Delano Hotel

07/25/06

I love this Place!

by urgurliggy at Citysearch

The food is fantastic and the atmosphere is awesome. The people there take care of you really well, the srvice is great. Everything about it is great!

• Pros: Valet, decor, food

The last word in celebrity-studded chic on South Beach.

by Mar Yvette at Citysearch

In Short
South Beach's undisputed destination for celebrities and those who want to be them, this towering art deco compound was transformed into a surreal retreat by quirky star designer Philippe Starck back in 1995--and it's still hauter than ever. The 250-foot-long lobby corridor is like an entryway to a fantasy world of stealth wealth, where sheer white drapes sway from the ceilings and insouciant rich types mingle among some of the world's most iconic and unusual "living room" pieces--nary a glance is made at the $9,000 Eames La Chaise or the priceless gold Salvador Dali chair featuring high-heeled shoes as feet. Contrasting the colorful exuberance of the public spaces, the 208 lofts, one-bedroom suites and pool bungalows are awash in breathtaking virginal white. To take the larger-than-life sensation even further, guests can head to Agua, the hotel's sprawling rooftop spa offering 360-degree views.

Hits: The design is unlike anything else in Miami and the Blue Door Restaurant, with its three distinct spaces, offers non-hotel guests an opportunity to experience the hotel's environment and globally-tinged menu of delights.

Misses: The pool area--visible from Blue Door's outdoor patio--is enticing but inaccessible to non-hotel guests. Also, prices can be as absurd as some of the furnishings ($62 per person for Sunday brunch? Chairs in the form of a Moroccan woman?). Yes, that's right.

11/18/07

Love, love, love this hotel!

by marpop at Citysearch

Being from L.A., it's not easy for a hotel to impress me. But I have to say, none of them compare to the Delano. I absolutely love this place! Every time I'm in Miami, you can find me here. One of the main reasons is that I simply love the decor -- I'm a huge Philippe Starck fan and the design in this place is so quirky, so eclectic, it's design heaven! From the big bear bench in the lobby and Eames rocker to the gyspy-lady chairs and hanging silks that lead to the hotel restaurant, this place is the absolute coolest. Some might say it's already had its heyday, but I say it's become a modern classic. What's more, the bar's mojitos are yummy and the food at the restaurant is consistently good. The little shop is also a hidden gem with all the fashion/culture mags and small selection of edgy fashion.

• Pros: Design, style, cool lobby shop
• Cons: It ain't cheap

06/23/07

wasnt impressed

by elvirah at Citysearch

After staying at the Delano's sister hotel, ShoreClub I was very disappointed in this hotel. Yes, the decor is nice and the pool area is nice but the customer service in my opinion was horrible and it did not compliment the amount of money that I spend in staying there. Me and a couple of my girlfriends stayed for 4 nights around a holiday weekend. Besides the front desk, concierge, bell men and housekeeping the other employees did not make you feel welcome or important, and a few of them were rather rude. It was impossible to get service in a timely fashion around the pool or on the beach. I repeatedly asked for items that were never brought. At the end of my stay I vowed to never come back, I dont believe in spending alot of money and not receiving superior customer service. I would recommend ShoreClub, I loved it! They were very accomodating and I definitely got my money's worth!

05/20/07

Beautiful pool

by damethod at Citysearch

The view is by far the best part of this bar. Due to it's small size, it is near impossible to order a drink on a crowded night. Having been all over the South Beach scene, I am used to long waits and sometimes rude or obnoxious waitstaff. In this case, I only had to endure the long wait. Service was offered with a smile. I agree with a previous posting that this is not a singles bar. This is more of a romantic spot to enjoy with a loved one or throw a private party with friends if you can afford the hefty bill.

• Pros: Beautiful scenery
• Cons: Overpriced, South Beach parking

05/15/07

Read This Before Going to the Delano.

by gtwilson at Citysearch

We found the staff to be stand-offish at best and rude at worse. It was as though it was beneath them to accommodate guests properly. For example: my brother and I went to the pool bar to have a drink. At that time, there were four bar staff members mingling behind the bar chatting among themselves with their backs turned to customers. When it was finally convenient for them to stop chit-chatting and to turn around to see if any "guests" were sitting at the bar--upon us asking for a drink--we were told the bar was closed for a private party. At that moment--which was around 5:30 pm--there was no private party going on. Moreover, one would think for $475 a night plus 13% in taxes and fees, the staff would at least pour one drink with the caveat of the impending closure of the bar. But that was of no concern to the bar staff.

