Tides Inn — Hotel in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

We reserved but did not end up staying due to. Hurricane Nicole, which was hitting the same night we were to arrive. This review is on the hassle of their customer service, and it was awful. Due to be there weds, we called on Monday as we saw the NHC track and warnings go up. We called and asked for the best solution. The woman who answered Carmen tried to tell us they had to wait for the state to fax them, which didn’t make much sense, but also that “it was nice out” and was overall rude. We called again at the end of the day, hoping for someone else to answer that knew more, but it was the same, still waiting on the state and insisting she was the manager. I got mad as by then it was clear we would not be able to fly or get ground transportation there, and it was just so ridiculous. Seems like they would want to offer us a different time immediately rather than insisting on us attempting to stay at a beachfront hotel during Nicole with accompanying storm surge and flooding and elec problems? But only at the tail end of the call after advising me my only option was to email the owner did Carmen offer to reschedule us. By then I was too mad. I did email and though the responder didn’t identify themselves, they presented their policy, which was only to cancel (the full stay mind you) in the event of a hurricane warning. As it was, Tides was 17 miles south of the warning zone in a hurricane watch. Meanwhile our flights were refunded no problem whatsoever (go jet blue), and these guys were trying to charge us nearly $2000 for a stay they couldn’t honor. When the General Manager Reynaldo returned, he seemed to be better but still insisted he couldn’t return the payment for the first night (the night hurricane was hitting). He said things like he would have to pay for it himself and even, again, that it was “nice out.” I mean, seriously?!?! He also insisted that it was their policy, and when I asked, do you mean you’re quibbling between 73 and 74 mph winds and saying the former is safe, he would not refund the money. He tried to say hurricanes happen all the time, but in reality, nicole was the first hurricane to hit the east coast of Florida since Katrina, in 2005. He offered us a gift certificate for the amount of the first night. We refused, and I said, listen, you can either refund us and I’ll consider staying there at some other point or you can insist that you keep this money ($320) for the first night stay that you can’t honor and I’ll write a review of what happened. So here I am. Throughout, they were the antithesis of customer service. It was so bad, in fact, how they treated us as if it was a good idea to come stay in an emergency that my sister and I decided we were really glad we hadn’t stayed there. What a horrible “policy” that endangers the community also and how shady. Especially the owner, or whoever was responding to email. I wouldn’t trust them whatsoever, not with credit cards, not with belongings, not with anything. I did dispute the charge, and Chase credited my account with no trouble. I’d don’t even have to explain all this, just the date coinciding with Nicole. I had never had to do that before, but we’ve talked to a few people since who have advised to check BBB before booking anything in south Florida. I’ll share that same...

Place has the potential to live up to its advertising, but unfortunately does not. It has the right location, a nice pool and patio, but the advertising of the rooms is very inaccurate.||They advertise they stay open to til 6PM. Nope. They advertise an ice maker in the room, but it doesn't work, no ice after 5PM. The POC (person in charge) acknowledged it broken. Advertised cable including ESPN, CNN and TNT, but none of that was available to us. Basic Roku only. There was an Xfinity box that could be turned on/off, a Xfinity remote but also inaccessible. We informed the POC of this problem too, but she also could not access advertised cable,” or “newest movies, TV shows.” Said handyman who programmed the TVs was off for the day.||Advertised was "State of the art European Kitchenette" with Microwave, cooktop, Refrigerator with Ice Maker” etc. There was a tiny microwave that was either rusted or dirty inside. The Mr. Coffee machine had a used filter with damp grounds still in it from previous tenants. The plates provided were too big for the little microwave turntable, but there was an old, oven sized microwave under the cook top that pulled out like a large drawer. It did not work. Today I noticed it was mentioned to be broken back in 2023 by a renter on Tripadvisor.||They advertise their "boutique hotel" with “The bathroom feature[s] unique Aromatherapy blend, offering benefits for both body and mind. Bathrobes and slippers for your comfort.” No robes or slippers. Aromatherapy consisted of two small bottles of shampoo & conditioner.||No further attempts were made to remedy any of the problems. No offer of a different room. No programming of the TV. No offer of a discount.||After a two day disappointing stay, we had a minor problem with pet sitting at home, and decided to leave. We checked out at 10:15AM, with checkout time being 11:00AM. A different POC charged us for the 24 hours we would not be there ($255.20 plus tax and tourist tax) and offered no reasonable compensation. She just repeatedly stated "It's hotel policy", while the maid stood by and starred at me with a mean, intimidating scowl on her face, instead of minding the business she was there for.||After complaining to Expedia, the POC stated we had not provided a "formal complaint."||If you consider this place for your vacation, they do have multiple good ratings, but look deeper, you will see patterns there that back up what I have written here, including losing payments whether it's emergencies or disappointment in the rooms. You will see advertisements regarding false statements about amenities, and complaints of the hotel refusing refunds.||If you look at the pictures on the web, you will see coffee tables that aren't really there. You can watch Gunsmoke, on Roku, by sitting on the end of the bed, or physically pick up the TV, turn it around, and watch it from the backless "sofa bed" and one cushionless chair.|||So, in summary, I would seriously consider another establishment. There are several in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, which is a nice, little beach town, and loads of great establishments in Ft. Lauderdale.||Too bad, it could be...

I chose the Tides Inn because it was a small little boutique hotel right on the beach, and let me tell you it was the best choice I made! The property is so cute.||The rooms are decorated super cute. It had a Nespresso maker, which was awesome a little mini fridge & microwave which was helpful because we are on a 2 Week Rd. trip and needed space for leftovers etc. Everything was very clean and well-kept up. ||The staff was super friendly, attentive, and really took care of us! They set up beach chairs and umbrellas for you on the beach, no extra charge, they have kayaks, paddle boards, & bikes & several cute hammock’s in the front grassy area.. no extra charge!! We have stayed at many places on our trips thus far and let me tell you this little hotel by far has exceeded all of the other bigger properties… The big hotels want to charge you for everything, even lounge chairs on the beach, even some places we’ve stayed at want to charge us to use the pool and pool towels and just basic things that I think should be included!! But let me tell you This hotel is doing everything right… ||The very best part is the beach is amazing. The water is warm and it’s crystal clear! We have traveled the west coast of Florida from Clearwater down to the Keys and back up to Fort Lauderdale and is by far the best water we’ve seen yet. We honestly wish we could have stayed longer….||One thing that I would say, was a downside… definetly could use an upgrade on the mattresses and sheets… but they weren’t a deal breaker. Also There is no icemaker on property. But there is a Publix right around the corner so we went there to get our ice… ||All in all this spot is what I consider a little hidden gem and I would definitely come back and stay...