Review: Loews Miami Beach Hotel

How did it strike you on arrival?
When the Loews Miami Beach Hotel first opened in 1998, it bucked an of-the-moment trend by becoming the first new hotel to be built in Miami Beach in more than 30 years. (Other “new” hotels were merely renovated old hotels.) Yet they didn't start completely from scratch: a 17-story tower was built around the St. Moritz, a 1939 Art Deco gem, to create a new hotel with history. Though the hotel completed a $50 million renovation in 2017, it still elicits that feeling of having one foot planted in the past and the other moving quickly toward the future.

What’s the crowd like?
As one of Miami Beach’s biggest hotels (there are nearly 800 rooms), the Loews attracts as diverse a clientele as Miami welcomes as visitors. Families with kids, couples with dogs, business travelers with laptops—everyone happily coexists and gets what they need from the hotel.

Importantly: Tell us about your room.
Though any beachfront hotel worth its sand will give guests plenty of chances to gaze out at the ocean, it always seems to be worth the extra cost to choose an oceanfront room when you can—hence, our decision to book an Ocean Front Balcony Room. Overall, the room was pretty, with wood floors, ocean-inspired artwork, and a white and beige color scheme that doesn’t compete with the view. It’s a beach-chic design that’s elegant without trying too hard, though the furnished balcony is definitely the star of this show. The only issue we really had was that the walls seem pretty thin, so the noise level—while far from deafening—was a bit higher than we would have liked.

We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
Like so many other Loews locations, the hotel delivers when it comes to the mattress (a plush Stearns & Foster pillowtop variety). Frette duvets up the ante.

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?
While the hotel’s design is steeped in old-school Art Deco elements, their in-room amenities are cutting-edge. In addition to smart TVs, rooms are equipped with a doorbell that lets you switch the "Do Not Disturb" sign on from inside the room. No futzing around with a plastic door sign—or getting out of bed—required.

Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
The marble bathrooms with walk-in showers are appropriately fancy, but nothing over the top. The ultra-soft Ultimate Doeskin robe by Chadsworth & Haig is a nice change from the standard terrycloth you’ll find at other hotels. Celebrity hairstylist Julien Farel is the man behind the products you’ll put on your head and face; you’re in good hands.

We all need some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that?
While the Wi-Fi is technically free, it’s part of what’s included in the $38-a-night resort fee you’ll pay upon arrival, so not quite “free” after all. The connection itself was decent most of the time, though we did have a couple of quick drop-offs in service, which can be slightly frustrating if you’re on a working vacation.

What's there to eat and drink?
In addition to in-room dining there are also five food and beverage outlets at the hotel including the lounge Bar Collins on the ground floor with an inviting outdoor patio. But the main attraction is no doubt the newly-opened Rao’s outpost in the hotel’s St. Moritz Tower featuring southern Neapolitan Italian cooking including the legendary Rao’s Traditional Meatballs and Uncle Vincent’s Lemon Chicken, combined with contemporary dishes created specifically for the Miami location. While reservations are notoriously difficult to get, the hotel concierge strives to give hotel guests priority.

Did the staff make an impression?
Given the size of the hotel, and the number of guests staying here at any moment, the speed of the in-room dining team is impressive. That they always have a smile on their face is gold medal-worthy.

How's the spa? The hotel’s Sea Spa is a den of relaxation with amenities like steam bath, sauna and hot tubs as well as a massive ocean-facing fitness center. There’s a full schedule of fitness classes to take advantage of—from yoga to barre sculpt.

Anything stand out about other services and features?
As part of its $50 million renovation, the hotel added a section of adults-only cabanas to its lavish SOAK pool club. Guests aged 21+ without kids in tow are welcome to reserve one of these poolside cabanas, which feature covered seating areas, a pair of lounge chairs, a round daybed, a dedicated concierge, and a large magazine section.

What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?
If you want to find a way to justify the cost of upgrading to an oceanfront room with a balcony, just think of it as an investment in your sanity. Being able to have a tiny bit of private space where we could soak up the sun and breathe fresh air was worth the added cost.

Bottom line: worth it?
For families with young children and guests traveling with four-legged friends, the Loews Miami Beach offers a beachfront location, ocean views, a wonderful beach club, and plenty of activities to keep every member of the family engaged. But it’s a large hotel, and often crowded—which is a good thing…unless total peace and quiet is the main thing on your to-do list.