We wanted a cheap place in South Beach to sleep and thats what we got. The room had a pequliar stench to it. There were ants in the bathroom that migrated to the food we had in the little kitchenette area...(DISAPPOINTNG!), and the bed was extremely uncomfortable, but the price was reasonable. There was a leison that worked the bike rental behind the hotel that was able to get us a deal for an all you can drink preparty, limo ride to a well known club, and VIP access to that club.... the night we went we were VIP into the Mansion! (see on jersey shore). Def worth checking out if you want to have a good time clubbing and not wait in line forever!

Booked the hotel because of the excellent location at 17th street and the low rate despite the many bad reviews. My thought was that since the hotel was undergoing renovations I could take advantage the poor reviews that can be typical just before an upgrade cycle is completed as long as I could get one of the new rooms. The bathroom in all three of the oceanfront rooms we viewed were brand new albeit small, but this was expected from this art deco hotel. The rooms.even the newly renovated ones, are poorly maintained - just not clean. The deal breaker was the old, musty, mold smell. Newer tile in the rooms looked as if it needed cleaning already. As other travelers noted the common areas, elevators, hallways, staiwell and front desk area are worn and in need of repair; not just a lack of maintenance; like the owners don't care. I mean, at least put some paint on the walls near the check in counter so people don't notice the dirt smudges - this is why we asked to see the rooms before checking in. We (two couples; one room each) never took the luggage out of the car. We spent two and a half hours scrambling to book another hotel which was a challenge with Halloween weekend and conferences that are here this week. And as another reviewer noted, the front desk personnel are clueless, they think the hotel is just fine. It appeared they have a clientele that may have a lower standard; perhaps traveling from across the Atlantic and are accustomed to less. Not me. Worse yet, there is a pending charge on my credit card for $50 that was swiped when we started the resrevation. Amex is waiting to dispute the charge if it is not cancelled.

Don't let the lobby, elevator or hallways give you the wrong impression. I was alittle put off by the appearance, but the room made up for it all. The room was modernly decorated, bed ultimately comfortable and the view could not have been any better. Getting out of the cab and looking at the front of the building, my brain says "what have you done". But, the experience was great. Went out for dinner and drinks came back to hotel, took a dip in the salt water pool late at night and life could have not been anymore perferct.

Stayed here Sept '12. It was OK. A lot of renevation work going on during our stay which meant no gym available and no pool bar. I imagine it will be fantastic once the work is done and I wouldn't hesitate in booking again.