care of it no time. The Fontana restaurant is excellent - not outrageously overpriced and not horrid hotel food. Breakfast can be buffet or a la carte. Or eat next to the pool for any of your meals which is a little less expensive and tropically relaxed. About 20 minute drive to Miami Beach, but every time you make the drive you get to plunge into that breathtaking Miami skyline. An extra dividend!

This hotel was awesome and probably one of the most comfortable hotels I have ever stayed in. I was not expecting to like it enough just to sit around here for most of the stay but we did. Rundown:

Value – we ended up canceling a hotel on the water to stay here during a split stay to the area. It was half the price and was so impressive during the first part of our stay we ended up booking in for the second part of the stay. The level of service was well above the price we paid to stay here.

The rooms - were excellent. During the first stay we had a normal room w/ a king bed. The room was large, provided a ton of space. The only downside, it was not really set up w/ a desk etc if you had to do business. I’d ask if your room is set up for business if that is your need. The second part of the stay we had a suite; it was a great size and allowed for plenty of room to relax and work. The internet was a little quirky and would kick you off randomly, that would probably be my only criticism. Every amenity in the room was high end. Advice – try to get one of the few rooms w/ a balcony.

Service – every aspect was perfect. Whether it was in the bar, pool, gym, restaurant, or bell hop it was great.

Grounds – I am bias towards historical hotels. The building is great, interesting, and at times boarders on weird. The restoration that was done to this building was even more impressive when you find out that this building was shuttered for years.

Gym – it is actually an athletic club. It has every machine a normal gym at home would have, complete w/ a juice bar and trainers.

Pool – it bears separate mention because it is one of the largest in the world - definitely something to see and enjoy.

Restaurants – it has several. The food is great, fresh, and well made. The bars are old school and places you can sit, have a drink, and either visit or read and relax.

Location – it’s a 10-15 minute drive to the beach, etc. 5 minutes to the airport. If you want a ton of action and things to do you are going to have to drive to it – it really depends what sort of experience you would like.

Golf – great track – and next to the hotel, no driving necessary.

In short, this is a great place to stay if you are in the Miami area and use for a base of operations – especially if you want to stay out of the crowds. This is an even better place to stay if you want to fly to Miami, take a car to the hotel, and check out for the weekend. Try it, you won’t be disappointed.