Parisian Hotel & Suites

The four-story Parisian is in a basic Art Deco building with traditional aqua, pink, and yellow exterior accents. Neon signs in the front window say "Exotic car rental," "Hotel vacancy," and "ATM," really upping the budget feel. A few cafe tables and bright red chairs are on the sidewalk out front and the exotic cars are parked on the cracked sidewalk with weeds growing around the edges. There are more cafe tables and red chairs plus vinyl banquettes in the lobby, which continues the Art Deco look with giant light fixtures and a glass-block reception and bar area. The car rental desk and ATM are on one side of the space, and a tour operator is on the other. The cluttered front desk sits at the rear, with old-fashioned hotel mail slots on the back wall. A taped-up sign reminds guests that smoking is not allowed in the lobby, and another informs them there are no refunds, which many guests may want after a night here. This hotel is only suitable for travelers on restricted budgets whose only concern is proximity to the South Beach party scene.  

The Parisian Hotel & Suites has a great location on Collins Avenue in the heart of South Beach, one block off of famed Ocean Drive and a five-minute walk from the Lincoln Road outdoor mall. The beach is just a block away as well. The area is packed with shops, restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, galleries, and people, and everything is within walking distance. Miami International Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms are basic and dated, with zero frills. However, they do offer wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, daily housekeeping, safes, and irons and ironing boards. Suites add a kitchen and dining area with refrigerator, sink, microwave, and coffeemaker. The decor includes dorm-like light wood furniture and no art or other accessories except a bedside lamp. Rooms have old-school floral bedspreads, and the mauve and blue color scheme throughout is reminiscent of the 1980s. Some rooms have beds with just white sheets used as the bed covering, plus floral bed runners. Signs of poor maintenance include stained carpeting, badly scratched furniture, marks on walls, and dirty vents. We saw cracked tile and plaster in the small bathrooms and mildew on the grout in the shower/tub combos. Towels are small and far from plush, and hairdryers and toiletries are included. Noise is a huge problem in this hotel, both from the street and from other hotel guests. Guests have also reported problems with the air-conditioning.

The Parisian is about location, not features. It does offer luxury car and scooter rentals on-site, and valet parking is available. Pets are welcome. A free continental breakfast is set out each morning, but offerings are typically limited to coffee and a packaged pastry. Guests have also reported breakfast simply not being offered on some mornings. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout.