W South Beach

Posh hotel, loved the décor, loved my room, loved the parking attendants/​valets/​doormen/​security — honestly I had a great stay (it was an impromptu weekend trip with the gfs and it was exactly what we wanted!).
Our room was spacious (shower on the balcony, who doesn’t want a room with that feature? haha) though I will say that our ocean view was neither of the ocean or really a view — we looked right into the tops of another roof and into other bldgs. But so what? It’s Miami! Who’s staying in the room?!
Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful. Pool has a great scene — go early for a seat. Our lazy bums didn’t arrive until noon but luckily we nabbed the 2 last chairs. Be wary of prices if you are cost conscious. Our breakfast/​lunch by the pool set us back $ 160 (and we hadn’t even started drinking yet!). For those into rose, I suggest the Whispering Angel, you can get it magnum size if you ask as well!
Ok. So why only 3 stars? Because we left on a bitter note. We had requested a 4pm late checkout since we all had evening flights. They said they would accommodate but here’s a tip to other travelers — make sure you get a confirmation!!! We assumed we got it since no one said otherwise the multiple times we brought it up. We got a call (from a rather rude woman I will add) at 1pm telling us we needed to vacate our room by 1:15, they would give us until 1:30 max to pack up our stuff. What ensued was a mad scramble of everyone trying to pack and get ready in the 30 min we were allotted. I think we would have laughed about it later had it not been for the sour mood we were put in from the attitude of the person on the other end of the call — she was very rude and commanding, not at all what I expect from a hotel of this standard. She made it clear we needed to vacate IMMEDIATELY. Sheesh. So 2 stars docked because of 1 person. Would it killed her to have asked nicely?

You can rent bikes at the local bike racks a couple of blocks away and ride along the wooded sidewalk.
The beach and sand was pretty nice. I wouldn’t say it’s a wowing beach, but it is def nice. The water was pretty cold, but it was seaweed free (yay). The beach wasn’t littered with trash so that was a positive.
Parking was $ 4 per hour btw.

I am truly happy with my stay here @ W South Beach! I’m celebrating my birthday and couldn’t have picked a better spot. The staff is absolutely amazing and the service is impeccable. We were upgraded to a gorgeous sweet overlooking the beach. The staff went above and beyond to make my stay enjoyable. Champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries and other treats were fabulous! My sweetie worked with Romina to make things perfect for our stay and I felt like a princess. He arranged several surprises each day and the W staff didn’t miss a beat. I’ve stayed at other W resorts, but this was my first time in Miami and I just knew I wanted to be on Collins Avenue. The W exceeded my expectations. The rooms are very chic and modern. Bathroom is spacious and beautiful with his/​her sinks. Love, love this place. Can’t wait to return! And a special thanks to Rachal for being so amazing!

I’m giving two stars only for the location. I was incredibly disappointed with my stay and service considering this is a 4 star hotel. I will be reviewing on trip advisor as well.
Upon arriving in the room I noticed a curious stain splattered all over the couch in the room. I’m almost 100 percent sure it was sexual fluid (semen)from a previous guest.
Upon calling the front desk, I had a housekeeping manager whim was quite nice come up with a can of spray. That was the hotels solution to just wipe it off in front of me.
After complaining downstairs and arguing with the front desk manager I gave up. They basically told me that I was wrong.
I can’t believe this happened and how it was handled hence my review. Im happy that marriott has acquired the company cause they would never let that slide.
I have included pictures and until marriott finally brings their quality control to the table I will no longer be staying with them.

Stayed in a 2 bedroom 3 bath suite for my birthday. It was absolutely gorgeous, we had a private BBQ on our deck, great views and a private entrance to Tennis courts. I really felt like a celebrity on MTV cribs Miami edition. The bathrooms were super luxurious, the beds were comfortable and the pool/​beach area were breathtaking. The location was excellent, we were within walking distance of some great restaurants and clubs and a quick taxi ride to other spots. I think this hotel is one of the best W hotels I’ve ever stayed in. The lobby area is beautiful and there’s no shortage of exotic cars parked out front at all times. All the staff members were polite and friendly. We were able to check into a guest lounge area and change/​get ready before our room was ready which was great. They also offered complimentary apples and champagne when we checked in. Everything was 5-​star. I am so spoiled, I don’t know if I can stay in any other hotels in South Beach now!

This was my final stay at the South Beach W. My stay from the time I pulled up was horrible. Most of my complaints are about the valet service and cheap toilet paper. The valet made me wait for 22min (yes I counted) before they even acknowledge I was there. There were three valet guys standing around and only one car in front of me. That car just so happen to be some football player so of course he got the attention of all three guys while us average citizens had to sit and wait like we don’t exist! Oh and they totally damaged my car and tried to pass it off like it was normal. It was dents and scratches across the passenger side of the car. I’m still waiting to hear from management about this one. I sent multiple complaints. I’ll never use valet at this place again.
My stay overall was okay. My insider Jamie was AWESOME :). However, W needs to step their game up with the cheap toilet paper the provide. I mean come on! I’m spending $ 500 – 600 per night for my room I don’t want the cheap industrial roll. I ended up staying my last night at St. Regis Bal Harbour. You don’t get all the action of SOBE but the quality is well worth it. W Hotel I’m not impressed.

Meh. I felt their front desk was unprofessional, understaffed, and did not show a level of service I would expect of a class hotel like this. I waited excessively long for simple answers, had to track down staff, and generally had to beg them for me to give them money. Eg. At the gift store. «I want to buy this $ 125 thirt». Them «we are actually closed. Can you come back tomorrow?»
Gym was good and look/​feel of lobby was very nice. Rooms were typical W style. Not horrible just not great.

POSSIBLE CREDIT CARD THEFT — BEWARE!
While my partner and I were dining poolside at the W Hotel South Beach this afternoon, we thought it strange that our server (her name starts with an «A») asked to check his I.D. AND insisted on taking his Amex Platinum before we even placed our order. It was their «protocol», she told us. –_​–
We have dined at many fine restaurants and hotels and have never encountered this before, but we complied with some hesitation. Our server seemed very cagey when she returned with the card more than a half hour later. This also gave us some pause, and we even mentioned it to one another that we hoped she wasn’t doing something to his card.
Lo and behold, several hours later, while dining in West Miami, the boyfriend received a call from Amex letting him know that his card was just declined at two Virginia gas stations. Since our visit to the W was the only time we used his Amex on our brief trip to Miami, it is highly unlikely that anyone other than a culprit at the W Hotel Pool was responsible for the credit card fraud.

Miami may have pretty blue ocean water and a sandy beach, but it is an urban city that has a NYC pace. I start out my review with this because I have read many of the cry-​baby reviews about Miami hotels, not just the W. I think there’s a huge disconnect between expectations and reality. No, you can’t check in early and no, you can’t check out late. The website says so. The W website says that this W is different from most other SPG hotels in that respect. So I think if guests wouldn’t start out asking for extra privileges, they wouldn’t be disappointed. The second thing is people who come to the W as non-​guests and want to use the pool and beach and not pay anything. You are taking my seats and taking attention away from my staff. Maybe sleepy beach towns elsewhere allow non-​guests to clog up the grounds, but the W is very, very focused on pleasing guests, not guests and passers-​by. (And pleasing residents. The W is a home for some lucky ducks.) In my experience, simply contacting the W ahead of time and telling them my needs was enough to produce a deliriously ecstatic vacation. I didn’t contact them and ask for something I didn’t deserve. I told them I was on a very tight timetable, en route to another destination, and room check in wasn’t important to me, as long as I could enjoy the beach as soon as I arrived on my early flight (10 am). And you know what? My room was ready at 11 am, so I must have done something right.
The prices are NYC prices. It’s South Beach, it’s exclusive, prepare yourself. Nothing disappointed me, pricewise.
It is helpful to ask about charges. For instance, I couldn’t decide if I wanted a cabana at the beach or the pool. The beach staff had reserved a pool cabana for me, but I decided not to use it. I think it was $ 250 for the day. I’m glad they didn’t charge me for it, but I can see how someone might get a little upset if they sat in their reserved cabana for half an hour, then left, and had to pay that much. The pool staff was very cool about telling us, politely, that we couldn’t leave our chairs for longer than 30 mins. When we came back from lunch we had to switch seating to a less desirable shady spot. Though I was a very happy camper, I was continually shaking my head over guest behavior. The bartender asked a couple, nicely, not to take their glasses in the pool. How frigging hard is that, right? Any idea of the bloody mess that shards of glass could cause if someone dropped a glass? But sure enough, 5 minutes later, Mr. And Mrs. Privilege have their champagne glasses on the steps.
The beach service was incredible. One guy’s name was Jesus. I forgot the other because I was on vacation. They didn’t forget me.
My suite had a gorgeous shower and square tub. I still dream about them. The room also had a direct ocean view, something that many rooms at other South Beach hotels didn’t offer. The towels, amenities and bedding were on the same high level as other W properties I have stayed at in Dallas and New York City.
I must have read 500 Unilocal and Trip Advisor reviews before deciding on the W in South Beach. It was exactly what I wanted and I won’t stay anywhere else when I travel to South Beach again.

