I just returned from a one night stay at the Sagamore. We were in Miami for the Orange Bowl and had reservations at the National next door, but because the National was overbooked, we were fortunate enough to be "put up" at the Sagamore by the National.

The facility is beautiful and high end from top to bottom. I felt a bit out of place but had the feeling that it was a lifestyle I could get used to!

My reason for writing this review is to commend the staff, especially Gacon (I know I butchered his name and I apologize) at the front desk. Although we weren't actually paying customers, he treated us as though we were important guests, just like anyone else. There was a slight mistake in our room numbers, and he went out of his way to do what he could to make it right.

Apparently, there is a room that is the smallest room on the property (room 512, if you're curious). It does not have the living area that the other deluxe/superior suites all have. My mom ended up with one of the suites, and my husband and I had room 512. Both were very clean and delightfully appointed, but the suite was much cooler.

Service on the verandah was slow, but I attribute that to the general beach/latin lifestyle. We weren't in a hurry, but we were starving. Also, heed their advice about calling for your car from the valet 20 minutes in advance. Otherwise, you'll stand and wait for it just that long. By the way, the valet rate is $24 overnight.

I most definitely recommend the Sagamore and when we return to Miami Beach, if I can afford it, I will certainly stay there again!

P.S. The Cuban restaurant across the street was TERRIBLE, at least the 3 a.m. shift.

I won't reinterate what has already been said about the eye-catching decor, the fantastic location, and the cleanliness of the Sagamore. It's all true. However, we did have some issues. The lighting in the suite (#402) was terrible. There was no desk light, the only light in the entire bedroom was a nightstand lamp, and the bathroom light was woefully inadequate. All lighting was for atmosphere, not utility. It was impossible to read the paper or apply makeup. Also, the kitchen and bath sink faucets are attractive but due to the high spigot, the water splatters everywhere.

However, given the overall beauty of the hotel those are minor issues. Unlike the previous review, we had no complaints about the staff. While not overly warm, everyone we encountered was professional and helpful. While unpacking the first day, the hotel alarm system went off, directing everyone to exit the hotel using the stairs. We had walked down about 1 flight when a young hotel worker informed us that it was a false alarm. He noticed that my 80-year old mother had difficulty with the stairs and offered us a complimentary mini-bottle of wine for the trouble. That gesture was very much appreciated. Additionaly, housekeeping was prompt and courteous. We called for an extra blanket one evening about midnight and it came in less than 5 minutes. Our beds were turned down every evening, and when we requested additional towels we received them almost immediately.

Upon checkout, we informed the front desk of the issues we had the the room, including a broken closet door and broken drawer. The assistant front office manager, Yaniv Natanov, happened to overhear our conversation and immediately came over and apologized for the probelms. He went further and credited our parking and resort fees. All hotels have problems at one time or another, and the true test of a quality hotel is how the problems are handled by the staff. We could not have been more pleased with the staff and look forward to a return visit.

Probably the most well decorated/designed place we've been to -- the lobby was basically an art gallery that happened to be a hotel lobby, complete with downtempo/ambient music floating in the background.

Our suite also nicely appointed -- designer furniture, huge plush bed, big bathtub. Even a functional kitchen area, with a full-size fridge, range, and cabinets with a bunch of utensils/plates, etc. Yeah, our window looked out at another building next door, oh well. Service wasn't much of an issue, but I guess they did fold rather than replace a towel here and there. I feel kinda' bad because I dragged in a bunch of sand a few times, but they got it cleaned up really well each time.

The pool is wonderful -- gently slopes down, nicely heated (I'm a big pansy when it comes to cold water), wonderful terry-cloth covered lounge chairs at poolside, and back gate goes directly to the beach!

Managed to see a fashion photo shoot happening on site during our stay, also, to give you an idea of what sort of painstaking detail and effort they put into interior & exterior design at this place.

Most of all -- it's right near the Lincoln Rd. shopping district; so if you have folks with you that, for some bizarre reason, hate the beach, they can always go that way instead.

Even if you don't wind up staying here, be sure to visit it -- it's really quite fun to look through the lobby, or at least have a drink at the poolside bar. See if they'll let you take a peek at a room, maybe.

I stayed at the Sagamore on the first week of August, it's very modern hotel with a bit of an attitude it lacks the ambiance for lingering around.
I expected more.

The rooms were very spacious and had a nice bathroom, I did not like my view though, it faced another building. I had to pay extra to change the room. The halls were very dark and the elevator to the ph suites was not working.

The buffet breakfast was expensive for what it offered and the price was not advertised, the service was just ok.

I don't think I would stay here again!