Dream South Beach, by Hyatt — Hotel in Miami Beach

We have found our new favorite staycation spot! This is the very first DREAM brand I try out in the Hyatt portfolio and WOW - I'm impressed. DREAM South Beach is EXCEPTIONAL value for money. We will now ALWAYS stay here whenever we come to Miami for our annual cruises and frequent stopovers.

LOCATION: The most perfect spot in South Beach (just behind the former Versace Mansion); a block from the ocean; 5-min walk to Muscle Beach and a myriad of different restaurants and entertainment venues; about 15-min. Uber or Lyft to the Miami Port / cruise ship terminals.

SERVICE: Outstanding staff EVERYWHERE - from the front desk rockstars and sweet MANAGER(S), who stuck with me/my reservation even after my flights were delayed by a day and a half from Europe [!!!]; to KELLY & JUSTIN at the rooftop bar, refilling my drinks and changing my umbrellas constantly to the rotating sun; to the kitchen and their tasty 3-meat campechano tacos; to the Housekeeping staff, who left my bathrooms and bedroom in my Platinum Suite shining; to Security, always keeping an eye on odd fellas wandering and escorting them out if not guests. Every single person I encountered at this hotel was the epitome of excellence in service.

POOL / OTHER AMENITIES: SO much to do! They have so many cool activities going on -- and are also very good at keeping guests updated about the best spots and events in their neighborhood. They even have FREE yoga (Sat. & Wed.), FREE salsa classes and dancing Friday nights; floating Blackjack games st their rooftop pool on Saturdays; insane Taco Tuesday food & drink specials ALL DAY; etc. And of course, the well-reviewed resto and bar BAR TACO is just downstairs, in-property. LOVED all this! Even if you're more of the lay and chill type of traveler, their rooftop pool will deliver. It was so quiet and relaxing, with the perfect deep house vibes, Miami Lounge type of music most of the day -- and with a gorgeous view of the ocean, just above the terracotta tiles of the former VERSACE MANSION below!

ROOMS: I booked a Platinum suite. Spacious, with two FULL bathrooms! Living room with queen Murphy bed is completely separated from the king bedroom by a thick, solid lockable door. Each side has its own full bathroom AND own lighted vanity - so its the perfect room for families, 2 couples or friends traveling together. I loved it and will def. book it again.

FOOD: Only place where I got mixed feelings. As a Hyatt Globalist (top Hyatt elite status), I received a daily voucher for complimentary full breakfast entree, one juice, and one coffee or tea per person. I tried the huevos rancheros my first morning - too dry :( Not enough sauce nor cheese, nor spicy enough. Very well seasoned otherwise, so I think if the chef adds more of the sauce and makes it bolder in chair and spice, he / she will certainly have a winner here. My iced lattes were STRONG and delishhh - on point every day. I'll prob still to note traditional breakfast burritos or platters next time, though.

TLDR: THIS IS IT. DREAM is where you stay whenever you visit...

Several months ago I booked two rooms for my family (same reservation) and I had booked under my name as I had a discount code for the rooms. I called the hotel the same day I booked the rooms to ask if I could add my mom to the reservation as she would be the one paying — we do this all the time and it has never been an issue. I’m able to show a ID and she simply uses her card to pay. The Hyatt associate working that day said no problem, her name has been added, make sure to stop by the front desk and show your ID for the points. Perfect - I’m ready for Miami!!!

Fast forward to today (the day of our stay), there ends up being bad weather on my mom and I’s way down to Miami from Atlanta (where we also stayed in a Hyatt that I booked and she paid for). My aunt flew to Miami from Wisconsin and beat us by several hours. I call the hotel and ask if it would be possible for her to check in for us since she was there already. The Hyatt associate on the phone says it’s no problem, she added my aunts name and she will be good to check in. A couple hours later, my aunt goes to check in and the manager on duty makes a huge fuss about me not being there yet. I call the hotel to speak with him, he explains his issue and I politely explain that it’s not an issue, she is only there earlier because we were told it was fine. I tell them if she can’t check in, I will be there later tonight. If she is able to check in, hold her card on file and once I arrive, my card can be added in place of hers. He refuses to even talk and gets off the phone — says he will call back. He gets off the phone, calls me a liar where it can be heard by my family in the lobby, and calls someone at the corporate office and they have to reach out to me. The situation is extremely frustrating, simply because it’s Hyatt’s fault. I called the hotel in advance and was told it was no issue. The calls are said to be recorded - I called at 11:04 am CST - the call should be recorded for review. If the rule was that it’s not allowed, then it should have been stated. It’s that simple. No rules were asked to be bent, nothing.

I’m a loyal Hyatt guest and only stay with Hyatt when traveling. I’ve never encountered a situation where an associate, a MANAGER at that, is unable to just clearly communicate the issue and work through it. Disappointed that this was my first Miami experience. I do not recommend this hotel based on...

Possibly my worst stay in a hotel ever

I booked the Hotel for 2 nights (it was my second day here). I made sure to book a bigger room this time because their basic rooms are the smallest I ever saw in the North America. I booked it for location (I wanted a hotel in South Beach) and to be close to the beach. (I looked for a hotel that offers beach service) As soon as I arrived, it started bad. There was nobody outside (where the car can be parked 15 minutes). As I was unloading my luggage, an angry-looking man came out yelling that I will be towed if I stay there. When I got in the hotel, I realized that that was the Valet! The room was actually pretty, big enough but it was very dark because if on the Main level so we can’t even open windows. I noticed quickly that there was no Cold Water in the room. Somebody tried to fix it and couldn’t. So I didn’t shower for 24 hours until it was fixed. The following day, there was no electricity as I came back to the hotel. Big problem as my Phone was near dead and I was meeting friends later. I went up to the pool where I ordered drinks. The order never came so I had to go to the bar after 20 minutes to re-order. During the second night, major work started being done at 3 a.m. outside (just as the noise from the street started winding down). I called front desk where they said they will investigate and call me back. They never did and I didn’t sleep much that night.

The front desk in the morning apologized, said that they are a small hotel, that the night shift is limited (mostly security) and told me they can wave the resort fee (which was already being waved where I reserved).

A Nightmare stay from start to finish!

2 notes on location and the beach. It is in the middle of the action but that part of town (10-11th street is becoming the trashiest area of Miami Beach). I guess it’s ok if you’re into drunk teens.

The hotel is not on the beach but one block away. The beach is nice but very crowded as well. There are way nice beaches in Miami Beach in my opinion. The resort fee gives you 2 chairs but no umbrella ($20 beach). In that part of the beach, chairs are $20 each. So my recommendation is to get a hotel directly on the beach. If it is not, no need to focus on beach service. Just pay for chair if...