Riu Florida Beach

Good deal overall for girlfriends getaway on holiday wknd..

Its a short drive to SoBe so if you want to enjoy Miami but also a little quiet relaxation this was the perfect place to stay. Their was an initial mixup with the room that they gave us because we checked in early and they gave us an occupied room but they remedied that situation by upgrading us to an oceanview room which was a nice touch. The room was clean but a little smaller than expected. The only issue we had with room service was that they kept forgetting to restock the towels so we had to request towels but that was not much of an issue. We rented a car and were able to get around very easily and explore different restaurants, Fort Lauderdale (go to the beach there if you have a chance) and the valet parking was worth it. We never had much trouble finding parking while out and about. The beach access from the hotel was great and the chair rentals were cheap compared to SoBe.

it was adequate

they did not have an airport or cruise terminal shuttle which was disappointing.

The Worst

Filthy...no room service and the staff was actually bothered to be of service.The only good thing was the consierge...they were great!Not even any coffee in the morning...Truly the worst hotel stay I have ever had !No wonder Miami is so depressed ! will never use RIU again!

No BAD

Perfect for the weekend if you not planning to stay in the room at all No Fancy but ok

I’d Go Back

Pluses: Good location and pretty pool area. Minuses: Charge for the use of the hotel computers to print boarding passes, lack of restaurants, no coffee pot in room. As the RIU is not a North America chain, staying here was like being in Europe. We were the only Americans!

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Pay the extra $$ for an ocean view room.

not impressed

not impressed

dont know

Spend the extra cash for a better hotel

The only good thing about this hotel was the pool area. The rooms were out dated and dirty. There was construction going on., on both sides of the hotel,and the manager didn’t care to try and accommodate us as by changing our room to a quieter area. Which wasn’t possible because both hotels around our hotel had construction going on. I think they should of stated that on there website. There was water damage in the main lobby and on the original floor we were on so there was a smell etc. The stuff was very rude and disrespectful. They acted like they couldn’t be bothered by our questions or requests. I won’t recommend staying at this hotel at all.

Would go back but upgrade room!

One step into the pool area and you would swear you were in the caribbean. Public busses stROH room was acceptable. TV needs upgrading and a coffe maker would have been nice to go along with the provided refrigerator. op right at the door to the hotel. Convenient!

Traveler's tip

On a rainy day take the bus to the last stop and visit the three story Mall.

Really???

Hotel was really old and was under construction due to water damages on three floors. Service wasn’t as friendly or great as I am used to. I booked a room for 2 queen beds but got 2 full beds. There were also other constructions going on next to the hotel so it wasn’t easy to relax with loud drill noises all day long. The pool was very tiny and the hotel room had a old retirement home smell to it. And I have to admit... California has better sand. I won’t be back here again.

extremly bad service

We knew we cannot expect much, based on the previous reviews...but such a poor service was unexpected. The stuff taking care for the rooms was extremely friendly but receptionists and management was not even close to the usual level of service in USA. Since we did not speak Spanish nobody bother to even look at us and ask us what do we need. I needed to fax something and become mission impossible. Printing as well. We go 2 times an year in Miami but this "5 star" hotel was the worst we have ever had.

I feel at home. Clean comfortable homely.

Always go to this hotel, very nice people, cozy nice hotel. I know what to expect. Not a 5 star hotel. I do not want it to be. It is an authentic Miami Beach Hotel. Kish decoration,Tropical colours old fashioned furniture. I love it. I hate modern and cold places. Please do not ever change. Its people: gorgeous!!

Traveler's tip on dining

Do not miss downtown restaurants like Novecento. There are wonderful and warm places to have delicate and exotic dishes in downtown area

Some good, Some Bad, Not what I expected from RIU. Wouldn’t stay again

Location just okay, no other restaurants close by. No coffee maker in room, and NO Room Service! Staff was accomodating, Limited food choices. view of ocean great, nice balcony. Great beach access and pool. Rooms need updating.

I would not stay again

The room was damp and smelled like old smoke. I didn’t want to walk on the floor without any socks on. The beds were not that comfortable. The air conditioner made a constant noise. I would not stay again!

As Advertised

I found this hotel to be exactly as it was "advertised" from others on expedia who stayed there before. The rates were cheaper then other 5 star hotels but the services and rooms were not as flashy. Hotel is older and the as the room styling reflects. The Staff was friendly but like most places in Miami...english is a second language for most of the staff. Food prices were a little higher then expected and the pool area did fill up fast although I found with the beach so close by we never used the pool anyway. Boardwalk behind the hotel was great for walking or jogging. Overall it was a pleasant stay. Thanks Expedia!

