In any given year, I will stay at 75 different five star hotels in the world. There has not been one hotel which has exceeded my expectations like the W South Beach.The staff is amazing. On a recent stay, I spoke with Melissa to inform her that I would be guest and wanted to get familiar with the amenities at the property. She had the concierge call me in advanve of my stay to make dinner reservations and arrange VIP tickets for the Miami Heat game. When I arrived at the hotel, the valet attendants and front desk personell were seemingly waiting for me and made me feel like a true VIP. This is the best hotel in south beach without dispute. I booked several weekends as a result of my wonderful experience.

Definitely our go-to spot for my husband and me when we need a romantic break from the kiddies! The rooms are super generous, the food is yum and the overall vibe is tres chic. Lots and lots of beautiful things (and people) to look at. The location cannot be beat; perfect for jogging on the boardwalk, shopping on Lincoln Road, or eating in a beachfront cafe or bar. Didn't really need our rental car even.
The service was amazing-they actually PHOTOCOPIED the newspaper for me when they realized one morning that they had run out of my fave NT Post. Who does that?! Room service waitress refused to take a tip (really, we tried)! They gave us suntan lotion and free ear-buds at the beach when we forgot ours. The service was over-the-top, we really felt that they bent-over backwards to help us enjoy our stay (especially Katie); and we did. It made a difference as this was our second time there and plan on staying here again next time we're in town.

What can I say? When it comes to some things in life, especially in South Beach, you get what you pay for. Yes this is a pricey selection so it's not for your typical budget minded, no frills traveler. But if you can splurge, even for a short getaway, THIS IS THE PLACE. The pricing of the hotel automatically narrows the clientele--so you won't need to worry about too much riff raff around and too much drama. You'll always have to deal with whiny, condescending, rude people wherever you go in any station in life--money can't buy class (these are the hotel patrons I'm talking about--not the staff).

Expect prompt, courteous, efficient service with privacy and seclusion. Yes there are some more partying places--but you should look elsewhere if that is your desire. But if you like an easier pace, discreetness, and a relaxing weekend with a splash of great social scene (i.e., the W's rather exclusive night club Wall) then this may be our cup of Early Grey.

So why I love this hotel:
1) Location, Location, Location. You're in South Beach, but far enough from the rat pack to not feel like you're in a tourist trap but close enough of a walking distance to join the night life as you please.
2) The rooms. Not a bad room in sight, all with amazing ocean views, tastefully decorated, and HUGE. The suites are Bah-Na-Nas.
3) The onsite restaurants: Dutch and Mr. Chows (you must visit these venerated outposts) from acclaimed chefs. You would have to travel to NYC or LA to visit these establishments elsewhere.
4) The amenites, spa, and pool.
5) Staff--not that they are at the bottom but I have to rank them some where. But this is a list of "reasons to come here". Staff is more often than not spot on with customer service.

So the W has no problem when I eat at The Dutch during the week and spend a lot of money, but I was on my own and wanted to come in for a drink at 1 am on a Friday night and I got escorted away from the front door. I'm a reasonably attractive (and not overweight) woman in my late 30's who was well-dressed - and I was by myself! What harm would it have caused to let me enter?