Luxury Meets Challenges: My Stay at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach

As a travel advisor and frequent traveler, I was excited to experience the Ritz-Carlton South Beach. It is a property known for its prime location and luxury amenities. While my stay offered highlights, there were a few challenges worth noting to ensure future travelers have a seamless experience.

Arrival & room selection

Upon arrival, we were greeted with glasses of champagne in the lobby and quickly shown to our room — a fantastic start! I had booked an oceanfront room, but if your room is in the Lanai Tower, be aware: the “oceanfront” view is completely obstructed by palm trees. After requesting a room change, we were relocated the following evening to the Main Tower, which offers truly stunning ocean views. If you’re booking an oceanfront room, I highly recommend specifying the Main Tower during your reservation.

Hotel details

The property boasts 375 rooms and 90 suites, ranging from 375 to 2,000 square feet. Many rooms were updated in 2020, blending contemporary luxury with the hotel’s signature style. However, the amenities — such as bathrobes, coffee/tea service and bathroom accessories — were not up to the five-star standard I associate with the Ritz-Carlton brand.

For an elevated experience, consider staying on the Club Level (9th and 10th floors). The Club Lounge is a standout, offering personalized concierge service, plus breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks from 7 am to 10 pm. With plenty of cozy spaces to unwind, it’s an ideal perk for a stress-free getaway.

The property includes:

• Three restaurants and three bars

• A full-service spa (though the lounge isn’t ideal for groups seeking to relax together)

• A fitness center: The fitness center is fully equipped for those looking to stay active.

• A kids’ program (currently being reintroduced)

• Outdoor Path: A walking and biking path behind the hotel is perfect for a leisurely stroll or an outdoor workout.

Dining & drinks

The highlight of my culinary experience was at the DiLido Beach Restaurant. The food was exceptional, and the bartenders were attentive and friendly. Unfortunately, the hotel’s atmosphere was less relaxing than expected due to a large corporate group occupying all of the common areas. The pool, lobby and bar spaces were overcrowded, and finding a seat — or even getting a drink — was a challenge.

Pro Tip: Before booking, call the hotel to check if large events or corporate groups are scheduled during your stay. These can significantly impact your experience.

Other Considerations

• Transportation: The resort is centrally located, about 25 minutes from the airport. It does not offer in-house transfers, so I recommend using Uber or a taxi for convenience.

• Weather: The pool area is lovely, but cooler weather limited our ability to enjoy it fully. Be sure to check the forecast before planning your trip, especially in the winter months.

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach has a fantastic beach-front location, a great Club Lounge and excellent dining. However, overcrowding, noise and average amenities affected the overall experience. It lacked the polish expected from a Ritz-Carlton property. If you’re planning a stay, consider requesting the main tower for ocean views and calling ahead to ensure no major events coincide with your visit.

Miami's South Beach would be a great place for a girls trip or for the traveler looking for shopping, dining and nightlife entertainment. But for families with small children looking for a family-friendly beach vacation, I wouldn’t recommend this city as the place to go. The vibes here definitely did not feel “family-oriented”.

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