Later that night--when the Sopranos cast finished their private party--and the pool bar was open, we experienced the brunt of the waitstaff's rudeness. One woman in particular saw absolutely no reason to treat patrons politely, and when scurrying about actually walked direct between my brother and I while we were talking when there was plenty of room around us! When we called her out on it, her response was "don't touch me!" (For the record, she touched us when she brushed by us.) It was obvious--with only a few exceptions--that the waitstaff considered those at the pool bar unworthy of any respect afforded to patrons, let alone actual guests of the hotel--as we were. You've been warned.

• Pros: Cool guests
• Cons: Horrendous service, indifferent staff, ridiculous prices

05/15/07

Read This Before Staying at the Delano.

by gtwilson at Citysearch

From the moment we entered the lobby, we found the staff to be stand-offish at best and rude at worse. The majority of the staff--valets, front desk, pool staff, bartenders--was basically indifferent to us and to our requests. It was as though it was beneath them to accommodate guests properly. For example: my brother and I went to the pool bar to have a drink. At that time, there were four bar staff members mingling behind the bar chatting among themselves with their backs turned to customers. When it was finally convenient for them to stop chit-chatting and to turn around to see if any "guests" were sitting at the bar--upon us asking for a drink--we were told the bar was closed for a private party. At that moment--which was around 5:30 pm--there was no private party going on. Moreover, one would think for $475 a night plus 13% in taxes and fees, the staff would at least pour one drink with the caveat of the impending closure of the bar. But that was of no concern to the bar staff.

Later that night--when the Sopranos cast finished their private party--and the pool bar was open, we experienced the brunt of the waitstaff's rudeness. One woman in particular saw absolutely no reason to treat patrons politely, and when scurrying about actually walked direct between my brother and I while we were talking when there was plenty of room around us! When we called her out on it, her response was "don't touch me!" (For the record, she touched us when she brushed by us.) It was obvious--with only a few exceptions--that the waitstaff considered those at the pool bar unworthy of any respect afforded to patrons, let alone actual guests of the hotel.

Examples of fecklessness were shown by the concierge. When asked to put us on "the list" of two hard-to-get-into lounges--Mokai and Mynt, he told me the best he could do was put us down for table service. I informed him I could simply walk up to any lounge and offer to drop $600 on bad vodka and get in. You've been warned.

• Pros: Cool guests
• Cons: Horrendous service, indifferent staff, ridiculous price-to-service ratio

11/10/06

Great Hotel!!!

by krislecl at Citysearch

I would rate this hotel on the top of all hotels in South Beach! The service is top notch, the rooms are modern and gorgeous. It's in a great location, close to everything in South Beach. I can't wait to go back!!!!

10/30/06

Amazing Designer. Philippe Starck...I'm right at HOME

by fpilgreen at Citysearch

Philippe Starck has an amazing way of creating a clean, organized, breath of fresh air in his paces. The interior is intriguing, and mystical. The exterior is a grand playground for enjoyment. Chess and other games on the lawn, Cabanas with plush white sofas and 2 story poolside bungalows lining the infinity pool that seems to disapear into the ocean. Outdoor Bar and Grille and a backdoor to the ocean. This is a loungers paradise, especially in the early morning when you have the pool all to yourself to watch the sunrise.

South Beach is amazing. The pedestrian/ bicycle path along the beach is devine.

We dined at the Blue Door in the evening, with a party of 12, when our Cabana party got cancelled due to the rain. Getting alternative seating took an act of Congress, but once on board, it was a night to remember. The ambiance far surpassed any area of delicacy or service. The food presentation was not in Philippe Starck style, and the menu was highly overated. Lucky for us the champagne was flowing and the guests all had an incredible time.

I imagine if the hotel spent a little more effort in the customer service/satisfaction area, they would have many repeat customers who bring in even more business. I've learned these days it is very rare that people follow through with what they say they will do, and at the midnight hour all hell breaks loose. But in the end, the only thing that matters is that we enjoy eachothers company and a good time is had in a nice environment. Although it doesn't hurt when our tummies are filled and satisfied either!!!

• Pros: Amazing Environment Inside Out
• Cons: Same attention to detail that the Designer intended should be used in management.

The Delano Hotel's bar is the epitome of South Beach style and indulgence.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
Hotel guests typically include an assortment of models, fashion photographers, musicians, actors and other beautiful people. The public beach behind the hotel isn't restricted to the Delano's guests, nor is the well-stocked bar by the pool. The emphasis on illusion and aesthetics extends to the water perpetually cascading over its rim as well as to the exceptionally attractive cabana boys.