My wife and I like to check out smaller, "funky" hotels when we travel. This particular hotel received lots of nice reviews, none of which seemed plausible after our visit. To begin, the hotel was not clean. Some of that is age (they are remodeling), but. age doesn't account for dirty wash cloth in a bureau drawer, several candy wrappers, and the semi-disgusting state of the pool area. Several of the electric outlets were missing electricity, and many of the remainder were poorly installed so that plugs would just spontaneously fall out, leaving us with uncharged electronics. A bathroom exhaust fan that didn't turn on (and a non-opening window) made the mornings a trial, as did the really awful lobby coffee (only powdered creamer, and one morning with no stir implements). But this all pales beside the incident our first morning when the construction crew "tested" the fire alarm without the hotel staff notifying the guests. As you can imagine, this led to a number of not-so-steady individuals (including us) lurching down the small, steep stairwell. The potential for liability in case of a fall didn't seem to faze the desk staff, who blamed the workers (even though it was clear that the staff was well aware of the test), and seemed mystified that any of the guests seemed put out, including those who had been sleeping or showering. I've not experienced the get-in-line-to -yell-at-the -staff phenomena before, but the individual at the desk seemed accustomed to it. The competence and manner of the desk staff varied greatly, with some not really displaying any grasp of the phrase "hospitality industry". It's Miami Beach, with a hotel every 15 steps. I can't think of any reason to stay here again.
