I am at a convention but chose to stay in a smaller hotel. I liked the old world charm of The Palms in the lobby with the modern decor of the rooms. The bathrooms are nice, except the grout in the shower kept coming off in pieces.

Here is the problem. I came back to my room around 1:45 to get some down time, answer emails and do a little bit of work with my feet up. However, I was greeted with what sounded like a jackhammer coming from next door that virtually shook my room. On further reflection I decided it was hammer and drills and other some such. I called up downstairs to ask how long it was going on. They told me it would go until 4 as they were replacing windows.

A first rate hotel would have done one of two things: 1) not booked anyone adjacent to a room under construction; 2) advised me in advance so I could plan my day around it and be gone.

Up to this point, I would have given the hotel a much higher review. I believe a hotel should prevent a serene get away. At over $300 a day, that doesn't seem like too much to ask.

The noise from the building under construction next door south is indeed unacceptable. From 8 to 5 we couldn't stay at verandas, cafes, pool area etc. Fortunately they gave us a room with city view on the other side of the building - dark, facing another window front - but at least silent. Reduction or compensation? "Sorry, unfortunately we dont do that" was the friendly reply.

However, the staff is friendly indeed. The rooms are nice re furniture, function and all is well cared.

Nice hotel under unbearable circumstances. Never no more as long the construction area is next door....

Had a business stay there. Nice location, very friendly service, beautiful terrace, garden (big palms and bamboo, lawn, designed carribean style), pool and bar - did a walk along the boardwalk and found only one more hotel with a comparable flair and beauty! Beach directly cross the pedestrian Boardwalk (1 minute) with all service from hotel if requested. Kitchen is excellent, even Bio (!), wonderful breakfast with individually cooked eggs, waffles, etc. on terrace. Rooms modern and big, bathroom and toilet separate, beds exceptially comfortable. Unfortunately no window to be opened, no fresh air (upgrade to balcony suite $600 per night!), AC worked fine, ceiling fan additional. Seminar rooms in the basement well equipped, fine service, AC too cold and draughty, no fresh air possible. Luxury Spa and gym in the basement with direct access to pool and garden. Nice restaurant, but expensive.

Walk down to South Beach and Ocean Drive (center of nightlife) ca. 2 miles via Boardwalk along the beach or via Collin Ave (business, stores, hotels, etc.). Taxi ca. $9-10 alternatively. 30 minutes per taxi to the airport.

Summary: To be recommended for superior accomodation, family or business, 4 stars out of 5 !

the hotel itself is lovely. the decor, rooms, beds and linens, lounge, veranda seating, beach, pool, etc. were all upscale and had a real eco kind of feel. however, i paid $2.70 for a lukewarm cup of decaf, and the room was unbearably noisy. there was a bang when the a/c kicked off and a loud drilling/ humming sound that was probably the elevator. when i made the reservation, i asked for a quiet room since my fiance has sensitive ears and reiterated te request when we arrived at the front desk. the construction next door -ahighrise going up - stopped for the day at 8:00 pm. we did eat at a cuban hole in the wall about two blocks away on collins which was fantastic! i would not stay here again.