citizenM Miami South Beach

The room was so small you could see your guest shower through the “beautiful” LED lights, and there are no parking spots or shuttles. The pool closes at 8 p.m., which feels early for Miami, and apparently there’s a 15-minute limit in the pool, with someone watching you the whole time. For the price, I expected things like a gym, coffee maker, utensils, or a microwave in the room. There’s supposedly a microwave on the second floor, but staff didn’t mention it, a stranger did. You also have to request a washcloth or bring your own. The tablet seems to be what you’re mostly paying for. When I first walked into the room, the bed had hair and stains on it. The pillows were hard and bulky, and uncomfortable to sleep on. The heat and air sometimes worked and sometimes didn’t. At check-in they ask what room or view you want, then give you the opposite. You need to swipe your key card to use the elevator, and it randomly stops working, which is a hassle. Social media makes this place look worth booking, but don’t be fooled.

I’m a pretty dedicated Marriott traveler, so I was surprised by how much I liked my first stay at a Citizen M. The rooms are simple, but clean and have what you need. The service really stood out: every employee was incredibly nice. Dagnar, the manager, was especially wonderful to talk to and clearly keeps that location running well. I’d stay there again in a heartbeat.

I’d return for the people, not for the iPad. Around an hour after I arrived, the manager came by and explained the hotel’s concept and approach. The rough start was handled with professionalism and genuine care, and from then on the team made me feel welcome and appreciated. I’d landed at 6:30 a.m. after a long flight and found an iPad at the front desk. Tired and expecting a more traditional reception, I was ready to give the place zero stars. The tablet is basically in charge of the TV, room settings, service requests, and most guest interactions. That’s a big change from a conventional Marriott experience, so I’d recommend telling Bonvoy members about the setup in advance.

The lobby and rooftop both work well for a budget hotel, and the location is great. It has a pod feel, but the beds are comfortable and the place feels modern and comfortable. The staff are fun too. I asked for extra pillows and daily cleaning, since a small room really needs to be cleaned every day.