Loews Miami Beach Hotel

While the modern white exterior of Loews Miami Beach Hotel may not have the Art Deco look of its neighbors, the 2017-renovated interiors are a modern homage to the historic style. In addition to the decor, the hotel spent 50 million bucks revamping the lobby, spa, kids' club, and pool deck, adding a VIP check-in, and updating all 790 rooms with elegant and contemporary decor. The result is a sleek property that lacks the pretension found in some of South Beach's other luxury hotels, and a decor that focuses on blending art into the atmosphere, from the lobby's geode-inspire wall mural to black-and-white patterned tiling at Bar Collins. This residential and resort property is housed in the historic St. Moritz Tower and a newer main building. This resort forgoes the pool parties and club scene in favor of more family-friendly features, though a pricey adults-only pool area is available. On the downside, past guests have complained of long elevator wait times for this 18-story property, and noise issues, particularly from adjacent rooms.

Loews Miami Beach Hotel has a stellar beachfront location off Collins Avenue in South Beach, just north of the Art Deco buildings on Ocean Avenue. This pedestrian-heavy strip is swamped with tourists and features mostly upscale hotels, chain restaurants, and a few tourist shops. Guests are within a five-minute walk of the Lincoln Road Mall, 10-minute walk to The Filmore, and a nine-minute walk to the popular, pedestrian-only Espanola Way. Miami International Airport is about a 30-minute drive, depending on traffic. Most of the parking in the area is either via pricey valet at the hotels, metered street parking, or in pay lots. 

All 790 rooms at Lowes Miami Beach Hotel echo the hotel's contemporary Art Deco decor. They have elegant, soft-tone furnishings consisting of wood floors, a mix of marble, wood, and metal furniture, comfy gray-fabric seating, artsy headboards and vibrant beach lifeguard stand photos, and round mirrors. Entry-level City View Rooms have big windows with views over Collins Avenue, plus some have loveseats that convert into twin pullout beds for kids. Ocean View and Ocean Front Rooms have lovely views of the beach, but not all come with balconies. Guests can expect free and fast Wi-Fi, and flatscreen TVs with in-room checkout options, room service menus, and streaming possibilities. Marble bathrooms feature either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, in-mirror lighting, swish bath products, and hairdryers. All rooms have minibars stocked with drinks, snacks, and alcohol, Keurig machines, work desks, and closets with ironing facilities, bathrobes, and umbrellas. Suite upgrades include VIP check-in, Nespresso machines, soft robes, and slippers on request. Note that many past guests have complained of noise issues due to thin walls between rooms, as well as long elevator times -- especially for those near the top of this 18-story hotel.

Loews Miami Beach has a well-sized pool with an adjacent hot tub, and guests have direct beach access from this area. Unlike many resorts in South Beach, the pool is only open to hotel guests. Though the pool remained the same through renovations, the pool deck was upgraded. Luxe pool perks include a dedicated pool concierge, chilled towels, a self-serve suntan lotion area, and occasional surprise treats like frozen grape kebobs. The adults-only SOAK cabanas require high fees, and include AC, rooftop sundecks, a personal butler, and room for four guests. Daybeds are also available for rent and come with a shared hot tub. However, this area is often empty and takes space away from the rest of the pool area. In high season, the adjacent fake-grass lawns hold extra padded loungers. Bathrooms have lockers with USB charging ports. 

Guests can expect soft white sand and warm waters, plus a reserved area with beach lounger setups, umbrellas (for a fee), and food and drink service for hotel guests. However, it's good to note that, by law, the beach behind Lowes Miami Beach Hotel is public. The hotel's resort fee covers two beach loungers per room per day, plus a free hour of banana boat rides and free use of kayaks, paddleboards, and boogie boards. Guests can also strike a pose with a free beach photoshoot that includes one free print or download. A third-party water sports company also provides snorkeling, wave runners, local tours, cabanas, and even yacht rentals. 

Loews Miami Beach Hotel revamped with a focus on food, and thoughtful food features start at the get-go. If lines at check-in start getting long, the hotel passes out freebies like ice cream or coffee. The resort's restaurants and cafes aim to feature local vendors, and guests can taste their way through celebrated eats like bread from Zak the Baker, Panther Coffee, and Azucre Ice Cream. Food options include a casual poolside eatery that also services the beach, an international lounge eatery serving up lunch and dinner menus with a Miami flare, and a breakfast-only spot that overlooks the pool and serves a stocked buffet or a la carte menu. There's also a fish bar and early-morning-to-late-night coffee shop. Twenty-four-hour room service is also available. 

Loews Miami Beach prides itself on being a family-friendly resort. All restaurants have kids' menus, and the hotel's SOBE Kids Club, for ages 4 to 12, has standout features like pizza-making classes, an aquarium, indoor and outdoor activities, a dedicated kids' beach area, and vintage arcade games with free play. Full-day, half-day, and evening programs are available. For the adults, the large and luxe exhale Spa features 16 treatment rooms and services like acupuncture. Beauty services come from the dedicated nail salon, and a Glam&Glow blow-out salon. Guests with treatments can take advantage of the small locker rooms with whirlpools and steam rooms, as well as the free tea and warm neck pillows in the relaxation room. There's also a spacious gym with Technogym equipment, infused water, and headphones. This is a pet-friendly hotel with pet perks like treats, tags, bowls, and dedicated room service menus for cats and dogs. On-property walking routes, sitters, and VIP pet packages are available. Pets are charged for a flat fee and limits max out at two pets per room. Other features include an on-site boutique with local and international designers, and a casual pool shop with beach toys and pool floats.