W South Beach

This Miami Beach property gives off an upscale and hip vibe right from the get-go. However, the W South Beach is a departure from the in-your-face youthful trendiness that has become somewhat of a trademark for the brand. While guests can still expect the brand’s signature green apples and colorful pop art prints on the walls, the overall decor takes a more sophisticated lean with gray slate, dark-wood floors, and displays of cultural artifacts from around the globe. It’s more professional than party here, with less on-site events and more young families with small children. However, the WET pool is the most bustling of areas, with DJs playing loud music throughout the day. Grounds are lovely, with cozy seating areas and daybeds. Built in 2009, this property lacks the preserved Art-Deco facade of the historic hotels just south, and is split-use as a hotel and a residence property. 

Located on the corner of Collins Avenue at 22nd Street, the W South Beach rests right on the dividing line between South Beach and Mid-Beach. This area is home to several upscale hotels featuring chef-helmed restaurants, and it's walking distance to Ocean Drive’s famous collection of Art-Deco buildings. Although the hotel is located beachside, guests need to cross a paved section of the Miami Beach Boardwalk to reach the beach. Both the Miami Beach Convention Center and Fillmore Theater are either a 15-minute walk or five-minute drive away, while popular city spots like downtown Miami and Wynwood can be reached in 20 minutes by car. Miami International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, depending on traffic. 

The lowest-category Splendid Studio Suite are spacious, at over 560 square feet, and come with furnished terraces, while the highest-category suites clock in at nearly 3,000 square feet. All have upmarket decor in a largely black-and-white palette, with stylish furnishings such as patterned rugs, surf-themed artwork, and silver accents. Unfortunately, they're showing a bit of wear and tear. Spectacular Studio Suites are located on the ninth to 19th floors and feature ocean views, comfy king-sized beds, and wet bars with microwaves. Travelers wanting a tub will need to upgrade to a Fabulous Ocean View Studio Suite with Balcony, as other rooms have showers. 

Suites add kitchenettes with microwaves, glass stovetop burners, and mini-fridges, though not all have a genuine suite-style layout. For example, the dual-level Mega Suite has a junior suite layout on the first floor, plus a spiral staircase leading up to a private deck with a couch, plunge pool, and electric barbecue area with a dining room table. Luxury suites come with spa discounts, upgraded Aesop bath products, VIP insider concierge privileges, food discounts, and free use of the house car within a five-mile radius. 

Guests can expect soft white sand and a relaxed vibe at the beach behind W South Beach. Since this hotel is located farther north, there's a slightly calmer and more natural feel on the beach compared to the atmosphere on the sands just south of the hotel. Two padded beach chairs are included in the room rate, but umbrellas, cabanas, beach toys, and water sports outside of paddleboarding will cost extra. The beach area is serviced and there is a small food truck for quick eats. 

W South Beach has a large pool surrounded by landscaping that both fosters privacy from the boardwalk and blocks any beach views. There are several black-and-white striped wooden lounge beds (some with visible wear on the cushions) up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis, though these go quickly in high season. Guests can rent the hut-style cabanas set up with terrycloth-wrapped sofas, chairs, a mini-fridge, and TV, depending on the type. Guests can grab apples and towels from a small hut, and chilled towels are passed out by pool attendants. There’s also a smaller, semi-private pool area surrounded by hedges open to guests 21 and up.   

Pool service comes from the WET Bar and Grille, a casual spot with frozen drinks, cigar menu, several cocktails, and a decent menu focused on seafood and expected pool grub. Guests can also eat on the deck or at the covered bar area. The WET pool typically has loud music pumping through the day, often run by a DJ, which may disturb some peace-seeking visitors. 

W South Beach has a quality selection of on-site food and beverage options, including a casual American seafood eatery by Andrew Carmellini that's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a fine-dining Chinese restaurant. In addition to the Lobby Lounge Bar, there's an outdoor hut made from recycled hurricane debris serving health-focused cocktails.

The hotel also has a fourth-floor Bliss spa with a steam room and sauna open to guests with treatments. However, all guests can access the 24-hour fitness area. Revamped in 2017, it features Technogym equipment, lots of natural light, bumping techno music, and fitness classes. Free property-wide Wi-Fi is convenient, and luxury sports cars are available for rent. 

Other features include an upscale boutique, regulation basketball and tennis court on the roof, and an outside event space off the pools. This hotel has a resort fee which covers free pool loungers, two beach chairs (but no umbrella), a welcome drink, fitness classes, and an art tour around the hotel. Valet parking costs extra and is the only option. Pets are accepted for a flat-fee, and the hotel offers special kits for dogs.