Seacoast Suites Hotel

The lobby at SeaCoast Suites Hotel gives off a classy first impression, as it's a bright, open space with black-and-white marble floors and columns, modern furniture, and a contemporary rock garden display. However, the visible wear and tear and decor in other public areas, maintenance issues, and complaints of ill-equipped kitchens are all notable downsides. Hallways and elevator lobbies also come across as particularly neglected. The L-shaped layout gives most suites views out into the central courtyard, pool area, and ocean. Facilities here are basic and the split hotel/residence property feels more like a vacation condo than hotel. This is a popular property with families and long stays, though the lack of a bar or organized activities limit opportunities to socialize and most guests tend to keep to themselves. Travelers wanting kitchen-equipped units should consider the better-maintained Alexander All-Suite Oceanfront Resort. Couples and groups of friends not needing cooking facilities may prefer the nearby Confidante, a hip property with lots of features.

SeaCoast Suites Hotel is across the street from Indian Creek in Mid-Beach, a quieter area of Miami. The street is lined with other hotels and condominiums, and there is a bus stop right outside of the hotel. It’s less than a 20-minute drive north to the Shoppes at Bal Harbour, while the clubs and restaurants of trendy South Beach are a 15-minute drive away. Downtown Miami is about a 20-minute drive, and Miami International Airport is around a 25- to 30-minute car ride. 

This hotel has 200 apartment-style suites with full kitchens featuring GE appliances and living spaces. Rooms have a contemporary look with modern white furniture, turquoise accent walls, pops of red or blue in seating, glass dining tables, and minimalist light fixtures. However, there’s an underlying rundown feel due to rough patches in the marble floors, carpet stains, and occasional maintenance issues. Some units have a smoky or musty smell and/or cigarette burns in the carpets -- despite non-smoking signs. Kitchens are equipped with full-sized refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, and microwaves, but some guests have complained of limited dishes and cookware. 

Bedrooms are basic but comfortable, and guests can expect firm mattresses with plastic covers, flat-screen TVs, and bathrooms with generic soap and bath products. Almost all suites have furnished balconies. Ocean-view suites get early morning sun, while the bay-facing suites offer great sunset views over Collins Avenue. All units have living rooms with couches and bathrooms for each bedroom. Bathrooms either have showers or shower/tub combos. Light sleepers may find the hallways noise a problem.

SeaCoast Suites Hotel has direct access to a quiet section of beach. There’s no food or drink service here, but guests can expect soft sands and setups with plastic beach loungers. Each suite gets two free beach chairs, but umbrellas cost extra. There’s also a private relaxation area located between the pool area and the beach where guests will find egg swings, hammocks stretched between palm trees, and picnic tables. The pool area is a popular daytime hangout for sun-worshippers, families, and day drinkers, however the minimal amount of first-come, first-served sunbeds get claimed quickly. There is no hot tub or food and drink service here, though guests are welcome to bring their own canned drinks or order from the restaurant's bar. 

The Tropical Lounge is open everyday for breakfast and lunch, but dinner is only available on Friday and Saturday nights. Guests can expect an American menu, basic dining room with indoor terrace seating, and a full bar. Additional food options include a small market selling packaged food, snacks, and wine, plus non-food items like clothes, beach toys, and toiletries. 

For active guests, there are two tennis courts (gear is available from the pool attendant), a volleyball court, and small fitness center with rubber floors and dated equipment. Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour coffee and water in the lobby, and pool chairs and umbrellas are covered under the resort fee. Guests can also expect free use of the tennis and volleyball courts (gear included), access to the gym, and cards for free towel rental. There is a fee for valet or self-parking, and either option requires registering with the valet desk out front.