Miami Santa Catalina

The room was spacious and still looked nice, though a little worn. The view was amazing and the staff were very friendly. I was concerned after seeing some reviews, but they didn't match what I found. It's not a luxury hotel, but I'd happily recommend it for a couple of nights.

The bedding, bathroom, and kitchenette were clean enough, but the room itself was dusty. The place is very basic, run down, and clearly needs a lot of care. Having stayed in plenty of OYO Hotels in India, I had some idea what to expect, and the cheap price does show in the hotel. The big problem was the noise outside. Santa Catalina gets rowdy at night, with shouting, screaming, engines, horns, and deliveries going on for hours. Even with the windows closed, it sounded as if they were open. They really need double glazing. It was an okay stay for what I paid, but bring earplugs or you'll barely sleep.

The location is very nice, near the beach and bus station, and it could suit travelers looking for an affordable, no-frills option. My room was on the first floor, facing C. del Gral. Vives, and the street noise from traffic and people yelling made it impossible to sleep without earplugs. The window did nothing to block the sound. I also found dust and sand mixed together on the lower parts of the armchairs, which was unpleasant. The shower's plastic curtain had been broken and glued back together, and looked unpleasant too.

The location was okay, and that's the only positive thing I can say. The room was dirty and outdated, and the noise was awful. People outside sounded like they were standing right beside the bed. I'd look a little farther afield, since there were other well-located apartments in the area too.