User Reviews for The Palms South Beach

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Apr 7, 2008 by Shane from Havre De Grace, MD
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[4] • Location:[3]

• Very nice beach.
• Rude check in staff.

“Front desk staff is rude and unorganized. Very expensive from drinks to parking. Extremely comfortable rooms.”

Mar 13, 2008 by Rebecca from Orlando, FL
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[3] • Location:[4]

• The quietness, I really liked that outside.
• The valet, the bag people, people are not really helpful, I was stalked on the beach and security did the bare minimum they could do.

“The valet and the bag people were very slow, not welcoming and not friendly. It was not a very helpful beginning. At night the people above us were loud, banging on the walls and floor. The front desk was called twice. The location was wonderful.”

Mar 10, 2008 by Stacey from Mustang, OK
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• The Palms was the best place we have ever stayed, excellent service.
• The small bathroom.

“I would recommend this hotel to everyone they were the best, really spoiled us we did not want to come home.”

Mar 7, 2008 by Ginger from Colchester, VT
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[10] • Location:[8]

• The back yard, pool and beach area, as well as the service.
• The room was too small, the bathroom was extremely small and the tub was old and unattractive.

“The hotel was nice, the service was excellent, the food was good. I would recommend that they put coffee pots in the rooms and/or serve free coffee in the lobby. I've never heard of a "four-star" hotel without coffee!”

Mar 5, 2008 by Bruno A. from Ann Arbor, MI
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[5] • Location:[7]

• Nice location with beautiful garden and pool area.
• Terrible experience too many problems to list.

“Hotel not a four star hotel. Outdated bathrooms, shower ran cold every day of our stay, our hotel room door rattled loudly every time another guest closed their door, flashing lights from smoke detector and from back of TV, housekeeper argued with me about the benefits of using Tilex shower cleaner on the drinking glasses in the room (not wonder our throats were sore), painfully slow elevator, meat found in veggie dish and long hair in our food delivered by room service. I'd never stay there again.”

Mar 3, 2008 by Peter from Toronto, ON CA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[7]

• Extremely friendly and helpful staff.
• The location was a little further then I expected.

“Great hotel for the price especially in South Beach. The staff was all extremely friendly and helpful. The food and drinks at the hotel were extremely expensive, just as everything is in South Beach. The hotel was away from the craziness of the main strip but it was about a 20 walk or a $7 cab ride”

Feb 28, 2008 by Molly from Sunnyvale, CA
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[1] • Location:[1]

• Nothing- waste of money.
• Staff, room size and amenities, location, cost.

“It is not in South Beach as the name would suggest. The staff was slow and at times actually disrespectful- refusing to make change for my husband. Eventually I had to get a manager. The concierge gave us a terrible recommendation for a restaurant, perhaps she was new to the area. The rooms are tiny and the bathrooms are on par with a public restroom in a McDonalds. The remote control for the TV didn't work. The refrigerator they provided us didn't work. The lobby is laid out in a confusing and illogical manner, making it difficult to find anything. Overall... terrible.”

Feb 25, 2008 by Carina from Paarl South Africa
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[2] • Location:[8]

• Nice views and close to the beach.
• 4pm check in! Staff not friendly/helpful at all!

“We were really disappointed upon arriving at the Palms, I do not believe that this is a four star hotel, when we arrived we had to wait until 4pm before we could get our room! The staff were not very friendly and the experience was a bit disappointing overall. We stayed for 3 nights and wish we had rather stayed somewhere else. The hotel is beautiful and has nice decor, but the rooms feels more like a motel and not like a 4 star hotel. I will not be returning to the Palms although we were really looking forward to going there.”

Feb 15, 2008 by Beth from Indian Trail, NC
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[7] •

• Great atmosphere.
• Room was not ready at check-in--we were given a handicapped-accessible room with a strange shower.

“On top of the steep price of this hotel, we were charged "daily hotel fees" for "free" internet, newspapers and use of the pool. Ridiculous for a 4-star hotel. Also not within comfortable walking distance of shopping or eating.”

Feb 15, 2008 by David from New York, NY
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[8] • Location:[5]

• Good service all around.
• Bathroom was awful. Pool overcrowded. Windows didn't open in room.

“Good service all around, A+. They are striving for improvement and I commend that. The rooms, though with okay decor, are really upgraded motel rooms. The bathrooms tired and tiny and Motel 6 quality. Elevators creaky and slow. Windows don't open-horrible not to get fresh air in Miami. Good choice for those with limited funds that want to be on the beach.”