The W South Beach is a beautiful hotel in many ways. During my 4 night stay I thought their facilities were excellent. They offer a gym, tennis courts, basketball ball, a spa, two restaurants, a pool, and easy access to the beach… additionally their rooms views were excellent.
So looking all these good things I had to say about the place a 3 rating doesn’t make sense huh? Well having spent 4 days there I visited their restaurant and bars many times and was left with less than favorable impression on their integrity. I was staying at this location as part of a company meeting, and everyone in out group was overcharged for drinks made the hotel’s restaurant, hotel bar, and bar at the pool. For example, we purchased a Jack & coke one day for $ 16 and the next day they charged us $ 22. It’s understandable if this was a one time event, but this occurred with everyone in my group with every order placed.
Also, another odd thing that happened was that they close access to the pool for everyone at 7 pm. Really strange that we were on South Beach in a hip hotel and couldn’t hang out at the pool
Bottom line, great place but not happy with their charging practices.

Stayed at this property for two nights. As a former hotel manager, I can attest to the W having great service and great accommodations — ocean view suite was amazing! I was very pleased with the welcome experience, housekeeping, overall feel of the hotel.
The only area that could use improvement, in my eyes, is the pool staff. I asked for a waiter/​tress a couple of times, and nothing. When they finally came, about 30 minutes later, they had very little on the kids menu, and prices were outrageous, think $ 14 for a small kids pizza. We ordered one, not all that great. We also ordered guacamole and chips, also expensive –but hey it is the beach, it was good. Chicken fingers were enjoyed as well. Drinks were weak and about $ 20 each (piña colada and long island, both terrible).
Would I return? yes, during slow season, when prices are a bit more affordable.
I recommend everyone to walk around at night, the area leading up to the pool, is beautiful.
Ice cream shop inside hotel is a nice add on. My daughter loved the décor and ice-​cream choices.
NOTE: Hotel lobby floor is slippery, be careful while walking.

Beautiful oceanside hotel on south beach, very high end and definitely great to have the «W Experience» of lavish suites, restaurants and amenities.
Pros: the views, professional & very courteous staff, the customer experience was stellar. Rooms & suites were gorgeous and spacious. Amenities satisfied my high expectations as a business traveler. WiFi speed was great!
Cons: restaurants were ok, I expected a better variety of cuisine from W. Very pricey as you are paying for the experience. $ 15 drinks — typical south beach.
Ideal for vacationers, business travelers with high amenity standards such as myself and the suites were nice size in case you need to run a small meeting or have a small gathering.

Sehr schönes modernes Hotel mit überteuerten Preisen und sehr vielen Möchtegern wichtigen Gästen und etwas zu coolem Personal! Letzteres gehört wahrscheinlich zu Miami Beach dazu. Wir haben uns im Großen und Ganzen sehr wohl gefühlt, haben allerdings nicht die Restaurants des Hotels besucht und uns kaum in den öffentlichen Zonen aufgehalten. Außer am dazugehörigen Strand (sehr zuvorkommendes Personal hier). Der Pool ist schick und hier hat man immer schattige und sonnige Plätze. Aussicht aus der Spectacular Suite aufs Meer und auf Miami. Raumgröße sehr gut, Ausstattung auch!
Wie gesagt: Preise völlig überzogen:
Beispiel 1 kleines stilles Wasser knapp 9 USD
Kaffee zum Frühstück 10 USD

Good views, clean rooms, nice pool.
Go here if work is paying or if you want to splurge on a vacation. Although the rooms are nice, the amenities are lacking. You will be paying a lot for the extras (breakfast, drinks, etc…).
If you have status, make sure you get upgraded to a room with a view, it’s worth it!
The pool is always packed, but the beach is a few steps away, so that’s always a good option!

