Miami Beach is never, ever an inexpensive place to stay. Having been burned once before (see: Geneva Hotel) we decided to spring for something a little nicer. As the adage goes, "you get what you pay for." Decor was a little cheesy (80s Florida with pastel colors) and there was nothing really special about the rooms. It's clean enough and comfortable enough, but if you want something really special, be prepared to spend the money (and spend it somewhere else.)

This is the 7th time I have been to this hotel.......the last time I visited was about 3 years ago and the standard was not very good BUT on this visit I was very pleased. The hotel reception staff were so helpful and friendly nothing was too much trouble, the resturant staff were also great. The rooms brilliant and hey the lift was working for the whole 9 days we stayed. I did notice that some guests were very rude to the staff...we were checking in and some guests were pig ignorant to the reception staff, I could not believe how they were being treated! Will def. be going back again next year, love the location and bus stop right outside the hotel.....try the 120 bus to the mall its quicker that the "S" bus.

We stayed here for our anniversary. It was an overall nice stay. They have redone the rooms recently and replaced minor things like paintings and duvet covers. The bathrooms need to be renovated- but have great water pressure! We had a room with a balcony facing the ocean- the view was GREAT! The hotel room itself was very clean and comfortable- but was very loud. You could hear people walking down the hallway. The front desk staff is really nice and helpful. The pool bar staff were so-so, it seems like they were more interested in the spanish tv playing than actually waiting on guests. Both the bartenders in the lobby bar were really nice and helpful.

Just back from Riu and really enjoyed our stay. Good points: very clean hotel, rooms, reception area and pool area. Had breakfast buffet each day which was excellent, plenty of choice (only downside is the toasters, very slow). Housekeeping very pleasant. Lovely location right across the boardwalk from the beach and a nice walk up the boardwalk to Lincoln road. Bus stops right outside riu when heading back from Lincoln road and going to aventura mall.

Bad points:
Hotel charges 1 dollar for each suitcase if you need to store it, check in is late 4pm however they did give us our room at 2. Reception staff don't speak much English so very hard to communicate with them. On our last day we arranged with the concierge for a large taxi for 4, I explained we had 4 cases and a bike box. I was advised the rate was 42 dollars which I felt was fine. When we were called for the taxi we discovered they had arranged for us to share the taxi with another couple who had 2 cases. We eventually managed to fit everything in however very unhappy with the concierge. My husband tried to explain to reception but no help at all. Also when we arrived reception gave me a key and when I went to use it the room was already occupied, no explanation or apology from reception.