SLS South Beach

I cannot generate a comprehensive hotel review for SLS South Beach, Miami, as a currently operating Michelin Key Selected property. Recent information indicates that SLS South Beach is currently closed for extensive renovations and has been since at least May/June 2025. It is anticipated to reopen in 2026.

The hotel's official website confirms its closure for renovations, directing guests to its sister property, SLS LUX Brickell, for bookings during this period. This major renovation project aims to revitalize the historic Art Deco property and enhance its luxury offerings.

Prior to its closure for renovation, SLS South Beach was recognized for its distinctive style and lively atmosphere. While I cannot provide a current review, here's what the property was generally known for:

Past Reputation & Highlights

• Overall Sentiment: Before its renovation, SLS South Beach was celebrated as a trendy, upscale, and fun boutique hotel, particularly popular with young couples and groups seeking a vibrant Miami experience. It was known for its playful and energetic vibe.
• Key Highlights: Guests frequently lauded its prime beachfront location, exceptional service, and unique design. The hotel's amenities, including its exciting pool parties and direct beach access with included chairs, were significant draws. Its chef-led restaurants also contributed to its appeal.
• Design & Scene: The hotel, originally an Art Deco building from 1939, underwent a significant renovation in 2012 that added the Hyde Beach lounge and pool area. The design, by Philippe Starck, was characterized by a mostly white palette with accents of black and pale pink, often featuring whimsical touches like mirrors above the beds and a signature duck sculpture by the pool. The lobby itself presented an upscale and artsy look.

Room Quality

• Design & Comfort: Rooms were designed by Philippe Starck, featuring a stylish, modern aesthetic with a white, black, and pale pink color scheme. Guests generally found the king beds very comfortable.
• Amenities: Rooms typically included fantastic minibars (often described as "maxi-bars" with a wide variety of high-end liquors and snacks), flat-screen TVs, and quality Ciel toiletries. Some rooms, like the Premier Ocean View, offered breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Villas were noted for being more spacious and sometimes included balconies, espresso machines, and deep soaking tubs.
• Potential Issues: Common feedback included that many standard rooms were on the smaller side, and some guests noted occasional wear and tear on carpets or furniture. Bathrooms, while stylish with walk-in showers and rainfall showerheads, could feel tight, and open shower designs sometimes led to wet floors. Limited closet or hanging space was also a recurring comment for some room types.

Dining Experience

• Restaurant Quality: The hotel boasted serious foodie credibility with two chef-led restaurants: The Bazaar by José Andrés, serving Spanish cuisine with a South Beach influence, and Katsuya by Chef Katsuya Uechi, offering Japanese cuisine and a sushi bar. These were generally highly regarded for their varied and high-quality dining.
• Casual Options & Bars: Bar Centro was open for three meals a day with a popular happy hour for cocktails and tapas, while Hyde Beach Bar served casual bites and drinks by the pool.
• Breakfast: Breakfast options included a fancy buffet in the lobby with items like mini-muffins and yogurt parfaits, and room service options like delicious eggs, avocado, and waffles. However, some noted breakfast as being "a little simple".

Service & Staff

• Hospitality: Guests frequently praised the exceptional service, highlighting the friendly, accommodating, and efficient staff who often went above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. Concierge services were available.

Location & Accessibility

• Neighborhood: SLS South Beach is situated in a prime, central, and hip location on Collins Avenue, in the northern part of South Beach. It's surrounded by other upscale hotels, trendy bars, and restaurants.
• Attractions: The hotel offers direct beach access. It is within walking distance to popular attractions such as Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road Mall, the Miami Beach Convention Center, and the Fillmore Theater.
• Transport: The hotel is approximately a 20-30 minute drive from Miami International Airport (MIA). Public transport, including the Metrobus system, is accessible nearby, offering connections to various city attractions. Valet parking was the only option, typically with a daily fee.

Value & Pricing

• Price Range: Prior to closure, average room prices ranged from $451 to $500, a reflection of its luxurious offerings and prime location. This was noted as being higher than the average for Miami Beach hotels, but the value was often considered undeniable due to the unparalleled service and ambiance.
• Resort Fees: A daily resort fee, typical for the area, covered amenities like Wi-Fi, gym access, and two beach chairs.

Common Complaints

• Room Size: A recurring criticism was that most standard rooms were on the smaller side, with limited storage or hanging space.
• Noise: While rooms were generally well-soundproofed, villas located near the pool and club areas could experience noise from parties and music playing constantly during the day and night.
• Valet-Only Parking: The lack of self-parking and the associated daily valet fee was a common drawback.
• Wear and Tear: Some reviews mentioned occasional wear and tear on room furnishings and carpets, which could detract from the overall luxurious feel.

The hotel's reopening in 2026 is highly anticipated, promising a reimagined experience that blends its historic charm with modern luxury.

Sources

1. hits973.com
2. miamiandbeaches.com
3. travelandtourworld.com
4. slshotels.com
5. slshotels.com
6. travelandtourworld.com
7. hermesworldwide.com
8. reddit.com
9. miaminewtimes.com
10. com-miami.com