Berkshire Coral Gables Apartments — Attraction in Miami

My boyfriend and I lived here with our dog from June 2016 - September 2017. We have moved around a lot in the past 5 years and have lived at a number of luxury apartment complexes and this was by far our worst experience. Never before have I ever complained to a leasing office about the complex but while living here it was almost a weekly thing that there was something wrong that I felt like I had to complain.

I will start off with security since I feel like if you pay $2,000+ per month to live somewhere that labels itself as "luxury" you should feel safe. My boyfriend's car was broken into in the parking garage and his back window was shattered. There are no cameras in the garage so the leasing office said it out of their control. No email was sent out, no residents were informed, nothing. Then a week later a Range Rover was broken into in the garage, now an email is sent out and residents are informed. Although they informed people no cameras were installed and no security staff was hired. They have an off duty police officer on site but he works during the day so he really isn't there very often and when he is he just walks around the community once, not really a patrol officer. There is a side door that leads out to the dog walking area that requires a key to open the door, yet for the last 3 months that we lived there it was broken so anyone could walk in off the street and get into the building. We sent videos of this to the leasing office and we received no response. Also there is a gate to get into the resident area of the parking garage that broke on multiple occasions and was just left open for anyone to drive up. This wouldn't have alarmed me except for the fact that someone was clearly breaking into cars.

Leasing Office Staff: Horrendous! I do not speak Spanish, which I know is a rarity in Miami but they would speak to me and then speak to each other in Spanish behind my back. Absolutely awful. Also I lived here for 15 months and as you can see from above I made a few complaints, yet somehow overtime I went to the leasing office I had to tell them my name and apartment number. The complex isn't that big how do they not know my name yet? Viviana was the worst as she is who we signed our lease with yet she never said hi when she would see me walking my dog or walking out the front door. Also Michelle would walk her dog and never wave or hold the door open for any resident. If you work in a leasing office and live on property you need to be even more friendly to the residents! There was no level of professionalism at all. The employees if they actually responded to an email would not use an email signature or sign their name so you didn't know who you were speaking to. They never answered the leasing office phone, EVER. Just try calling and see. I promise they won't answer.

Parking: you have to pay for a second parking spot yet it is not safe or secure. Your spot is assigned and yet other people will park in your spot since no rules are enforced at this property. I had to get a car towed from my spot twice and this was after just dealing with it and finding a visitor spot multiple times before. Also, visitor parking is a joke. They say you need a pass for your guests. I got a pass for my guests every single time yet there were never any visitor spots open and not one single other car had a guest pass on their car. I would be the only one ever following the rules yet there was no...

My tour experience with Alberto (Alby) started well. What appealed to me was the location and the spacious layouts. I learned that management is the same as owners, thus more care would likely go into the building. I was also told many of their staff also lived on site and thus it was also incentive for them to ensure they had good neighbours. I had a friend living there who told me he heard the neighbours above him so when I went home and saw the same layout I saw and was interested in was also available on the highest floor, I opted for that one. I was assured by Alby that unit was good to go for a move in before end of the year and decided to trust him on that. My move in was supposed to be right before NYE and was a disaster. The unit had not been professionally cleaned as I was told it would be with dirt and hair among other things in the drawers and even fridge and had ants, spiders and silverfish and I’m not talking about just a handful. I felt neglected as I had shared these were issues at my previous home and some of the reasons I wanted to move. I was not pleased with initial attempts to handle this however I also understood it required management to handle which would not be possible until after the new year holiday. Thankfully I had some days of overlap at my old home and decided to wait to be contacted by the property manager delaying my move. However things got better which distinguished how Berkshire, a professionally managed residential community, differs from a place with a private landlord. I was contacted by Jessica, the property manager just after New years day who assured me I would be credited for the days I could not yet move in, assured I had cleaners that morning and pest control right away. She also took the time to do a walk through of the unit personally and ensured any concerns would be tended to right away. That’s when I got to meet the super helpful and friendly maintenance staff. Tracy who initially gave me the keys also remembered to check in with me to ensure all was sorted when I officially moved in and despite the initial hiccup, Alberto continued to be helpful and friendly with any questions on moving day and after.

Things can go wrong anytime and anywhere but what matters is how they are addressed and what steps are taken to ensure the same thing doesn’t keep happening and Jessica did a fantastic job convincing me with words backed by actions that I should give this place a chance. Berkshire owners whoever you are, thanks for my new home. P.S. You are lucky to have Jessica!

All in all, after 2 weeks of living here, Berkshire appears to be a good community, with friendly staff and neighbours, a place my dog loves due to the very pet friendly nature of this area and last but not least, any resident concerns are addressed professionally...

As I began my apartment hunting journey in South Miami, I stumbled upon the enticing prospect of Berkshire Coral Gables. Intrigued by luxury studio, one, and two-bedroom apartments, I decided to book a tour and see for myself what this building had to offer. From the moment I arrived at the property, I was captivated by its stunning curb appeal. The modern mid-rise architecture exuded sophistication, setting the stage for what was to be an impressive tour. As I stepped inside the lobby, I couldn't help but notice the tasteful decor and welcoming atmosphere that greeted me. During the tour, I was struck by the prime location of the building. The leasing agent enthusiastically pointed out that not only were the beaches just minutes away, but also Baptist Hospital. This proximity to essential amenities was a big plus for me, since having access to excellent healthcare facilities is needed nowadays.The agent then told of South Miami's bustling scene called Coconut Grove. With high end shopping and dining options just steps from the building, I imagined indulging in the vibrant and diverse lifestyle this area had to offer. It was comforting to know that all the trendy boutiques and fine dining restaurants would be right at my doorstep. As we continued the tour, the convenience of transportation options caught my attention. The nearby Metro station meant I could easily access downtown Miami and explore the city's various attractions with ease. This seamless connectivity to work and play made the location even more desirable. Once inside the apartments, I was thoroughly impressed by the aesthetically pleasing interiors. The luxury studios and one-bedroom units felt spacious and airy, with large windows allowing natural light to flood in. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect, from the modern fixtures to the sleek finishes, creating a chic and comfortable living space. We also explored the building's amenities, and they truly exceeded my expectations. The sparkling pool area resembled an oasis of relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a long day. The state-of-the-art fitness center beckoned to my fitness aspirations (if I ever get around to it), and the thoughtfully landscaped outdoor spaces provided a tranquil retreat right within the building. As the tour concluded, I found myself torn. Berkshire Coral Gables had left an indelible impression on me with its ideal location, luxurious apartments, and exceptional amenities. Yet, I knew I had more apartments to visit before making a final decision....