Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida — Hotel in Surfside

🤮An Evening at The Four Seasons Surf Club — A Cautionary Tale for Luxury Travelers

As someone on a personal mission to explore and review every Four Seasons property around the world, I’ve always held this brand in the highest regard. With its legendary roots dating back to the 1930s, The Surf Club in Surfside, Florida, should have been nothing short of exceptional — but what unfolded during this visit was, regrettably, the worst Four Seasons experience I’ve ever encountered.

Our evening began on a positive note. We were warmly greeted by the hosts, and our table was met with smiles. However, as the night progressed, that initial hospitality quickly began to erode.

Our server, Alex, did his best, but the experience was marred early on by a spilled espresso martini — the result of an awkward moment between a server and the expo staff. While mistakes like this happen and can easily be forgiven as human error, what followed was a steady decline that made it clear this wasn’t an isolated misstep, but rather a symptom of a larger cultural issue.

The food? Passable at best, certainly not on par with the Four Seasons standard. But it wasn’t the cuisine that left the lasting impression — it was the attitude.

At the end of our dinners, we often film a private reflection to capture our honest thoughts without disturbing other guests. As part of our tradition, we also collect a keepsake: a hotel key card, which is always requested with courtesy and usually sparks friendly conversation with the concierge.

Not here.

Instead, we were met with a reaction from Lenee, the concierge, that can only be described as dripping with disdain. What should’ve been a simple exchange became an uncomfortable, almost hostile moment — a sentiment I’ve never encountered at any Four Seasons, let alone one of such historic significance.

Adding to the discomfort was overhearing staff — out loud — referring to guests in vulgar terms, seemingly annoyed at late arrivals. While I understand the pressures of hospitality, professionalism is a baseline expectation, not an optional courtesy, especially at a property like this.

And yet the night still managed to spiral further.

While waiting for our Uber in the lobby, quietly filming our closing thoughts, security was suddenly summoned. What followed was one of the most surreal interactions I’ve ever experienced as a guest. The security manager — who made sure to repeat that he was “the last person they call” — approached us with an almost performative sense of authority, citing filming policies (which we respect and fully understand) despite the fact that we were only recording ourselves, and no other guests or staff.

Upon noticing our microphones, his tone shifted abruptly, offering us drinks — wine, champagne, anything to seemingly smooth the situation over. At this point, the entire interaction had veered so far off the rails that we declined.

But perhaps the most unsettling moment came when the manager, in a baffling attempt at small talk, suggested that “if we wanted the beautiful girls on camera, we’d have to go through the proper channels.” I was so stunned I repeated it back to him, and only then did he seem to realize the absurdity of what he’d said, quickly offering water in an attempt to change the subject.

To be clear, we were never belligerent, never disruptive, and never disrespectful. Our only “offense” was being honest — both in our feedback and in our behavior.

This review isn’t meant to suggest that your experience will mirror mine, but as someone who makes it their mission to document and celebrate the world’s finest properties, I can only report what I encountered.

The Four Seasons Surf Club, a place I’ve now visited four times, fell heartbreakingly short.

When a guest can leave feeling more scrutinized than served, something is deeply broken in the guest experience. And for a brand that has stood as a symbol of excellence, it was a sobering reminder: heritage and reputation can only carry you so far — to top it all off, the whole incident was on camera:) so...

Where do I even start? I've been holding back on this review because my fingers will be hurting by the time I'm done.

Let's start off with walking in. If you're not coming from luxury, you'll be in awe. It's huge, it's clean, and beautiful. You're led to reception by the bus boy leading you down the long hallway so the front desk can assist you. They then ask if they can show you around the hotel, where you're amazed even more.

There's even someone who works there for 8 hours opening and closing the door. The front desk assistant gives you a history of the place in which they added on to the old historic building.

He showed us our room and it looked like a normal room until the curtains opened when the door opens. We were fortunate enough to get a side room, which had windows on two sides of the room. It's gigantic and breath-taking. The room includes a balcony. Hopefully every room does because it's a sight to see. The bed was SO comfortable. They have an iPad in which you can control many things in the room.

