Deco Walk Hostel-Beach Club

The rooftop bar and lounge was a highlight, and Jodie and the other bartenders were easy to befriend. The cleaning crew did a great job each day while respecting our things and letting us sleep. The front desk team was helpful too. Ruby, who often worked mornings and afternoons, even helped when I broke my iPhone and made sure AT&T overnighted a replacement safely to me. The night staff were great as well. I was in Miami for work from Los Angeles and had never tried a youth hostel, so at 34 I was unsure it would suit me. I met plenty of people around my age who were also trying to save money, and made friendships with people from around the world that I hope to keep for life. Deco Walk is right on the beach on Ocean Ave in South Beach, surrounded by bars, clubs, good restaurants, and plenty of drinking. If you can stay sober long enough to remember it, you’ll find a friendly, clean, well-run place. I had a really good stay and would recommend it.

The dorms were cleaned every day, and the staff were friendly. It was easy to meet people from all over the world here. Since the hostel is right on Ocean Drive, the beach and pubs are just a short walk away. I stayed from December 29, 2014, to January 1, 2015. Great spot for students.

The view from the window is lovely, and you can watch festivals when they’re happening. This is the only South Beach hostel I know of with windows facing the ocean. The building layout reminds me of a subway train, with rooms opening off a hallway. The property had just been bought in December 2016, and quite a few things were new. The owners seemed open to suggestions. I liked how the staff listened to my concerns, and the mattresses are plastic coated, which may reassure anyone worried about bed bugs. They also offer a warm fuzzy blanket if you get cold at night. The location is a big plus: just cross the street and you’re on the beach. The place has a modern style, and hostels are good for meeting people who want new friends and ideas. I find that the people I meet at hostels can really affect my life and personal growth. Hotels suit people who are very anti-social, but I think everyone should try a hostel for a night. Once you see what you pay for comfort versus what you actually need, you may be surprised at how much you have left for other things. A few things could be improved. Shelves in the women’s bathroom above the toilet, one cubby per bed, would be useful, along with a rack for hanging things or even soaking dentures. Sanitizer or Lysol wipes/Purex dispensers on the dorm walls would be nice too; I don’t mind wiping things down for the rate. I’d also like a special rate for the upstairs open bar for people who don’t want to take the nightly Party Bus to a local club. The lighting by the outside elevator entrance needs work, so I used the restaurant entrance below. I hope they change the name from Voodoo to something happier or trendier, like I SEE U, PUFFY AT SEA, or THE PIZZA PIRATE. I spent a lot of time watching pedestrians react to the sign. Most didn’t seem impressed, and about 20% were appalled, like me. There are security cameras, though they’re useless if nobody watches them. Nothing is perfect, even at home. If you want to relax and make new friends, this place gets my vote for its view, location, and modern style.

The hostel service was okay, but I had a problem when I asked the front desk to arrange an airport shuttle. They called a private shuttle that cost $40, while the usual one is only $20. They should have told me about the higher fare first. I suspect they get a rebate from the more expensive shuttle.