Aloft by Marriott Coral Gables

The location works well for walking to shops and restaurants, and the lobby bar is a nice place to get some work done. But the rooms are so dark. The windows are small, the suite’s living area had just one tiny, very dim floor lamp, and the bathroom lighting was poor, with no light in the shower. It honestly felt a bit like a prison cell. It also seems overpriced, so I’ll stay somewhere else next time.

Ramona and her team were terrific. They helped with valet and check-in, and sorted out a reservation mistake that was my fault. The hotel is in a perfect spot for visiting University of Miami with my daughter. The gym and pool were clean, too. Highly recommend.

We stayed three nights for our son’s wedding and had one rental car, a seven-seater with my son, his wife, daughter, her fiancé, my wife, and me in it. Still, we were charged for three extra nights of parking for cars that weren’t ours. First we were told it was somebody else’s car, then the hotel said my daughter had a car for two nights and my son had one for two nights. They can’t keep their story straight, and we only had the one car. The customer service was very poor, and the hotel seemed to be making things up over $105. I’ve never had such bad service. Strongly recommend staying elsewhere.

I was here for work and they kindly upgraded me to a suite, which was really nice. The facilities were clean and the bartender was great. Drinks are a bit expensive, $15 for an espresso martini, though I guess that comes with the area. Lots of restaurants and boutiques are within walking distance. I enjoyed my short stay and would come back.