Arrived at 2.30pm and was told that the valet parking was full but could park in one of the side streets on a meter. Drove around for 15 minutes trying to find a parking space and did find a public car park that cost 50 cent a hour. i was lucky getting that space as someone was just leaving. Got back to the hotel after a 10 minute walk and ask the valet parking when there would be parking availability and was told to ask later.
Now for check-in !!!!!!! Joined the queue of about 15 people in front of me and waited and waited and after 35 minutes i get to check in desk and guess what they didn't have the my reservation. The girl was nice enough but did take another 15 minutes to sort it out. While we were waiting a group of teenagers were running around the lobby shouting and throwing a ball to each other no one asking them to stop and in the other corner was a very drunk man that was wolf whistling and shouting abuse at any women who came within 20 feet , again no one ask him to stop.
Getting to room a was pleasantly surprised that the room was great and had a wonderful view , shame the glass needed cleaning. It was clean large nicely decorated with a good sized bed and did have a fridge but , and a big BUT, - no safe . Having over $2000 , a camcorder, PSP, camera, and 2 mobile phones I was bit worried about leaving it all in the room after seeing the kind of customers that where staying in the hotel.
Later the evening I asked again about valet parking was told to try again in the morning about 8am.
In the morning i get up at 7.30 and ask about valet parking and told to try 9, tried at 9 told to try again to try 10. I was getting really annoyed at this point. Went back at 10 and told to come back at 1pm at this point i give up and just walk back to the car the to feed the metre. I only picked this hotel because of the valet parking. I know that parking can be difficult in Miami but would have been better off staying in south beach and parking in one of the many city run car parks. Think the valet parking staff were looking for a back hander just to get in the car park. !!!!!!!!!
Public transport is very good and only cost $1.50 and runs every 5-10 mins. A taxis is about $15 which is good value.
This was once a grand hotel which has now lost some of its charm and a bit lack luster. With a bit of loving care and big improvement in customer service it might be worth staying there.
There is a $10 daily charge that you must pay for using the pool, towels, sun loungers, wireless internet. I didn't use an off them.
There was room service plates left out side people room at 8pm and were still when we checked out at 11am
They also need to sort out the parking as it almost ruined my weekend. I was worried that I was going to get a ticket or being towed. Getting up every day at 7.30am to feed a metre is not my idea of a good time.