The Getty Suites

I stayed here a couple of years ago and plan to book Getty Suites again when I return to Miami. The price was very good, the room was clean and tidy, and the friendly staff and great location made it an easy choice. The room is on the small side, but it’s ideal if you’ll be out at the beach and exploring most of the time. White walls and leafy pictures give it a light, airy feel. There’s a Starbucks around the corner for coffee and breakfast, and the beach and restaurants are close too.

We arrived at 9 pm and left the next morning for another nearby hotel. If you don’t want your Miami vacation ruined, don’t book this place, whatever the promotion. I’ve never posted a negative review before, but this place deserves one. Beware of the fake 5 star reviews. It felt like a dormitory, not a hotel, and was completely unacceptable for a Miami Beach vacation. The rooms were okay, but much smaller than the official website photos suggested. The building is squeezed between two others, with no room views except a dirty construction site. Be prepared to handle the many issues yourself. There’s nobody at the front desk from 7 pm to 11 am, and communication with staff, when it happens, is by text.

They let us check in early, which was great, and offered a late checkout for an extra fee. The room itself was okay, but the shower was disgusting, like it hadn’t been cleaned for weeks. You could see dirt between the tiles, and I felt gross taking a shower there. They required a $150 deposit, which is supposed to be refunded at the end of the stay. I’m still waiting for mine. They also charged me $20 for makeup on the towels, even though it should wash off easily in a regular machine. People wash makeup off their faces, so what do they expect? They said it needs a different washing process, which makes me wonder how they normally wash the towels if there are different levels.

For the price, this place was fantastic. The location was great, a very quick walk to the beach and an easy enough walk down to South Beach. Just know it’s kind of like an Air B&B, with no real front desk. We had no trouble getting extra towels or anything. My only complaint was that the room felt a little damp and humid, but that’s Florida for you.