My Stay Here was for a week. The room has an amazing smell and products used are bliss goes well with the smell of the room. We had a balcony over looking the ocean, it was always nice to go outside and sit and have a drink. The pool area was beautiful and you have a private beach right outside the hotel for guests.
The restaurant mr chow was an experience, I’ll have to review that as well. This is located inside the hotel so need to go anywhere else for dinner.
This hotel has a personal driver to take you places 5 mile radius ask the front desk!
Great experience, had a lovely time and all the staff were nice and helpful

Order the frozen grapes. They are amazing. The chicken sandwich and the Caesar salad are both very good. It is pricey. We ate at the restaurant called WET by the pool. The grilled hot dog was also good. The server was attentive and friendly. Great place to people watch.

A nice hotel but not a great one.
It’s on the beach and ridiculously expensive, like the others in the area. My room had a nice view of the ocean, was comfortable, and had nice décor. The staff is friendly but there were a lot of little problems that shouldn’t take place at this price point.
One day, when housekeeping serviced my room they forgot to collect the dirty glasses from the previous evening. Another day, I left the hotel about 10am and returned at 5:30pm and the room had not yet been cleaned.
Bar service in the pool area at night was terrible, yet drinks by the pool is supposed to be one of the highlights of a SoBe hotel. Drink quality was mediocre. In fact, I came to prefer walking to the bar at the Surfcomber – which is about three hotels over from the W – for evening cocktails.
I had a late checkout approved when I checked in, but they didn’t code my key for it. On checkout day, I returned to my room after lunch around 1pm and my key didn’t work. So, I had to go back down to the desk and have them recode it.
All these are minor annoyances, but at these rates and at a resort, there should be zero annoyances.

Awesome place!!! The rooms are beautiful and huge for Miami. I love this place. The only downside is the food. Mr chow is great but the other restaurants aren’t great at all… Poor choice, mediocre quality.
Another bad point, WIFI SHOULD be included !! Wake up its 2015!

WET by the pool, somewhat of a small selection of food but the ambiance and music is nice. Fresh cocktails and diverse menu.
Living room also has a great atmosphere, DJ and nice indoor and outdoor seating .
FRESH garnish and some of the best cocktails and bartenders in Miami !
Check it out Tuesday, Thursday-​Saturday.
The service in the whole hotel is exceptional !
WALL lounge is my favorite small lounge is all of Miami ! The entire staff is friendly and has an international scene.
I recommend !

This is my favorite W hotel that I’ve stayed in. We had the ocean front view, 1 BR and media room. The décor was tasteful, upscale and in great condition.
Besides the poshness of the W, which is to be expected, here is the list of things that stood out at this location.
1– complimentary morning coffee (Stumptown) down at The Dutch restaurant so skip the nasty in room Starbucks coffee.
2– washer and dryer in the room for your sandy beach clothes
3– nice sized, fully equipped kitchen
4– huge pool and private access to the beach
5– the large fitness room was amazing and equipped with clean towels, bottled water, and a variety of equipment in excellent condition.
6 — there is a basketball court on the roof
7– convenient location and walking distance to all things South Beach — restaurants, clubs, and shopping.

The W exudes everything I think of when I think of South Beach. Trendy, sexy and flashy. The hotel is modern, gorgeous and certainly has a staff to match. We were there right before new years and the atmosphere was electric. I would have loved to have stayed into the new year, alas it was not meant to be :(. The hotel is on the beach, which is great. It has a beautiful pool, but beware that snagging spot on a lounge chair can be cut-​throat. If you don’t get there early, forget about getting a spot. However, this might only be true when the hotel is at booked at capacity.
Our room, I mean our bungalow, was a three story townhouse. The first floor had a full living room, dining room and half bathroom. There was a front and back (fully enclosed and private) terrace with lounge furniture. The second floor had two master bedrooms with their own bathrooms. The bigger of the rooms also had its own balcony and huge walk-​in closet.
The third floor, was probably the highlight of the whole suite. There was a grill, a dining table that could have sat 8, an outdoor shower and private saltwater pool. The only word that can do the bungalow justice is RIDICULOUS.
The hotel is pricey, but the attention to detail and helpfulness of the staff set it apart from the other big name hotels that are just further down the street. If you’re able to splurge on the bungalow, go for it! However, the hotels amenities and staff alone put this hotel in a league of its own.