01/12/09

LOVED THE CATALINA HOTEL!!

by Jetsetcricket

I am a little puzzled as to some of the negative comments about this hotel. The Catalina is amazing. In fact, I have been to Metropole and Whitelaw Hotels. The Catalina, Metropole, Whitelaw, Hotel Chelsea and a few others are all owned by South Beach Group. I have to say that the Catalina impressed me. I loved the lobby and how you can relax and look out to Collins Avenue. The pool area is great. I loved the rooms. I thought the bathrooms were real nice and I am a hotel connoisseur of some sorts when it comes to accommodations and if I saw a flaw, I would mention it. The only drawback is sometimes the water pressure is not strong but it was not that bad. The hotel staff is nice, helpful and courteous. I have to mention "Jessica" who was newer to the staff at The Catalina but really knows about customer service and how to treat people. I really enjoyed meeting her and she was one of the many reasons I want to come back. If you are a sushi lover, like I am, make sure you try Kung Fu Sushi. It is soooo good! The restaurant is gorgeous to the eye. Overall amazing stay!

• Pros: Hotel has great poolside, spa and incredible staff. Great view of Collins Avenue and Kung Fu Sushi Restaurant
• Cons: Sometimes water pressure is slow, not a lot of parking

03/15/08

Celestial Disaster

by FrequentTraveler817

The room was decorated in late American cheesy with a rollaway closet and no lights. This place is DARK. If you're over 40, don't forget your flashlight. The shower was miserable with no pressure, and the washbasin was the size of a salad bowl. Floors are plastic laminate, and the toilet room has a fan that is so loud you can't stand it. There is no gym, but you can buy a pass to a local gym for $15/day. What a deal! They are not flexible with regards to late check-outs, either.

On the plus side, it has a nice bar and restaurant on the street, where the views of Collins Ave are wonderfully diverse and entertaining.

If you're going to Miami Beach and don't plan on spending much time in your room, this is the place for you, but bring your headlamp.

• Pros: Street Bar
• Cons: Rooms and Service

06/20/07

Great Local Getaway

by razz78

We had a really nice stay at the Catalina. The staff was excellent; extremely helpful and friendly. The rooms could have been cleaner, but ours was comfy and nicely decorated (if not as clean as it should be). The happy hour (free to hotel guests) was really cool. Friendly bartender & fun guests made it a great time. Hotel was centrally located & staff was most helpful with suggestions of where to go & what to do. This was a great getaway at a very reasonable price.

• Pros: Fun Hotel, great location, great staff
• Cons: rooms needed cleaning