The one thing I didn't like was the speaker, it's INSIDE the bathroom. We called the front desk to come help us out, but they never came. They also never came when we ordered an iron/board for our stay -- but that's the least of our worries.

Make sure you have money when you stay here because I can promise you, it's not cheap. In the room there isn't a bathtub. Just a shower with two different heads. They also provide an exfoliating "loofa". If you don't like using regular bar soap on your body, it's fine. They give you shower gel as well. Also in the bathroom they have a straightener AND a blow dryer. They have makeup remover wipes, Q-tips and cotton pads. And a separate door for the toilet. The closet space is huge, you'll have no trouble with that.

Outside of the hotel there's a restaurant beside the pool. There's a few pools: an adult, a family and another one that nobody went in. The beach is just a few seconds walk from there. They have yoga on the lawn in the morning, no need to sign up - just go out there. They also provide bikes that you can take.

While at the beach, the staff there set up your chairs, just like they do at the pool. They put a towel down, and provide you with one as well. They also take orders for food whether your sitting by the cabana (no extra charge) or while you're lounging at the beach. Get the Grilled Tacos - they're to die for!

The service was the best I've ever seen. Everyone was on their game. Always dressed nice, always greeting you and smiling. It was amazing being there. They really make you feel like something special.

The spa was incredible, too. I thought the "relaxation room" was pretty dumb. But everything else was great. They provide you everything they need, just like elsewhere in the hotel.

Being guests at this hotel gives you access to the Tennis Court off of Collins. Just a 10 minute walk, but first come first serve.

Another thing I noticed while here, we were waiting for an Uber and since theres a couple entrances, the boys out front used their walkies to speak to one another, look out for the driver and guide him in the right direction. That's crazy that they do that. Obviously, I don't come to these hotels enough.

I would recommend someone coming here once in their life, even just for a nights stay - it'll be so worth it, but you'll never...

The Four Seasons at The Surf Club is a luxurious destination steeped in history and charm. Established in 1930, this iconic clubhouse was once the playground of elite socialites, including Harvey Firestone, who transformed it into a glamorous hub where extravagant events were the norm. Among the most memorable tales is the legendary “Arctic Gala,” where live elephants paraded through the ballroom, creating a spectacle that captivated the elite of the day.

Throughout its history, the Surf Club has welcomed a host of illustrious guests, from Winston Churchill and Elizabeth Taylor to Frank Sinatra and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Each of these legendary figures contributed to the rich tapestry of stories that define the club. For instance, Churchill famously had two cabanas, one for watercolor painting and another for relaxing with cocktails, showcasing the blend of leisure and artistry that characterized the club’s atmosphere.

The property has received numerous accolades over the years, including recognition for its exceptional service and luxurious accommodations. The Surf Club’s dining venues have also garnered awards, with Thomas Keller’s Surf Club Restaurant being particularly acclaimed for its culinary excellence, especially for its signature dish: tableside-prepared lobster Thermidor, which has become a must-try for guests.

The bar is a focal point, where expert bartenders craft exquisite cocktails, including the refreshing mojito and classic martini. The staff exemplifies professionalism, wearing immaculate uniforms and gloves. Kyle, one of the bartenders, shares fascinating insights about the club’s history, showcasing pride in his role and the legacy of the establishment.

In addition to the culinary offerings, the property features a huge spa, three temperature-controlled pools, and complimentary beach cruisers for exploring the scenic shoreline path to South Pointe. Guests can enjoy valet parking for $35, and when visiting the bar or restaurants, there’s a $10 discount available. To receive this discount, simply ask your server to validate your ticket in the system by providing your ticket number.

For Florida residents, the Surf Club offers special promotions that provide added value, including discounted rates and exclusive packages designed to make the experience more accessible. Additionally, members of Four Seasons Preferred Partner program, can enjoy additional perks, including room upgrades and daily breakfast for two.

American Express Centurion or Platinum Card holders may also have access to exclusive offers and packages at the hotel. These can include complimentary nights or special dining experiences, enhancing the overall luxury experience.

With exclusive promotions and an ideal location near Bal Harbour Shops and Wynwood, the Four Seasons at The Surf Club is a captivating destination that blends luxury and history, leaving guests with a sense of wonder about the stories and experiences that have unfolded...