Feb 4, 2008 by Uri from Givat Shmuel, AE
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• Great location and large room.
• Being charged a "hotel fee" for nothing!

“The only thing that spoiled my stay was me being charged around 12$ as a "hotel fee", for services I didn't get and didn't want to get.”

Jan 29, 2008 by Christoph from Carbondale, IL
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[9]

• The beach was very nice and the rooms were comfortable.
• Our bathroom was damaged and had to be repaired. The German personal at the front desk was unfriendly.

“Very nice hotel with high standard.”

Jan 25, 2008 by David from Redlands, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[7] • Location:[8]

• Great beachfront location, close to South Beach.
• Small room, slow staff, no Jacuzzi or spa.

“This South Beach convenient hotel was recently remodeled, and provides the guest with a great value at the 3 Star level. A 4 Star level hotel should have kinder, more attentive staff; a Jacuzzi or spa; and more access to simple things such as ice machines -- without having to go down 2 floors and walk down a long hallway trying to find the closest ice machine.”

Jan 20, 2008 by David from Dallas, TX
Overall Rating: 3
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[2] • Location:[7]

• Free internet access.
• Definitely not a 4 star hotel.

“This was a 3 star hotel that was presented as a 4 star. Additional parking fees and hotel fees appeared on the bill. My thermostat was broken and it was freezing in my room. They sent someone to look at it, but that person never came back to fix it. They also refused to move me to another room. The recent renovation job was mediocre at best.”

Jan 18, 2008 by Seth L. from Livingston, NJ
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[10] • Location:[5]

• Very beautiful setting.
• The bathroom was TINY!

“Overall it was a good stay. But the walk to South Beach was a bit far. The pool was very crowded! Lots of smokers too.”

Jan 17, 2008 by Beth from Prior Lake, MN
Overall Rating: 2
Cleanliness:[6] • Staff:[3] • Location:[8]

• The location and the bell staff.
• The customer service and the room location.

“Give the worst rooms in a location that is hard and unpleasant to get to (only 1 elevator goes to the 2nd floor and the stairway option is dirty and smells funny). Bar of used soap left in our shower.”

Jan 14, 2008 by Randall from Gloucester, MA
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• Quality mattress, linens, excellent staff, valet, bell hop, all staff was friendly and helpful.
• No opening windows. Parking fee. I would rather have paid the staff extra for parking rather than a hotel fee.

“The staff was friendly and extremely helpful. The location was great, and the room was newly done with the finest mattresses, sheets and pillow cases. The walk in closet was large and made for a clutter free room. The beach was clean and there were plenty of lounge chairs and helpful staff everywhere. The Starbucks Coffee in the gift shop was better than having an in room coffee maker.”

Jan 11, 2008 by Marvin from Ellenwood, GA
Overall Rating: 3
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[3] • Location:[8]

• On the beach.
• Rooms are too small and too much noise!

“My room wasn't ready until 4:35pm and I definitely had to be out of there by 11:00am sharp!”

Jan 10, 2008 by Margo from Saint Louis, MO
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• Lovely and spacious public spaces, great service, wonderful heated out door salt water pool, and very nice marble bathroom.
• The queen size beds were too small for two adults; they were really "full" size, too small for 2 average people.

“Loved it overall. My son and I swam under a full moon in the salt water pool with the music of a live swing band coming from a terrace where a 50th anniversary party was being held. Room was clean and comfy, except the queen beds are very small. Great location on the north end of South Beach.”

Jan 7, 2008 by Reza from Matawan, NJ
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• Location. On-street parking possible.
• Very small bathroom. Very poor TV Reception. Only one restaurant.

“Clean Hotel with friendly staff. Very comfortable beds. Right on the beach. Very small bathroom. Very poor TV reception.”

Dec 29, 2007 by Tom from Plantation, FL
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[8]

• All called me by Name.
• Ran out of beach towels on several occasions.

“A hidden gem on south beach. Close to all the action but at some time isolated.”

Dec 26, 2007 by Jeremy from Roselle, IL
Overall Rating: 3
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[5]

• Plasma TV.
• No hot water in shower @ 10 am.

“Nice hotel, but very poorly marked sign (easy to miss). No parking in area, you must pay to park. Our room was literally right next to the elevator, so we heard squeaking and beeping all night. In the morning, there was not a drop of hot water in the shower. However, the staff was very kind.”

