Hotel Croydon

Our stay was short because a 10-hour airport delay cut into it, but we enjoyed it. The restaurant and bar are attached to the hotel, and their staff were laid back, friendly, and very interactive. The rooms were a good size, clean, and had a well-equipped bathroom. The interior has quirky touches, and the pool looked nice, though rain kept us from using it. The first receptionist told us off for looking at it. We had an okay dinner from the smaller evening menu, though the other menu looked better, and breakfast was nice. On the way out, a very hardworking man carried our bags down a flight of stairs and out to the taxi. Other customers were commenting on how hard he worked. The final receptionist was also extremely helpful and quickly printed some things I'd accidentally forgotten, taking care of a last-minute stress.

The attached tavern restaurant is a 10/10, and it's an easy walk to the beach. The spot is great overall, with cucumber water in the lobby and morning coffee outside the rooms. There are some nearby restaurants, though for most good spots you'll need an Uber. The pool is tucked between two buildings, and the gym is on the roof. Rooms are on the small side and miss a few extras like a coffee maker and free bottled water, which you have to buy. For a quick Miami stay, I'd recommend it ten out of ten. For a longer trip, I'd give it seven out of ten if those little amenities matter to you.

The rooms were well kept, and the hotel and nearby streets were very quiet. It's close to the beach, public transport, and free trolleys, with decent room prices. The front desk staff were the friendliest and most helpful I've come across. There is car parking nearby if you're willing to walk a bit, and the attached restaurant has a decent menu. One convenient elevator was being serviced, so hauling luggage to the next one was a challenge. I wish the tea and coffee hours were less restricted. The room could also use brighter lighting, or adjustable dimmers.

Five adults in our family spent five nights at the boutique Hotel Croydon at 38th St. and Collins in Miami Beach, Mid-Beach. We liked the design details in the rooms and lobby, the friendly staff, and the close access to transit, boardwalk, and beach, just half a block away. The ground-level pool area was a nice spot for coffee, and the rooftop seating had great ocean and city views. The partly outdoor fitness area on the seventh floor made for a different workout setting. We didn't use the on-site spa, but it looked inviting. The Tavern served delicious food, though it was pricey, which seems common in Miami Beach. There were a few problems. We booked two rooms but couldn't get them on the same floor. One room had a portable AC because its installed unit was faulty. One elevator was broken, leaving a single very slow one for guests and staff. Both room keys kept losing their programming, so we had to go to the front desk several times to have them reset. If you're driving, note there's no overnight parking on site. There is off-site overnight parking at a SpotHero location one block away on 39th Street for $50 a day, or a public garage half a mile away at 400 W. 42nd Street for $8 a day. It was a good stay, but with so many choices in Miami Beach, I'm not sure we'd return.