La Havana Colonial By At Mine Hospitality

La Havana Colonial By At Mine Hospitality in Miami offers a distinctive stay, characterized by its vibrant Little Havana location and charming, retro-inspired design. While the property has garnered attention for its unique aesthetic and past accolades, guest experiences reveal a mix of highlights and areas needing improvement.

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1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for La Havana Colonial By At Mine Hospitality is mixed, leaning towards a quaint and budget-friendly option with notable stylistic appeal. Guests appreciate its unique character and central location, but some report inconsistencies in service and amenities. The property was previously recognized as "Life House Little Havana," a MICHELIN Guide Hotel Selection, noted for offering a luxury-boutique experience at a competitive price. However, At Mine Hospitality took over management in October 2024, and it's unclear if the Michelin Key status has been re-evaluated under the new management.

2. Key Highlights

• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel boasts a stylish, retro-inspired design with Cuban-themed decor, old Spanish mosaic tiles, and vintage furnishings, aiming to transport guests to old Havana. This creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
• Location: Situated in the heart of Little Havana, the hotel offers easy access to cultural attractions like Calle Ocho, Ball & Chain for live music, and the Little Havana Cigar Factory. It's also conveniently close to Brickell, Wynwood, and Downtown Miami.
• Rooftop Bar: The property features a rooftop bar and restaurant that offers a stunning view of the city skyline, providing a pleasant spot for drinks and casual dining.
• Affordability: Guests generally find the hotel to be budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking affordable lodging in Miami.

3. Room Quality

Rooms are often described as clean, quaint, and featuring unique details like Spanish mosaic tiles and mahogany chests. They are equipped with efficient air conditioning, comfortable amenities, spacious showers with reliable hot water, smart TVs, and Wi-Fi. Some reviews suggest that while clean, the rooms may appear older and could benefit from upgrades. Some guests have expressed a desire for mini-fridges and coffee-making facilities within the rooms.

4. Dining Experience

Breakfast is provided for guests, contributing to an overall pleasant experience. The on-site dining options, particularly the rooftop bar and restaurant, are highlighted for reflecting vibrant Cuban flavors, including classic Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, and mojitos. However, it's important to note that the rooftop restaurant and lounge is independently operated and not part of the hotel, and its operating hours (Thursday through Sunday from 4 PM to 2 AM) can lead to increased noise levels.

5. Service & Staff

Feedback on service and staff is varied. Some guests have reported a fantastic overall experience, praising the staff as incredibly friendly, helpful, and accessible. In contrast, other reviews mention inconsistent customer service, understaffing (at times, there is no reception desk), and delays in response times regarding issues such as noise complaints or refunds. Communication for check-in is typically provided via chat.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located at 528 SW 9th Ave in the vibrant Little Havana neighborhood, La Havana Colonial is centrally positioned for exploring Miami's cultural heart. It's a short walk to Calle Ocho and about a mile or short Uber ride to Brickell. Access to nearby attractions like Ball & Chain for live music and the Little Havana Cigar Factory is convenient. While the neighborhood itself is lively, some guests have expressed concerns about security in the surrounding area and encounters with homeless individuals. Parking can be difficult due to nearby residential areas, and on-site parking is not always available, requiring guests to plan for street parking.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests generally consider La Havana Colonial to be a budget-friendly option in Miami, offering good value for its price, especially given its central location. The hotel aims to deliver a luxury-boutique experience at a price that its competitors might not match, as noted during its "Life House Little Havana" period.

8. Common Complaints

• Noise: Recurring issues include noise disturbances from outside the property, such as people walking and talking during quiet hours. Additionally, the independently operated rooftop bar and lounge can generate music and noise, particularly from Thursday through Sunday evenings.
• Inconsistent Service & Staffing: Guests have reported understaffing, leading to a lack of constant reception presence and difficulties contacting management for issues. Delays in addressing complaints or providing promised refunds have also been noted.
• Door Code Issues: Some guests experienced inconsistent working door codes for entry, leading to lockout situations.
• Maintenance & Amenities: Occasional maintenance problems, such as a dripping ceiling, have been reported. Some guests desired additional in-room amenities like mini-fridges or coffee makers.
• Parking: Finding convenient parking can be challenging in the residential area surrounding the hotel.
• Bed Bugs: A serious complaint was lodged by one guest who reported bed bug bites during their stay, with management's response to the issue being deemed insufficient. This is a critical concern for potential guests.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. boutiquehotelier.com
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6. postcard.inc
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8. airbnb.com
9. atminehospitality.com
10. themiamihotels.com