Winter Haven Autograph Collection, Miami Beach

This place had good reviews and based upon that we booked, but were extremely dissapointed in the room size. We booked for 4 people and were placed in a room with 2 full sized beds and the size of the room was the same as those with 1 bed only. They essentially cram 2 beds in a very small room made to fit only 1 bed. We complained at the front desk but were basically told they could not and would not accomodate us with a bigger room or a second room. We were told that if we didn't like the accomodations we were free to go and they would refund us our money for the next 2 nights. No attempt was made to accomodate us in the least. We ended up staying because we didn't want to have to go through the trouble of looking for another place and my girlfriend had an early interview the next morning. Furthermore the carpet was old and stained and the furniture was old and scratched and chipped and the TV is an old model reg 20 in. We stayed and made the most of our stay by spending most of the day and part of the night out. The only good thing about this place is the location. We were right across the park to the beach and walking distance to Espanola way and Lincoln Road shops, but other than that the front desk woman was extremely rude not only to us but to other guests as well.

I was searching for a hotel on South Beach, one that offered a nice room in a nice location for a good price. There were several that matched my criteria, but given the fantastic service that I recieved from Lisa in reservations, the way she handled my many questions, concerns was exemplary. It was because of this non-judgmental assistance to what others surely would have considered a difficult customer that I decided to stay at the Winterhaven. Many other hotels I called were rude, indifferent, didn't really seem to want to take the time to answer my questions, but from Thomas at the Front Desk, to every single person that I encountered at the Winterhaven, the experience was friendly and welcoming. It amazes me why so many that work in the hotel industry, retail and restaurant industries in South Beach are so unpleasant. The hotel is situated right on Ocean Blvd. Can't be a better location. Near Lincoln Road, near all bars and steps from the beach. While many complain about the rooms, ours was a beautiful ocean front, spacious and comfortable. I did see a few rooms that were much smaller, but considering the amount of time I actually spent in my room, it would hardly have mattered. The bed was very very comfortable, the TV was a flat screen with many channels, good closet space. The only complaints I have are the size of the shower in the bathroom, which made a shower a bit tricky, and the dingy carpet. It was clean, but stained, and I think that is what people mention in earlier ads. It did ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to take away from my enjoyment and should not be considered as a negative. Servicing the room was done daily and very well. IN the room are beach chairs to take to the beach, robe, iron, and a very big safe. We were on the RELAX package and didn't have to pay the resort fee, but if we did, as other reviewers have mentioned, it includes a lot and is a minor inconvenience. The breakfast included muffins, make-your-own waffles, apples, bananas, strawberries, yogurt, cereal, bagels and a toaster, OJ, milk, coffee. The drink coupon for $5 could be used once per day on drinks that ranged from $8-13, typical prices for South Beach. Beach towels are available at the front desk. There is a rooftop sitting area, which was great at night, but hot during the day. There is a great porch on the hotel's front, and a very comfy lobby to sit and lounge in. All in all, this is a great place to stay if you don't need lots of luxury, but want a comfortable, pleasant hotel located well in South Beach. I'll be back.

Upon arriving at the hotel, I talked to the front desk clerk to check on my reservations. Apparently, he said that he didn't have it in the computer and I needed to call yahoo. Called yahoo and their friendly service said that they would fax the reservation right over. Waited about 30 minutes, still no fax. Called yahoo back while the front desk clerk was on the phone with a friend. Apparently, he didn't know how to work his fax machine and it was off. This was found out after 3 calls to yahoo and 2 hours past making it 1:30 in the morning. He didn't really care too much about our comfort or helping in the situation. After finally getting keys to the room, I walked in and to my surprise I found the following: - A tatted nasty carpet - An incredibly small room (i'm talking smaller than a 1 person dorm room at a small college) Thats upon the first look. I'll give them that the bathroom was CLEAN, but how hard would it be to clean a bathroom that is 4 x 4 !!! The location was great right off of south beach, but the noise was pretty loud throughout the night due to this being a great spot for vacationing students. All in all, the night clerk (older guy that doesn't seem like he knew english well) was unfriendly, uncaring, and unsupportive throughout the stay. When asked for the manager, he said "there is no manager, its just me"...which is pretty much a lie....I mean, I'm no rocket scientist, but i'm sure he just didn't want to get in trouble for not caring. Lastly, the parking "mandatory valet" was ridiculously priced at $22-24 per night?!?!? I mean really? I could park my own car in the lot and pay less than that! I wouldn't recommend this spot to anyone over the age of 21. If you and some buddies are just trying to spring break it and need a BED only, this would a spot to hit. ~thanks P.S. and may I add again, the carpet was horrendous!! bring flip flops or sandals....socks with just not do it here, you may pick up a roach or something...

I had read tons and tons of reviews on this Hotel before finally deciding to pick it. Me and my Boyfriend went to Miami the Week of August 18 and stayed at the Winter Haven Hotel. Upon arrival, the bell boy rushed to our taxi and got all of our luggage out and patiently waited until we checked in to take us to our room. We got lucky because we stayed on the 6th floor where the top deck is where you can lay out and see the beach from the balcony. I was super happy because I had heard if you got the cheapest room, you would most likely be facing a wall, but our room spot was great! We had the door to our room, and also two other doors that opened to the deck. As everyone has said, the room wasn't huge and there was only one nightstand for clothing, but I it was cozy and comfortable and the closet was big with shelves, so my boyfriend put his things up there. The bathroom was small, but perfectly fine with me, the shower was big and we had a window outlooking Collins and Washington. Overall I give the room an A. I loved it. Everything is walking distance. You are right across the beach and shopping and restaurants are so close. Yes there is a public bathroom near the hotel, but I was there for 4 days and didn't see one bum. The breakfast was good enough for me. All kinds of pastries, cereal, milk, water, orange juice, bagels, muffins, pancakes, fruit, and deviled eggs. It was fine with us, we just needed a meal to hold us till lunch time everyday. The patio was fun to sit at and just relax or eat our breakfast. The lemonade and water and snacks they have during the day are great, because coming from the back, we were dying of thirst! The staff was great. They were super nice and our room was cleaned perfectly daily. I agree with everyone else, the beds are sooooo comfy! I want to take the pillows and blankets home! When it was time for us to leave, they held our luggage all day and called a taxi for us when it was time for us to leave to the aiport. Overall, I loved the hotel and we would for sure stay here again!