Dec 26, 2007 by Crissy from Richmond, VA
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[5] • Location:[8]

• I liked the hotels location to the beach.
• I didn't like being unable to check in early and the room was small for the price.

“Overall the hotel excluding the room is beautiful, the staff as a whole was helpful and friendly, there were one or two that were outright rude, the rooms and bathrooms are small and in need of an update, the location to the beach is wonderful, but not to shopping and entertainment, be prepared to pay an extra daily charge for use of the beach chairs, towels, and pool.”

Dec 19, 2007 by Randy from Waxhaw, NC
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[9] • Location:[7]

• The hotel lobby and grounds were very nice.
• They automatically charge me $13 for use of pool tools and internet.

“Hotel room needs a little more cleaning. Overall I would probably stay there again.”

Dec 8, 2007 by Shu from Providence, RI
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[10] • Location:[4]

• Convenience to beach.
• No parking and they charged me a daily fee.

“Why was I charged a daily fee of 12.43 per day.”

Nov 17, 2007 by Carl from Encino, CA
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[8] • Location:[6]

• Price was good. Price of food expensive.
• $12 for drink at pool $10 bottle water.

“Hotel is undergoing some renovation. It is an art deco remodeled hotel. The area is a long forgotten area of Miami that is now receiving attention. Hotel to south closed hotel second to north closed. Hotel to north being remodeled. Third lot north starting construction. No restaurants on the street. Street parking difficult. Valet is $23 per night. Small cup of coffee in lobby $2.75. Breakfast is over $20 each person. No other options. Replacement properties are going up. More of condo area than hotel area.”

Nov 6, 2007 by Keith W. from Alexandria, VA
Overall Rating: 7
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[7] • Location:[10]

• Location ocean front in Miami beach.
• Did not smell fresh, was older, some hallways (exit stairs, etc. Very dirty).

“Although the hotel was less than one might expect for a hotel of this star level it was an excellent value considering it was south beach. Our room was a second floor room facing the street so significant street noise did begin about 7:30am but that wasn't a problem for us. In spite of the shortcomings of this hotel I consider it an excellent value for the price I paid would return in a heartbeat for the same price.”

Oct 28, 2007 by Tara from Saint Helena, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[8] • Location:[8]

• Great location, nice décor.
• The closet was bigger than the bathroom. The pool was too close to the restaurant.

“It is a really nice hotel. Good customer service, clean, valet parking, lots of amenities. But robes, a mini-bar and good customer service don't make it a 4 star. It's the little things that define a 4 star: I shouldn't have to pay extra for a refrigerator, the employees should have excellent customer service, I shouldn't have to tell them my room number when I call housekeeping, they should get the room number right when I call the front desk for a bellhop. Picky? Yes, that's what 4/5 stars are all about. I think the hotel is definitely worth the money. They are priced perfectly. I would recommend it to anyone going to Miami beach. I just would tell them not to expect 4 star services.”

Oct 27, 2007 by Scott from Plant City, FL
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[9]

• The bed was very comfortable; the room had a walk in closet.
• All the hidden expenses, parking $25, guest fee $15 and the room door didn't lock properly.

“The hotel was very modern and very clean. The bed was really comfortable which was great. Bathroom needed a little updating and room was kind of small but the walking closet nice. The largest complaint I have is all the hidden costs and the staff werent very friendly at all. The parking is $25 more, and there is an additional guest fee of $15 on top of your room charge you've already paid for. We had a drink at the bar and for 2 drinks the bill was $30. I was a little shocked. However the outside area was beautiful and the beach was very clean.”

Oct 22, 2007 by Paul from Sioux City, IA
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[3] • Location:[7]

• I really enjoyed the privacy along the north end of south beach. It was very relaxing.
• No communication between valet and front desk.

“The palms south beach was a romantic getaway which provided a private beach, pool, and cabana area. Its location was on the north end of south beach therefore an $8 taxi could take you to south beach's classic nightlife. I enjoyed the free workout facility onsite and the concierges advise on sightseeing. Be careful as parking poses a problem. Valet is $23/day and the staff did not seem to have it all together.”

Oct 21, 2007 by Torsten from Riedstadt, GA
Overall Rating: 3
Cleanliness:[5] • Staff:[3] • Location:[3]

• Nothing. I was very disappointed.
• Very old hotel. Not really clean.

