I've stayed at this hotel twice and each time it's been awesome! First, the rooms are neat, clean and nicely decorated. They are a little small but so are most of the hotel rooms in this area. Second, location, location, location! It's on 8th and Collins right in the heart of South Beach but not on Ocean Drive where there is too much action and noise to sleep. The staff has always been helpful giving us passes to the local clubs and the bar (again, a bit small) was cute, classy and accommodating. Also, for some reason, this hotel is less expensive than many of the hotels on Collins with more amenities. Hello! ROOFTOP POOL! This is where I always stay when I'm in South Beach.

We have stayed here twice once in February 2011 and February 2012. We were met by the same bell hop who recognised us second time around. He and the rest of the staff were all very friendly and helpful especially when on the second visit we asked to change rooms because there seemed to be a family of clog dancers in the room above. The roof top pool is amazing especially if you go up there at about 8.30 am and have breakfast. A brilliant start to the day and for 2 days we spent all day up there. The hotel is ideally situated with only a road between it and the beach.There are a myriad of restaurants all around and at any of them you can eat out side and people and vehicle watch especially all the late night "cruisers". Ask for a top floor room at the back of the hotel and you might get some sleep. But then you didn't come to South beach to sleep did you? There are cheaper hotels I am sure but this one is worth paying the extra for. Believe me you won't regret it. grumpy

I stood here with my husband in August 2012. It was great, but the food in the hotel is very expensive. There's a great Cuban restaurant down the block that the food is great and affordable!!! I recommend that restaurant. The hotel is located in a great spot. Wet Willies is down the block and Mangos is around the corner. The staff at the hotel are great and friendly. The pool is located in the rooftop and its a beautiful view. I think the rooms should be more spacious. There bed is soooo comfy!!! I would come back here.

I had the opportunity to stay again at The Hotel of South Beach for 7 nights and I got to the conclusion that this hotel is full of surprises when you dig into it.
pros and cons:

CONS:
The personnel of the Hotel and its restaurant: The personnel at the hotel is not what you would expect from a traditional well respected hotel. Although friendly, their job at The Hotel is one of their many jobs and that draws lax behaviors and such lack in service gives a lingering feeling of a mix bag of “bloody mess” and mixed bag – that might appeal to young clients but it is unlikely that the personnel and the service will fit the bill for more demanding clients.

For instance you have:
(i) the bartender of the rooftop that does NOT have Absolut Volka in his bar + had his red bull cans STOLEN WHILE IN THE BATHROOM and then… after 30min of waiting for him to sort things out he reminds you that cuz he “gave his best” for you he needs a good tip (!!!)

(ii) they push you to use the Valet service and then may charge you for the use of this service even though you did not watch your credit card statement. Some of the Valet looking like convicted felons who served their sentence and are now doing menial jobs… if you have a fancy car I would suggest to avoid the valet service.

In and all you feel this hotel is NOT managed like an hotel and is rather under the control of an Italian mafia (witnessing a heated exchanged in the patio between Italian employees/boss is priceless). Actually the owner of The Hotel is NOT a group specialized in hotels management and The Hotel is their only acquisition in this sector. This explains a LOT and you can feel it.

PROS:
- Well situated with decent sized rooms, the new estate right on ocean drive is noisy but right in the action of SoBe (next to the Wet Willie’s and its so-called Call A Cab drinks!)
- Breakfast is OK and cheap (14 USD tip included for 2 in a small and sweet patio)
- Rooftop pool is the most heated in SoBe! Regardless of the weather you will be in heaven in that pool!
- Rates are well positioned drawing a large amount of diversified clientele to The Hotel. It’s a good second choice on SoBe!
- The main building is a beautiful example of Art Deco architecture.
- Free wi-fi (although not very good!)
- No hidden fees or resort fees

So in a nutshell:
If you are laid back and want to save some bucks on Sobe hotels invoices this hotel will definitely do the trick and I heavily recommend it. Especially if you can endure or actively appreciate ill management hotel or if loathe big hotel groups / you prefer hotels with a STRONG personality you will love this one and have fun in "people watching" Then 4/5

Yet starting from additional 50 USD per night you have better options on SoBe for demanding clients looking for a comfy and relaxing experience on SoBe (Betsy on Ocean Drive for instance is the paragon of a small boutique hotel with strong etiquette and solid personnel). Then 2.5/5