On arrival the hotel looked in very nice order having recently been refurbished throughout, but Hey! this is Collins Ave - now you have to start paying.
Firstly, if you arrive in your own car valet parking is available at some ridiculous cost - half a block south there is a multi-storey park - go there. After all the pleasantries we booked in and was handed a sheet of paper to sign, which I duly read. It amounted to me agreeing to pay $7.99 pp per day just to have WiFi, pool towels and pool seats. When I questioned it I was told it was obligatory so I promptly told the young man that I would go to Starbucks for my WiFi, I wouldn't sit down at the pool and would walk back to my room soaking wet and I will certainly not pay any surcharge. This was obviously a new experience for this young man who conceded and told me I would not have to pay - so be warned.
Also be aware that most rooms do not have a view; the first room I was given the window looked out over a laundry affair; I refused this room and was given one on the front which was much better although it had traffic noise. Now to the room. Throughout the hotel the refurbishment was excellent. Our room had a very comfortable bed, an excellent shower and toilet facility. However, the configuration of shower meant that if someone came to the door whilst you were in the shower you were there for all to see.
I'm always concerned when I see the term "Boutique" hotel as in my opinion it means it was designed by someone who has never stayed in a hotel or by a "Vogue" room designer. There was no space or shelves to put anything. The wardrobe was tiny and had about 6 hangers let alone where you store suitcases and the room had the same fittings as a Indian group hotel.
Having said all that the room and bed was spotlessly clean and comfortable. Do keep an eye on the fridge stock as our cleaner helped herself and I was expected to pay but as a renowned traveller I never ever ever touch expensive hotel minibars so I am afraid she picked the wrong room for that.
As for the rest of the hotel it was excellent having a beautiful small pool and seats on the roof top run by a couple of lovely girls. The restaurant food was good and competitively priced for Collins Ave but the breakfast was hit and miss as to what was on the menu and what the kitchen decided you were going to have, although I have to say we got on great with the breakfast staff who treated us very well.
The hotel was situated very well for the beach and restaurants, a short walk would take you to a street which was full of eateries and you would be spoilt for choice.
Overall, the Dream hotel was a nice place to be if you have to go to South Beach. Me - I've done that now and would not return to the area for I felt that if you sneezed you would end up paying for it. As for the hotel I would recommend the Dream providing you are aware of the add ons which I have mentioned.
I'm English and won't tolerate such underhand payments and am quite verbal telling someone so.
If you must see South Beach stay at Fort Lauderdale and rent a car - its much more cost effective and a very pleasant area.
We are a couple in our early 60s, very experienced travellers.