My wife and I stayed here at the end of August. We had an ocean-front room. Overall, we had a great time. Pros: (1) The hotel's staff is very friendly. Our room wasn't cleaned one day and the staff corrected the problem very, very quickly after we notified them of the problem. (2) Location: We could walk to Lincoln Road, the Beachwalk, walk to Mango's, News Cafe, etc. quickly. But, it's far enough away from the noise of the busiest parts of Ocean Drive that we slept well at night. It's also very close to a Walgreen's, Starbucks, and a gas station. (3) Ocean-front view: Especially from the 5th and 6th floors, the view is beautiful. (4) Cleanliness: The hotel and room was very clean. (5) Value: The value is great. Lots of other hotels on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue are much more expensive. Cons: (1) By far the biggest negative to staying here is that there is a public bathroom directly across from the hotel. We had never been to South Beach before and we were surpised at how many homeless people were there. Most of them kept to themselves and did not bother us, however. (2) Another negative about the hotel is that the bathrooms are very small. A big bathroom is not important to me, but my wife loves larger bathrooms. FYI: (1) Valet parking is $25/day. We rented a car and drove to various places in the Metro Miami area. If a person did not want to leave South Beach, or Miami Beach, one could get by without a car. (2)There is an amenities fee of $7 or $8 per day. With that fee, you get beach towels, breakfast, and a few other amenities. The breakfast is comparable to a Hampton Inn (bagels, cream cheese, orange juice, yogurt, fruit, Poptarts, tea, coffee, milk, cereal, etc.). Bottom line: We plan on returning this December.

Went June 6-10, 2008...Came from NY and PA.....Though this place was in a great location. i hated the size of the room. We did get a discounted price so the other rooms may be a lil larger, but not that much. the batrhoom was awfull. I had to wear flip flops in the shower. We asked them the change the curtain because it was crazy dirty, upon our return the attempten to clean. We put towels everywhere. The staff were pleasent. Ive slept on better beds. The availabe beach charis was nice. And we were literally right across from the beach. Walkin distance to everything. Most hotels on the beach front have the same reviews. But all is doable. IF they were just cleaner

This hotel was alot better than I expected. Great service. Clean Room. Great view and location. We didn't spend much time inside the hotel or the room, so it suited us just fine. We were a little upset that we were not accomodated with a late check-out, but spring break, that is to be expected.

The Winterhaven Hotel is an unbeatable value. It has a perfect location, within walking distance from everything. The beach is right there,as well there are tons of great restaurants and shopping. We took a cab to the hotel from Miami international airport(which is about a 15 min. drive)and walked everywhere the entire time until we had to return home. There is so much to do. The hotel staff was extremely hospitable. For only $8.00 a day you receive a delicious continental breakfast, two drinks at the bar, a snack, beach towels, and two beach chairs. The rooms were clean and the bed was very comfortable. I had a great experience and I hope to be back soon!

I spent a lot of time choosing the hotel and after reading reviews my choice was Wnterhaven. If somebody expects that this hotel is 5 star, it is not so :) And the price is also not like for 5 star hotel! This is a perfect place to stay if you expect small hotel atmospehere where you feel like at home! Service is just GREAT! The location is also good as you can enjoy breakfast on the terrace with a true feeling that you are near the ocean! If somebody complains about paying resort tax then here you know that you will get towel/beach chair and drink in the evenings! This is a calm place, but you can walk 100 m and you will be in the center of action! If I will go the next time to Miami, I will choose the same hotel!!!

I just came back from a 4 night stay at the Winterhaven and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reasonably priced hotel in a great location. Hotel has a nice lobby and is centrally located right between all the super-luxo hotels and other art deco hotels where you can dine along the main strip. Between you and the beach is a small park in which there are some homeless people, but they mostly don't bother you. One sold ice cold water for $1/bottle. Public beach shower and clean restrooms are right there. What makes the Winterhaven a good stay? Rooms are clean/comfortable, bath & body works toiletries (though after 1st night I had to ask for resupply at front desk). It's clean, staff is friendly and the morning breakfast (7-10am)/afternoon snack (cookies & lemonade)/early evening drink puts everybody in a good mood and is good way to meet other people. Great view of south beach from the rooftop. Rooms are on the smaller side, as are rooms at most art deco hotels which were built in the 1930's (Winterhaven was renovated a few years ago). Have to ask at concierge/bar for ice. Rooms could use fridges but very satisfied otherwise. Book this hotel at least a few weeks before you stay since rates go up (esp on Fri/Sat) for last minute bookings. Also, call them to see if you can get a higher floor (South Beach can get noisy since many people up until 4 or 5am). Resort Fee: $7.50/day/room incl tax-pays for breakfast, beach towels, $20 refundable deposit/chair for beach chairs. Ask at main desk for wristbands/passes to help get faster access to Mansion & other clubs, which still cost $20-$30. Parking: Skip $25 for valet, use multi-story municipal parking garage on 13th street just one block away-$8-$10/day(F/Sat) or $1/hr.