Marriott Stanton South Beach

For our six-night honeymoon before a cruise, the most disappointing part of our two-week trip was booking this hotel. It wasn’t horrific, but we expected more from a Marriott. The location was excellent and convenient, the restaurant recommendations at check-in were useful, the Mexican restaurant attached to the hotel was nice, and the free sangria on arrival was a thoughtful touch. The bed was comfortable too. We were kindly upgraded to a sea-view room, but it had two beds instead of the king we originally booked. We didn’t understand what that meant at check-in, and in hindsight would’ve preferred to keep the king. The balcony stayed in shade and was very cold, so we never used it, though the weather wasn’t the hotel’s fault. The room was small and needed renovation, and while storage was enough for the two of us, four people would’ve been cramped. The bathroom’s sliding door didn’t lock, which seemed absurd in a twin room. We had only paper cups for hot drinks and wooden stirrers instead of teaspoons, below what I’d expect from Marriott. Towels were replaced every day even when we hung them up, though major hotel brands often replace them only if left on the floor to save water and reduce waste. There was no small bathroom mirror and the lighting there was poor. I also needed another mirror over the desk for hair and makeup, plus more light. I understand the appeal of mood lighting, but getting ready in enough light matters too.

We were in accessible room #920, with a king bed and balcony. It was quiet and clean, and if you look left from the balcony, there’s technically a partial ocean view. The air conditioning vent was really clean, and the AC stayed on through the night and blasted cold air, which we loved. The room was acceptable overall, but the shower and furniture could use updating, the water pressure was very weak, and the Smart TV was tiny. Staff were friendly and helpful. We liked the free lobby gelato served daily from 3 to 5 p.m. There are free bikes to rent, though we didn’t use them. For water, just ask the valet drivers at the front; they kindly have bottles in a big cooler off to the side. There are lots of restaurants nearby, and Walgreens and CVS are about a ten-minute walk away. From the Starbucks corner, walk east for two blocks to Stop #118 for the Free Trolley to Lincoln Road. Download the Miami Beach app to get live updates on trolley stops. We had a great stay and would come back. 4.5 stars!

The staff were friendly, helpful and committed to making our visit enjoyable. They were glad to give advice and recommendations for getting around. We also loved the hotel’s Lolo's and Azabu restaurants, and found plenty of other good places to eat and shop within easy walking distance. Our room at the Marriott Stanton was quiet and comfortable, with a wonderful ocean view. You can walk straight out to the beach or the path along the shore. We had a great stay and would choose it again next time we’re in Miami.

We changed hotels the next day because the room quality and the staff’s response were unacceptable for the high price. My husband and I arrived late at night, with nobody available to help with luggage or basic guest needs. The first room was right beside a loud AC unit, so resting was impossible. After we complained, we were moved to a second room that wasn’t properly furnished: no table, chair or place for our suitcases. The bathroom door also wouldn’t close properly. These conditions were far below what I’d expect from a four-star hotel or a Marriott-standard property. When we brought up the problems, staff simply said that was the category we’d booked. We even offered to pay for an upgrade, but were told nothing else was available. Their response felt dismissive and unhelpful. Rooms in this condition shouldn’t be offered to guests.