This is our 3rd trip to the Raleigh Hotel and yes the 3rd time is still a charm.

Eventhough it is right on Collins across and next to buzzing, hip, partyscene hotels, the Raleigh is able to wisk you away from the "heat" that is Miami and create an Oasis of calm and serenity. It almost like your own private island resort in Miami.

Staff:
The valet/bellman "Max" (nickname) is our favorite.. always kind and attentive. The front desk and management although always busy and seemingly understaffed but, remians on top of the Hotel's operations and will take care of you as well as remember you from your last visit.
Food:
The menu varies but, hasn't yet dissapointed when we have eaten there ..mostly it has been by the pool and in the Cabanas even extending the poolside service to accomodate our kids who were not into the Dinner menu of the main resturant. DO NOT miss breakfast by the pool under the Sea Grape Trees!!
Beach:
Direct Beach access is a MUST for us...no walking block to the beach that defeats the purpose for us & the Raleigh has one of the best access points on the beach. The Beach service has dropped a notch since they seem to have outsourced it to a company that provides services to other Hotels along the beach. There was a time when you had to be staying at the Raleigh to use thier beach services. Not anymore you can just walk up and pay cash now...too bad
Pool:
The Best on the Block ..Blows away the National (what a joke), The Sagamore (has nice music scene but small pool)...the Raleigh pool is huge, saltwater (saline) and temp controled ...designed for sunning, relaxing and swimming...awesome cabannas, expansive sand area and beautiful people watching...even tolerant of splashing kids (although it is not a diving pool with slides, etc)
Kids:
Speaking of kids we took ours (6 &12) this time and they had a great time considering that there is not a play area or kid activities...they loved interaction with the staff (ask about the trained squirrels, or Coconut climbing) playing in the sand area and lounging in the pools, hammocks & cabanas...you can check out bikes (we didn't but the kids wanted to)
Rooms:
Clean and service/repair is on time and attentive (even Installed in a brand new TV in less than 30mins). The king beds are great.(doubles not so much..very small), great bath products (khiels), Plasma TV, sitting area & a beach bag

Basically we will only stay at the Raleigh (if we cant get into the Delano and/or the Rtiz)

If you haven't decided on a hotel in Miami... or are looking for a chic experience.. I highly recommend the Raliegh Hotel..

Its prime location, close to chic shops, trendy restaurants and nightclubs is superb..although if you just want to stay at the property and chill the amenties are first class.

It has a club- like feeling without being the least bit stuffy.. and the staff will accomodate any special requests you might have...
The hotel is on the beach but we found ourselves poolside most of the time..you can float around in these giant intertubes...and for nibbles there was ample number of staff coming by to see if we needed anything.(the mini burgers and fries are very tasty)..

Although we don't have kids or pets.. I did notice that the hotel seemed very pet friendly.. FYI.

everytime i come to south beach this is where i stay. the staff is friendly and courteous, the food is always excellent, and the scene at the poolside bar is chic but not pretentious. order a mojito!

We spent the last three nights of our Easter holiday at the Raleigh Hotel on South Beach and we left with an overwhelming feeling of regret at having wasted so much cash on a very average hotel. It is in a good location, the Art Deco building is appealing but the rooms are small. The pool was very nice and a few of the waiters and other staff were very good at their jobs and helpful but others lacked the sort of maturity to be expected from a hotel charging such high rates. In short, there are many things wrong with this hotel, nothing major, just things that you know could be put right by hotel management who opened their eyes to the wonderful service and value provided by other hotels which really care about their guests. If there are other hotels you like the look of on South Beach (or as rated by Tripadvisor) I'd give them a try before recommending The Raleigh.