1230 Ocean Dr, Miami Beach, Florida, United States | (937) 315-4602
Located directly on Ocean Drive, across the street from South Beach
Within a 15-minute walk of bars, restaurants, and shops
Charming, European-style courtyard
A blend of modern, minimalist decor and unique architectural details in many guest rooms
Spacious, gorgeous bathrooms (in renovated rooms)
Festive restaurant serves Italian cuisine and offers live entertainment nightly
Free breakfast
Wi-Fi, loaner bikes, and beach chairs are covered by the resort fee
Loud music from the bar/restaurant
Pricey parking fee and daily resort fee
Not all rooms are renovated
Limited amenities (no pool or fitness center)
A major draw of this mid-range hotel is its prime South Beach location. The property stands on Ocean Drive directly across from a grassy park and the beach. Most of Hotel Ocean's 27 air-conditioned rooms and suites are decorated in an attractive minimalist style and have spacious bathrooms. However, not all the rooms are renovated and some are in need of a thorough cleaning. The hotel's public spaces have a Mediterranean feel and there's ample outdoor space. Loud music from the restaurant/bar makes for a a party atmosphere late into the night, so noise-sensitive travelers should ask for a room in the back. A quieter option is the Sobe You Tropical Bed and Breakfast, which is a bit further from the beach but does have a small pool.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Beach babes, music, and people-watching
Hotel Ocean is perfect for sun worshipers and music lovers, as the beach is across the street and the restaurant/bar hosts live bands. Music can be heard throughout the property, including in the charming European-style courtyard with tall swaying palms, bougainvillea-draped walls, and cozy conversation areas around a lovely tiered fountain. Cheerful yellow umbrellas line the sidewalk at the outdoor cafe. The property's location in the heart of Ocean Drive makes it a great spot for people-watching and soaking up the South Beach ambiance. The vibe here is one of a party hotel for younger adults, which families may find a little too hopping.
Location
Across from the beach and an easy walk to shops and restaurants on bustling Ocean Drive
The hotel is conveniently located on Ocean Drive and across the street from South Beach. It's also close to many bars, shops, and restaurants. Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall, one of South Beach's favorite shopping and bar-hopping strips, is a 15-minute walk away. Hotel Ocean is within the bounds of the Art Deco Historic District among nearly 700 buildings listed in the National Historic Register. By car or taxi, it's 20 minutes to the Miami International Airport.
Rooms
A blend of modern, minimalist decor and unique architectural details
Minimalist, all-white decor with blue accents here and there makes for a serene vibe in the guest rooms. The white-washed wood floors (some featuring an attractive herringbone pattern) add an upscale touch. Many rooms blend the building's original design elements, such as decorative metal fretwork on the windows, with modern details that include sleek fixtures in the bathrooms.
Some rooms have a newer look, while others have a more dated feel, so it's best to ask if a specific room has been renovated before booking it. Also, some guests have complained about housekeeping issues.
A large flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, safe, air-conditioning, and high-end toiletries come standard in each room. Upgrading to a spacious Penthouse gets you a living room, whirlpool tub, oceanfront balcony, and lovely views.
Features
A number of freebies (included in the resort fee) and a lively restaurant/bar, but no other major amenities
Lots of freebies, such as bikes, a cookie and coffee area, a computer station, continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and beach chairs/towels, are included in the resort fee. The beach chairs are given at the hotel and must be carried by the guest; sunbeds and umbrellas are available on the sand for a fee.
Most of the action on the hotel property occurs at Mia Bella Roma, a casual Italian restaurant/bar that is open for lunch and also offers inside and al fresco seating until the wee hours. Live entertainment is offered here seven days a week, which lends a festive atmosphere to the hotel.
Outside of Mia Bella Roma, the hotel does not offer any other major amenities. Valet parking is available, but comes at a high cost. Additionally, though the hotel is still listed online as being pet-friendly, some guests traveling with dogs have complained that they were turned away upon arrival due to a change in policy.