“We have paid for hotel fees, which actually included in the price, should be.”

Oct 2, 2007 by Angela from Jacksonville, FL
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[9] • Location:[9]

• The Beach access was great.
• The small restrooms in the room.

“Over all we had a great experience.”

Sep 29, 2007 by Heidi from Kissimmee, FL
Overall Rating: 6
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[6] • Location:[7]

• Location, modern room decor, housekeeping friendly and good water pressure.
• Valet was abrupt, pushy because we wouldn't park w/them. No coffee maker!

“The hotel location is great for Lincoln road and the beach, ocean drive. The room (although small) was clean and had modern furnishings. The water pressure was great. The housekeeping staff was very friendly and accommodating when we needed more of those great Aveda products. Check in/out was quick and easy. I'd have to mention that the valet staff was abrupt and rather pushy when we decided not to incur the $23 fee and park around the corner. The hotel and room show their age, although well kept. I could hear what the people in the next room were doing almost all the time. The biggest downfall for me? Be prepared. There was no in room coffee maker! If you're a big coffee person, that'll send you into a tailspin in the morning. If necessary, I would stay here again for the value. I have stayed at smaller, less than desirable boutique hotels for this price (and more) simply because of the proximity to the beach.”

Apr 1, 2007 by Amanda from Harrisburg, PA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[8] • Location:[9]

• Great pool and bar, great access to beach.
• Very pricey drinks at bar.

“Wonderful stay worth the money.”

Feb 7, 2007 by Didier from Paris GB
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[8] • Location:[5]

• Hospitality, room comfort, and access to the beach.
• Location a bit far from Miami beach center, city view in the room, very slow elevators.

“Our stay at the palms was excellent! I recommend this hotel for a short trip. Prefer rooms with ocean view (city view is quite boring). The hotel location is a little bit too north, so you have to take buses, taxis (at night) or rent a car (but hotel park is very expensive: 19$/day).”

Jan 29, 2007 by Lony from Miami, FL
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[5] • Location:[3]

• The hotel was extremely clean and the staff was very helpful.
• The rooms were less than desirable, felt like I was staying at a motel.

“The hotel didn¿t present itself as a luxury hotel. There was nothing luxurious about the hotel. I would expect allot more from a luxury hotel.”

Jan 1, 2007 by Shimmy from Brookltn, NY
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[1] • Staff:[2] •

• Compensated us for our disappointment.
• Many problems with our stay.

“Terrible. Do not stay here.”

Dec 20, 2006 by Chris from Potomac, MD
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• Great service, beautiful lobby, pool, beach view, and garden area.
• Room smelled funny. Not bad, but a very strong chemical smell like paint.

“Although certain things were missing from the room (like a coffee maker, mini fridge), the overall experience was wonderful. Things were a little pricey, but one should expect to pay $12 for a mojito (I highly recommend their mojitos, very fresh) being brought to you while relaxing in the amazing heated outdoor pool. Another nice touch was that tips were always included with everything except for the valet parking. Very convenient to not have to carry a wad of dollar bills all the time. Location was great. No matter where we went, the cab ride was never more than 5 or 6 dollars, and most places were within walking distance.”

Nov 17, 2006 by Eric from Plymouth, MN
Overall Rating: 5
Cleanliness:[4] • Staff:[4] • Location:[7]

• Nice location, quiet, beautiful beach front, friendly staff.
• Cleaning staff was not great, no ice or vending machines.

“It is a nice hotel for a couple or a quiet visitor. It is on the more quiet side of the beach so you have to take a taxi to get to the live area of the beach.”

Jul 31, 2006 by Dana from Saint Louis, MO
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[7]

• The staff was very friendly, helpful and it was a positive experience despite my luggage getting there 3 days after I did..
• No coffee maker in room.

“This is a lovely hotel with the feel of Jamaica or some other island retreat I arrived late (I called them) and was given a non-smoking room when I had requested smoking I was aggravated because the airline had lost my luggage and felt I was short-tempered with the desk person I later apologized, but she said I wasn't rude at all (what is she used to?) As promised they moved me promptly in the am to a new room which was smoking. The staff are extremely nice and helpful - everyone from the girl in the gift shop to the concierge my room was OK - the bed was great! I wish I had had a coffee maker in the room so I didn't have to run down and get it from the gift shop or room service the mini-bar isn't refrigerated so I had to go to the ice machine fairly often (it was on my floor luckily). The grounds and ambiance are great I adored the house parrots, Sunshine and Chance really nice stretch of beach with "rocks" to sit on at the waters edge and some people fishing great patio/communal area nice "front porch" with rocking chairs the food was very good salads and room service. I would highly recommend.”

