I had one night to spend in the Miami area after a frenetic week in South America. What I was looking for was a 5 star experience for a night of relaxation before flying off the next day to my next destination. I researched via TripAdvisor the other 5 star properties in the area , the Four Seasons and a few Ritz properties. I choose the Mandarin because of it’s Spa and also because I could choose a room with a balcony.
Check in was seamless and gracious, just what I expected, and I was upgraded to a King Suite. I happily accepted the upgrade and was shown the room. It was not clean. The room had not been vacuumed, large bits of pastry from someones breakfast were on the carpet, as well as large greasy handprints all over the desk. The room was more than well worn, multiple stains on the carpet, scuffs on the baseboards, stains on the couch. On the small balcony outside, was a dead sparrow. While I know it’s not the Mandarin’s fault that a bird decided to die outside on the balcony, it had obviously been there for a while – which I think highlights a lack of attention to detail. This was room 816. I was switched to room 1616- which was in much better shape, but still did have some stains on the couch. I went downstairs to Café Sambal for a light sushi lunch, which was very nice. Then I continued to the Spa, and while I had a lovely hot stone massage, and the staff was very nice, the 5 star rating for the spa baffles me. It is fine, clean, but is nothing special. Especially the “relaxation room” where you wait for your therapist had the distinct feeling of a nail salon rather than a high end spa.
Back in my room, unfortunately it was time to do some work, I open my computer to log on to the internet only to see a window pop up that informed me I would be charged to use the wireless. What?! How can any hotel in this day and age try and charge for wireless – I think it’s just a terrible rip off. I called the front desk and the person I talked to actually told me it’s normal for a 5 star resort to charge for it ! You have to be joking. I have stayed in multiple 5 star hotels this year alone and have never paid for it, and never would. I will not stay at the Fairmont chain for this very reason. I was give a code to use “ this one time” so I did not pay for it. I’m sorry, but this charge alone would probably dissuade me from staying here again. I run my own business, and need to use the internet at all times. I will pay $500 for a great room, but I’m not going to be nickel and dimed for every little thing. Not good business practice.
Onto dinner and a movie- but no movies to rent. Hmmm. There is HBO and Showtime, but I found this odd. I ordered room service and it arrived incorrectly – ( and it was a grilled cheese with fries! ). Didn’t bother to bring it to their attention, I was tired and wanted to eat. Called the in room dining to remove the table - after an hour and a half no-one had arrived to collect it. I wanted to go to sleep so I put it outside the room. Imagine my dismay when at 11:40 pm !! the ringing phone woke me up - with in room dining enquiring whether my table had been picked up!!! In what universe would it be ok to call a guest room at that time of night to ask that?
I’m glad I called the front desk to tell them not to allow any other calls thru to my room, as I received a message at 6.10 in the morning asking what time I wanted breakfast?!
Next morning upon check out- I was eventually asked how I liked my stay. I said it was ok, but there were some problems. The lady at the front desk listened to the problems and said, I’m very sorry about that. That’s it! I was looking to leave the Mandarin feeling refreshed and ready for my next trip. Instead I left feeling annoyed and tired. As the title says- not what I was hoping for! I won't be back.

Clean and spacious rooms, very nice bathroom (be aware that the bathroom is connected with the room. It is possible to pull down a curtain/separator). My room was overlooking the channel and Miami. There are some good facilities such as fitness center (no charge) with complementary fruits and water, two nice restaurants, pool area, bar etc.
Very helpful and attentive staff.
In walking distance to restaurants and shops, you just have to cross the bridge.

My family and I loved this hotel's large, adjoining rooms; nice pool; good beach; excellent spa and fitness center; morning coffee in the lobby; and good shops. We loved Cafe Sambal, which had a nice balance on the menu between integrity and variety. The hotel's overall design, menus, shops etc. have more coherence than most properties do. I rate the hotel lower than I'd like, however, on account of service quality. First, the door and bell staff seem unusually aggressive about soliciting tips for even the most incidental task. More seriously, a billing issue stunned me. When I checked rates to consider the MO over another hotel, the hotel's sales rep gave me a clear quote for "both" rooms. My corporate travel agent made the booking, accepting the same quote from a different agent for "both" rooms. Even after I grudgingly paid double -- one bill for "each" room -- the front desk agent refused to acknowledge the hotel's role in the mix-up, despite agreeing that no one would have booked my rate given the availability of a lower corporate rate and other lower promotions for the weekend.

This hotel is a haven of peace and tranquility. We stayed 2 nights post cruise and enjoyed the rest and relaxtion. Beautiful executive room with fabulous views and very comfortable. Service was all we expected from this standard of hotel, attentive but not intrusive. Nothing to fault.