The Avenue Hotel Coral Gables

The new construction and rooftop pool are great, and there’s a pedestrian area nearby. The location feels very safe at any time. There are three street parking spots you can find in the nearby single-family residential blocks, but check the signs carefully for resident-only restrictions.

Sunday, March 1, 2026, around 10 pm. The way the staff handled our arrival left us feeling deeply disrespected. Sandra, the front desk attendant, was professional and tried to get the three women who had brought the noise into the small reception area to quiet down. They deliberately turned away from her and got even louder. The male staff member, who seemed to be security or valet, didn’t intervene; he waited until they had left and then sheepishly said good evening. That was far too late. We’d been looking forward to the grand opening of what was billed as a posh, one-of-a-kind hotel in Coral Gables. Within minutes, though, the scene felt the opposite of luxurious. We were checking in with our ID and credit card when loud yelling from the street grew closer. Three scantily dressed women then came into the reception area, still shouting at what felt like 100 decibels. The small room made it deafening, and the behavior seemed more like South Beach during spring break than Coral Gables. One woman, who appeared to have cosmetic bottom implants and tattoos, pushed through the tight space between our luggage and expensive handbags, then beckoned the others to follow. After that, we told Sandra the behavior was unacceptable and asked for a room well away from wherever this group was staying. We’d also seen a DoorDash or Uber Eats driver arrive with several liquor bottles, which, judging by the timing and what we’d seen, seemed likely to be for the three women. I felt for whoever was staying next to them on a Sunday night before the work week. Sandra had spoken with me by phone a few days earlier, so it was nice to recognize her in person. She was ready to help, but the other staff member’s inaction made the welcome feel anything but refined. A high price doesn’t make a hotel a luxury leader. How guests are treated at arrival, and the kind of behavior the hotel allows, say a lot about what The Avenue Coral Gables stands for, even before anyone can appreciate the modern decor and room details. My family and I, along with corporate travelers, felt the difference immediately.

We had a two-bedroom unit with plenty of room for everyone, and having a kitchen area made it easy to bring breakfast back. The rooms were clean and the beds comfortable, so it worked really well for a few nights while we were in town for a University of Miami tour. The location near Merrick Park was just right for shopping and walking to dinner. We walked to Perry’s steakhouse for dinner and to a bagel shop for coffee and breakfast. The in-room coffee maker is small, but we were happy with the spot and found valet parking easy to use. I’d stay here again, and it would also suit an extended visit.