Don't expect the red carpet
By A Yahoo! Contributor, 2/22/05
Our weekend stay at the Penguin was, well, adequate.
Granted, it was the least expensive room available along Ocean Drive, but the Penguin "Resort" also owns the President Hotel which backs up to the Penguin. We thought we'd booked an Ocean view room, but that was not available when we got there so we had a lovely alley view. A word of advice: be sure to confirm which building you're actually booked in.
Also, their definition of cleanliness leaves a little to be desired. It could have been the alley under our window, it could have been their cleaning products, but our room and most of the hotel had a unique aroma.
In the end, I can't say that I'd stay here again, but we didn't head to Miami Beach to stay in our hotel room. The location is tough to beat: easy access to shopping, restaurants, and the beach, but remember that you get what you pay for. The Penguin may be economical, but if you want ammenities this isn't the place for you.