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National Hotel

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National Hotel - Selected hotel in Miami, United States

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Hotel Details

Location

Miami

United States, North America

Key Highlights

  • Pool Area and Beach Access:** The pool scene is highlighted as beautiful and relaxed, with dedicated towel service and complimentary beach chairs and an umbrella daily for guests.
  • The National Hotel boasts an excellent and highly advantageous location in South Beach, Miami. It is situated on Collins Avenue, offering direct beach access and close proximity to:
  • Soundproofing:** Some rooms, especially those facing the street or during events, may not be perfectly soundproofed.

Expert Review: National Hotel

The National Hotel in Miami, United States, stands as a distinguished Art Deco landmark, celebrated for its blend of historic charm and modern luxury. As a Michelin Key Selected property, it offers an adults-only oceanfront escape in the vibrant heart of South Beach.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the National Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "perfect," "classy, friendly, fun," and "a lovely stay in a prime position." It consistently receives high ratings for its location, staff, and pool areas, with many guests expressing a desire to return. While some issues exist, the overall sentiment points to a highly enjoyable and memorable experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests are particularly drawn to several standout features of the National Hotel:

  • Longest Infinity Pool: The hotel boasts the longest infinity pool in Miami Beach, stretching 205 feet, providing a serene and impressive space for swimming and relaxation. There's also a second, smaller heated pool.
  • Art Deco Design & Atmosphere: The 1939 Art Deco landmark has been beautifully renovated, preserving its original charm while incorporating modern comforts. The decor, with its dark sapele wood, chrome accents, and glamorous tufted headboards, evokes a timeless elegance.
  • Oceanfront Location: Its direct access to the beach and proximity to major South Beach attractions like Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road, and the Miami Beach Convention Center are consistently praised.
  • Adults-Only Policy: The adults-only environment is a significant draw for couples and solo travelers seeking a peaceful and refined atmosphere.
  • Pool Area and Beach Access: The pool scene is highlighted as beautiful and relaxed, with dedicated towel service and complimentary beach chairs and an umbrella daily for guests.

3. Room Quality

The 138-152 guest rooms and suites at the National Hotel feature refreshed interiors with nods to the golden age of travel. Rooms are generally described as lovely, with an open feel, white walls, and dark wood furniture. They are equipped with modern comforts such as air conditioning, flat-screen televisions, espresso makers, safes, and complimentary bottled water. Bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Some rooms offer ocean views, while others overlook the city. Cabana rooms provide the added luxury of private terraces facing the pool. While some guests have noted limited storage space and potential noise from adjoining rooms, the aesthetic reflects the hotel's original era, with custom-made furniture and pale gray terrazzo flooring in bathrooms.

4. Dining Experience

The National Hotel offers a diverse and appealing dining experience:

  • Mareva1939: This signature restaurant provides a refined experience with a creative blend of traditional Spanish cuisine and modern culinary innovations by Chef Sergio Chamizo. It offers a sharing menu with dishes like Honey-Spiced Duck Breast, Black Paella, and various tapas, complemented by organic wines and handcrafted cocktails. Mareva1939 serves breakfast and dinner daily, with alfresco dining available.
  • Aqua Club and Bar / Aqua Bar & Grill: For a more casual, al fresco experience, Aqua Club and Bar by the poolside offers light bites, refreshing cocktails, salads, satays, and burgers for lunch and dinner. They also provide full food and beverage service to the beach.
  • Bar 1939: Located in the lobby, Bar 1939 offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere, ideal for handcrafted cocktails and a tapas menu, often with live entertainment.
  • Breakfast: Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available daily for a fee. Guest reviews indicate the food at the restaurant, including breakfast, is generally very good. In-room dining is also available daily.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is largely positive, with many reviewers praising the attentiveness and friendliness of the hotel employees. Specific mentions include Annie and Max at breakfast, and Rachael, Kefyrah, Nate, and Nate at the front desk, along with Paul the Bellhop. However, some guests have reported issues with responsiveness, particularly concerning lost items or in proactively addressing problems. Beach service has also received some criticism regarding towel availability and waiter attentiveness.

6. Location & Accessibility

The National Hotel boasts an excellent and highly advantageous location in South Beach, Miami. It is situated on Collins Avenue, offering direct beach access and close proximity to:

  • Ocean Drive: A short walk away from the iconic Ocean Drive for dining and nightlife.
  • Lincoln Road Mall: Just a block east of Lincoln Road, a popular shopping area.
  • Miami Beach Convention Center: A 3-minute drive or 8-minute walk, making it convenient for business travelers.
  • Art Deco Historic District: Immersed in the charm of the historic Art Deco District.
  • Attractions: Near Fillmore Miami Beach, New World Symphony Campus, Española Way, Lummus Park Beach, Bass Museum of Art, and Miami Beach Botanical Garden.
  • Transport: Conveniently located near restaurants, stores, and trolley stops. The hotel also offers bicycle rentals.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a "moderately priced designer hotel" on posh upper Collins Avenue, the National Hotel is generally seen as offering good value, especially given its prime location and amenities. Prices for a 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $301.75, excluding taxes and fees. Room types range from standard city view rooms to ocean view suites and poolside cabanas, with prices varying accordingly. A resort fee is also applicable, which includes amenities like complimentary coffee and tea, high-speed internet, fitness center access, yoga classes, pool and beach towel service, and two beach chairs with an umbrella daily. The ability to rent day passes for the iconic pool also adds to its accessibility for non-guests.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the generally positive feedback, some recurring criticisms have been noted:

  • Construction Noise: Significant construction immediately adjacent to the hotel has been a major complaint, leading to early morning noise from jackhammers and loud music from a nearby bar at night, making it difficult for some guests to sleep.
  • Room Maintenance & Condition: Some guests have found rooms to be outdated and lacking maintenance, citing issues like torn curtains, windows that do not open, and a musty/moldy smell due to poor air circulation.
  • Service Inconsistencies: While staff are often praised, there have been instances of "haphazard service," particularly at the front desk when handling issues and with beach service for towels and food orders.
  • Pool Sunlight: A complaint has been raised that the pool area, due to newly built cabanas, gets almost no sunlight, impacting the pool experience for some.
  • Soundproofing: Some rooms, especially those facing the street or during events, may not be perfectly soundproofed.

Sources

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  2. michelin.com
  3. aworldfulloffairytales.com
  4. booking.com
  5. youtube.com
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  8. hotels-miamibeach.com
  9. hotelplanner.com
  10. wheeltheworld.com
  11. globaltravelerusa.com
  12. youtube.com
  13. oyster.com
  14. youtube.com
  15. wheeltheworld.com
  16. planetelldrew.com
  17. nationalhotel.com
  18. historichotels.org
  19. nationalhotel.com
  20. historichotels.org
  21. nationalhotel.com
  22. expedia.com
  23. travelocity.com
  24. trivago.com

Points to Consider

  • Despite the generally positive feedback, some recurring criticisms have been noted:
  • Pool Sunlight:** A complaint has been raised that the pool area, due to newly built cabanas, gets almost no sunlight, impacting the pool experience for some.

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