Andaz Miami Beach Resort & Spa

We stayed four nights and wished we’d chosen somewhere else. The rooms were stylish, and housekeeping was good, with convenient beach access. But service didn’t feel up to a five-star hotel. At check-in, the front desk didn’t know about the pool and beach closure for an event and said the beach was open to the public. It turned out only one pool was closed, but it was a shocking first impression. Breakfast at aguasal was frustrating: we were forgotten by a server several times, waited 30 minutes for coffee, and there was often a line because the hostess struggled with crowd control. The pools were extremely crowded, and they shouldn’t close one for an event when most guests aren’t attending. Beach service could be very slow too, and if you missed the waiter, it might be an hour before seeing them again. The rooms were loud enough that we connected our phones to Bluetooth and played white noise. This also isn’t a kid-friendly hotel, and the website says it’s best for couples and solo travellers, yet there were hordes of misbehaved children. If you want a romantic, adult-focused resort, look elsewhere.

The room was lovely, comfortable, elegant, and immaculately kept. The pools were stunning and nicely heated, and the beach setup was easy, with two chairs and umbrellas included in the resort fee. A hot tub would be a nice extra in the cooler winter months, though I understand why Florida may not call for one. I arrived seeking refuge from a snowstorm, and the property manager kindly upgraded my room and left a personal note and delicious treat. That warm welcome made me feel valued right away. I didn’t get to try the main restaurant, but the poolside one was delicious. We had burgers, salad, and salmon, all fresh and flavorful. Another welcome perk was paying entirely with points without any extra fees. The personal service, accommodations, and amenities exceeded what I expected at Andaz Miami Beach. I’d absolutely return for another escape.

I stayed here for my birthday in October and loved it. The staff went way out of their way to make me feel special, leaving two different birthday cakes in my room, one on the day itself and another the next day. The rooms were clean and beachy, the onsite food options were great, and the beach and pool setup was perfect. It meant a lot that they made such an effort. Thank you!

Storage is the one thing that could be better. There are only three shallow drawers and a tiny closet, so living out of a suitcase might get old if you stay more than a couple of nights. Still, it’s a fantastic property. The service has an old-school feel, the pool is great, and breakfast was really good, especially with Globalist status. It’s also a short rideshare to the restaurants in South Beach. The elevator takes a little getting used to, but works well.