Jul 8, 2006 by Nicole from Okeechobee, FL
Overall Rating: 8
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[9] • Location:[8]

• The decor and location were wonderful.
• The rooms were tiny, and the bed seemed smaller than a king like we were told we would have.

“The hotel was beautiful on the inside- the land scrape and the pool were great, and you can't beat the beach front. The room we got was tiny, and the bed that was suppose to be a king, seemed more like a queen, (we have a king). Don't miss check out or you will be charged a minimum of $100, and don't remove anything from the bar, unless you put it back within 30 seconds, or you will be charged also! The hotel lobby was fantastic, great picture opportunities, and the food was superb. Please don't order alcoholic drinks until asking how much they are, you may get an unwanted shock!”

Apr 8, 2006 by Hyunsoo from Syracuse, NY
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[9] • Location:[10]

• The location is good.
• Parking problem.

“Generally good. The staff were kind. But it lacks free basic service.”

Mar 6, 2006 by R &. from Bristol, CT
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[7]

• The locations of the hotel to the Beach was great. the grounds and pool. A+.
• The area is going through change and remodel once completed the hotel will shine even more.

“Friendly Staff very nice grounds great beach access. A+.”

Sep 27, 2005 by Eloisa from Atlanta, GA
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[8]

• Valet parking was fast and employee very attentive.
• The bathroom is small. Must fix elevator/main lobby.

“The hotel is very nice. employees are very attentive and polite. They need to fix the elevator on the main lobby even though they have 2 more elevators in another part of the lobby it takes a long time waiting. For one day the other elevator in the main lobby was broken too. I will recommend this hotel. But I think their prices for Friday and Saturday are too high, this is not a resort. We enjoyed our stay there.”

Sep 12, 2005 by Cristian from Washington, DC
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[8] • Location:[7]

• Very professional staff.
• To pay for valet parking , and additional.

“The Palms is nice. The people is friendly and professional. I do not like to pay additional fees. But i think it is something of Miami.”

Jul 3, 2005 by Brett from Gulf Breeze, FL
Overall Rating: 10
Cleanliness:[10] • Staff:[10] • Location:[10]

• Great hotel. Everything was perfect.

“This was a great hotel. Great staff. Great location - right on Miami Beach. Great amenities. Great rooms. And great price.”

Jun 2, 2005 by Brad from New York, NY
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[8] • Staff:[6] • Location:[10]

• right on the beach
• charged for all the little extras

“All in all it was OK; location was right on the beach, room was adequate. No frills, but the price was great for where it was and what was offered.”

May 19, 2005 by Cathy R. from Zionsville, IN
Overall Rating: 9
Cleanliness:[9] • Staff:[10] • Location:[9]

• Staff very attentive. Beach and resort clean.
• No coffeemaker in room. Lighting in bathroom very dim.

“After reading some of the reviews we were pleasantly surprised. Our room was extremely quiet with a beautiful beach view. The complimentary breakfast each morning was great. They have a happy hour on Thursdays and Saturdays which helps with the high prices.”

Apr 9, 2005 by Guy W. from London
Overall Rating: 1
Cleanliness:[3] • Staff:[3] • Location:[6]

“Do not believe that this is a four star hotel. When we arrived we had to wait until 4pm to get our room. At that time they added a Hotel Charge of $12 which just seems to be a way of getting more money. I questioned it and it did not appear to be the first time this had happened. All this and then they said they did not have the room. Unprofessional staff could not help us out so we went to stay somewhere else. After traveling 9 hours from London it was a bit disappointing. I did not have a good feeling about the place though as it looked a bit shabby and the service we had was. The location is not at the heart of the action on South Beach no matter what the name suggests. Don't pay four-star South Beach prices as it is not worth it.”

Feb 23, 2005 by Tom from Davie, FL
Overall Rating: 4
Cleanliness:[7] • Staff:[1] • Location:[7]

• The lobby bar has wonderful giant martinis
• The front desk staff is rude and obnoxious

“This is a beautiful boutique hotel directly on the beach. The rooms are well appointed but the beds are not very comfortable. Do not expect large bathrooms because they're a little bigger then that of a cruise ship. ”