We have been to Miami South Beach several times but never stayed at the Shore Club. We were excited and eager for our vacation. First, let me say, by all means, don't miss the Shore Club if in South Beach. The grounds are amazing, cool, well-maintained, and have a great atmosphere and vibe. The pool and skybar area are wonderful. Go for a drink. Go eat at Nobu (always one of our must-dos when there). I am sad to say that after all the anticipation, actually staying there fell short. First, we arrived early so I didn't expect a room. But, after waiting over four hours (and well past the posted check in time) without ever receiving a call as promised, it got a little ridiculous. After checking back at the desk on our own, our room was then ready. The rooms are in a common Miami decor - minimalist, white, but very cool. We were in a jr. suite with ocean view and the extra full bath was a great suprise. The balcony was nice as well. Once in our room, we waited over an hour for our luggage and, after calling to see what happened, they finally brought it. It was a special occasion for my husband and I so after we were settled in our room (we'd been exploring all day while waiting for our room) well, let's say we were in the midst of some private romantic time. Imagine our suprise when someone came busting into the room. My reaction was to yell in suprise and shock. They quickly left. Then we got back to enjoying our time, and the phone rings. Ugh! They were trying to deliver a bottle of wine compliments of the house. Nice gesture, but bad timing. And, to come into the room - very bad.
During our four day stay, we enjoyed the beach access and pool a lot. BUT, we kept getting the nagging uncomfortable feelilng of being "nickeled and dimed" to death - but at the Shore Club, it's really $10 and $20'd to death. I know South Beach is expensive and I expect it. What I don't expect is to pay over $600 for a room, then get hit up for everything as an extra. They let the public into the pool on the weekend, so then they start charging for pool chairs (which were free during the week). Really? Fine, charge the public, but not paying guests! At the beach, we were upsold on having the nice chair at the front by the water - for $100!!! Really, did I have "sucker" tattooed on my forehead? Yes, drinks are expensive, but don't come to South Beach if you don't like that. But, the excessive upcharges they put on everything on top of the high prices? A bit much. The spa was a mystery to me as to why it was so popular. It had no atmosphere. The "relaxation area" was a few chairs in front of the busy bank of elevators. I was overcharged from the quoted price for my service - but to their credit, they fixed it the next day when I mentioned it. The locker room facilities are minimal at best and after paying so much for th week, they wanted to charge me $10 just to use the shower before we left? Another example of the extra charges.
So, don't miss this wonderful property. But, think twice about staying there. They seem to be struggling with what type of property they want to be and who they cater to. We will find another place next time.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
November 15, 2012
Dear K-Cadventures,
The Shore Club sincerely wants all of our hotel guests to enjoy every moment of their stay so it bothers us to hear your review. We acknowledge your inconveniences and hope that you come back again for all the things you enjoyed such as our pool, Skybar, and atmosphere. We apologize for the delay of your room being ready, that is why we sent you a bottle of complimentary wine. Each room provides a "Do Not Disturb" sign to be hung outside the room when you require privacy. Had the sign been there, Room Service would not have entered and disrupted your romantic private time. The pool is only open to the public on Sundays for our fabulous Sundaze Pool Party. Also, chairs and towels are complimentary to all hotel guests at the pool and beach. Guests are only charged for cabanas on the beach or day beds by the pool. Our spa is known for being relaxing and tranquil so I am sorry you did not agree on this. It is unfortunate that you felt "nickeled and dimed." We at Shore Club work very hard to please our guests... Hope you give us another chance. We appreciate your honest feedback!
Kind Regards,
Dorothy Jean "DJ"
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.