Traveler's tip on dining

To save a couple of dollars.....stay a little farther south on "South Beach" (maybe 1-2 miles). The hotel prices might be more but there is a nice walkway next to the beach and if your able.... walk to the resturants and clubs or take a cab. You’ll save the rental car and vallet parking fees.

Not Impressed!

The hotel is too old and in need of repairs. The location was great, but I certainly would not grade this as a five-star hotel. There was no room service, and the rooms simply were not nice looking. It was clean, but dull-looking.

Traveler's tip on nightlife

It is not too far from the action of South Beach.

VERY NICE!

I was extremely satisfied all the way around with the hotel and its staff.........period.

Great Stay Definitely Recommend

Stay 6/19/09 - 6/22/09 I do a lot of traveling and have stayed everywhere from the Marriot’s to Hyatt’s and I have to say Riu is not too far behind. The staff was very friendly. Didnt go anywhere in the hotel without being greeted. The restaurant was great, clean and elegant, Our room although on the side of the hotel had a great view of the beach and the sunrise and sunsets. The location of the hotel couldn’t be any better. Your only about 20mins away from Dolphins/Marlins stadium (if your a sports fan), you’re less than a block away from the famous Ocean Drive and have all types of restaurants and night life entertainment up and down the strip.

Traveler's tip on nightlife

Definitely recommend going to Ocean Drive, and Washington Avenue for the nightlife. Unless you plan on traveling outside the Miami Beach area, don’t rent a vehicle. You’re much better off getting on public transportation, taking a taxi, or even walking and enjoy the view. You’ll have a lot of trouble finding parking in Miami Beach.

Will go back again

Hotel is located north of South Beach, but close enough to all the action. Hotel grounds and pool area are very nice, staff is very friendly. We travelled with our 4 year old and he loved the pool. The hotel is right on the beach and there is a board walk going all the way down to the Ocean Drive.

Traveler's tip on nightlife

Check out "Mango’s" on Ocean Drive.

Good service goes a long way!

From the moment I entered the lobby, I experienced great service. Everyone was pleasant and helpful. The hotel restaurant offers a good buffet and a chef for quick prepare items (i.e., omelets in the morning). The rooms could use a bit of updating, particularly, the bathrooms. Also, on a particularly warm day, the pool area can get a bit tight. Nonetheless, the stay was pleasant and I would return. A note about Miami Beach: Although the public access beach is directly behind the hotel, its not the best stretch of beach. There are cigarette butts littered throughout the sand. The sand is rather rough. And, the water is pretty choppy for swimming. The best way to enjoy this beach is by sitting on the rocks and taking in the sights of the blue-green water, the passing cruise liners, and those on jet skis.

Traveler's tip on getting the most out of your stay

Rent a car if you wish to do more than sit by the pool. It is worth the extra cost as you get to experience more of Miami. There are interesting neighborhoods, shopping, and attractions all around.

Riu Hotel

Clean hotel, nice balcony, beautiful pool and poolside bar, right beside beach, didn’t like $16 a day valet only parking and $100 security deposit, but for the price, you can’t beat this hotel on Miami Beach if you want a place with a pool.

Great Beach views and location

Very efficient check-in. Lobby is beautiful and well maintained. Rooms were very nice, clean, and the views from our balcony were great. Pool area is very lush and comfortable, with shady/sandy areas if needed. Boardwalk is right behind pool so walking is easy.

I would definitely go back

The hotel is very nice and clean, staff is very friendly! What I personally did not like is that the hotel does not have room service, no hot tab and airport shuttle. But overall the rest is perfect. The pool is big enough and the water in it is nicely warm. What me and my hubby found relly amazing is the FOOD and DRINKS are cheeper rather than you go outside for dinner or lunch. I will definitely recommend this hotel to everyone. We did enjoy our stay @ RIU .

Miami good hotel

value for money.

Would go back!!

Very nice, clean hotel. Good staff. Nice beach directly in front of hotel!

Friendly Staff and great value for the $$

Myself and some frinds stayed here last year and we returned to spend another long weekend on the Miami Beach strip. Overall the staff was super friendly and accommodating!! I would definetley reccommend to a friend based on the location, staff, nice pool and value for the money.