Dream South Beach, by Hyatt

The staff are why I keep returning to Dream South Beach. Every visit, they’ve been welcoming, attentive, and friendly. It’s also an easy few-minute walk to the beach, and the rooftop pool is a nice extra for a hotel this size. Breakfast runs late, until 2pm on weekdays and 4pm on weekends. The rooms feel dated, especially the carpets, and could use renovation, but the service and location bring me back.

The staff were very nice, and the hotel is right in the Art Deco district, with the beach less than a five-minute walk away. The rooftop terrace is pleasant, with a small pool about three feet deep, a sliver of ocean view, and a spot just behind Versace Villa. They also offer bikes free for up to two hours, plus beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels to take along. Our suite, rooms 269 and 270, was noisy through the night. We could hear people walking above us, along with music and partying from the street and the restaurant below, continuing until sunrise. Light also came under the corridor doors. Light sleepers should bring earplugs. The place looks like it needs cleaning and repairs. It’s a small boutique hotel, and not up to the standard of other Marriott hotels, though the location is good.

Melody made check-in a real bright spot. We arrived on a morning flight expecting to wait until the official time, but she was friendly and went out of her way to get us into a room early so we could shower and reset. Housekeeping refreshed the room daily and left bottled water, though oddly only on two of our three days. The spacious shower had good pressure, and the hotel offers plenty for South Beach: beach towels and chairs, bikes for rent, gym passes, water, and coffee without constantly charging extra. The location is excellent, one block from the beach and close to everything. We were assigned to the building next door, though, and had to pass through the “Naked Taco” restaurant, which filled the lobby. The smell there was awful, like vomit, spilled liquor, and sewage. All three of us noticed it every time. The main building lobby smelled fine, so I wish we’d stayed there. They need to improve the ventilation or cleanliness. Sleep was difficult. Our room sat above a bar playing the same repetitive beat loudly, on top of the usual Ocean Drive noise. They should at least provide proper earplugs for families or light sleepers. The rooms are a bit small, fine for a couple but tight for three, and the layout is awkward. A door separates the entry area from the bedroom, but a transparent glass wall separates the entry area and shower. With our teenage daughter, we had to keep track of who was going where whenever someone showered or used the bathroom. The pool was just okay, only three feet deep and more like a drinking and bar scene than somewhere for adults to swim or relax. I’d call it a solid 3.5 stars. Great staff, location, and amenities, but the noise, layout, and restaurant smell held the stay back. We’d only return if we could get a room in the main building away from the bar.

The location was excellent, near the ocean and restaurants, and reception staff were very helpful. Our room was very clean, though the shower water was only warm at best. There was free water and coffee in the lobby, but nothing provided in the room. The gym was off site, with only two passes allowed, which isn’t ideal for a stay longer than two nights. Given those amenities, the $45 nightly service charge felt far too high and overpriced.