Pros

  • Excellent location in the heart of South Beach, a block from the ocean
  • Bright rooms have mini-fridges; suites have microwaves and sofa beds
  • Lovely courtyard with lots of greenery and whirlpool
  • Rooftop solarium with loungers and umbrellas
  • Free (if basic) daily breakfast
  • Free use of loungers and towels at the beach
  • Free round-trip shuttle to Miami airport (with set departure times) 
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout
  • Valet parking available for a daily fee
See More Pros

Cons

  • Some noise issues
  • Many rooms are in need of an update, and bathrooms are old
  • Complaints of slow Wi-Fi and uncomfortable beds
  • No pool, restaurant, or fitness center
  • Centralized air-conditioning can make rooms uncomfortably cold
  • Daily resort fee tacked on to room rates (common for Miami)
  • No elevator
See More Cons

Bottom Line

Smack-dab in the heart of South Beach, the Aqua Hotel is a basic budget property that attracts partiers looking to be in the center of the local action. The 46 rooms here are simple and get lots of natural light, plus they all have minibars, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Many, however, are showing wear and tear, and bathrooms are old. On-site amenities are limited to a whirlpool in a small courtyard with some greenery, and a couple of computers in the lobby for guest use. The hotel tacks on a resort fee to cover what little they do offer: notably, Wi-Fi, basic continental breakfast, loungers on the beach (though umbrellas are only available for a steep daily fee), and a set-time shuttle to the Miami Airport. Similarly priced hotels abound in the area, such as the Whitelaw Hotel nearby, which offers a better value. 

See More Bottom Line

Amenities

  • Cribs
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi
  • Pets Allowed

Oyster Hotel Review

Aqua Hotel

What are the Design and Scene Like at Aqua Hotel?

Budget party hotel with blue-and-white decor and a pleasant courtyard

In the heart of South Beach, Aqua Hotel is a budget property housed in a simple, two-story building with a blue-and-white facade and outdoor entryways to rooms. The lobby follows a similar decor scheme as the exterior, with off-white polished granite floors and a few blue accents. A small breakfast area with booth and chair seating sits off to one side, but the space remains relatively empty outside of breakfast time and peak check-in/checkout hours. Decor touches such as colorful, modern artworks along with big windows make common spaces pleasant and light, though the overall feel is rather basic and generic. The most inviting public area here is outdoors, notably the large courtyard with big palms and other greenery planted in the middle, with a whirlpool off to one side and a fountain on the other. 

Rates are similar to comparable hotels in the area, but the property is in need of updates -- both in rooms and common spaces. Additionally, a daily resort fee is tacked on to room bills, surprising given that there's nothing in the least bit resort-like about this low-frills property. In short, this is a decent option for partiers planning to spend little time on-site, but there are many other options worth considering in the area -- for just a few extra dollars. 
See More What are the Design and Scene Like at Aqua Hotel?

Where is Aqua Hotel Located?

In the heart of Miami's South Beach nightlife scene and a block from the beach

The Aqua Hotel is located on Collins Avenue, in an area full of bars and clubs. It's flanked by high-rise party hotels including the Delano, the National, and The Raleigh Miami Beach, and the beach is a block down the road. There's a 24-hour Walgreen's a block away from the hotel, and Ocean Drive -- with its seemingly endless eating and drinking options (many of which are overpriced tourist traps) -- is a two-minute walk away. You're better off walking a few blocks north to the Lincoln Road Mall, an outdoor pedestrian promenade with everything from pharmacies and Starbucks to designer clothing shops and high-end restaurants. Miami International Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel, without traffic. 

See More Where is Aqua Hotel Located?

What are Rooms Like at Aqua Hotel?

Simple rooms with flat-screen TVs and pleasant decor, but bathrooms are old

Rooms at this hotel range from 220 to 1,000 square feet (20.5 to 93 square meters) and have two doubles or one king. All feature a similar decor scheme, with either cement floors or more comfortable laminate floors with matching headboards. Basic white desks and nightstands are modern touches, and the overall feel is contemporary -- albeit a tad plain. However, maintenance is lacking, and there have been reports of dislodged power sockets, uncomfortable beds, and overall wear and tear.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Air-conditioning is controlled centrally from reception, which can make rooms unbearably cold. Suites add microwaves and toasters, plus sofa beds and dining tables in living areas. Bathrooms are bright but older, with basic shower/tub combos or mosaic-tiled walk-in showers, and plain tiling throughout. Basic toiletries and hairdryers are provided.
See More What are Rooms Like at Aqua Hotel?

What Features are Available at Aqua Hotel?

Courtyard with whirlpool and rooftop deck, plus free airport transfers, basic breakfast, and Wi-Fi

Amenities at this hotel are limited. While there's no fitness center or pool, there is a small whirlpool in the hotel's pleasant, plant-filled courtyard, along with a table with chairs for those who just want to hang out. There's also a deck on the second floor for sunbathing, though given that the beach is nearby, it's easy enough to just head there. Plus, the hotel has a number of free lounge chairs at the beach for guests. Umbrellas, however, are an extra, steep charge. Free shuttle service to and from the airport is offered, with several fixed departures in each direction per day. Beyond this, amenities are limited to a couple of guest computers in the lobby, and a free but basic continental breakfast service every morning -- but no proper restaurant or room service. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and valet parking is available for a fee.

See More What Features are Available at Aqua Hotel?

Things You Should Know About Aqua Hotel

Also Known As

  • Aqua Hotel and Lounge
  • Aqua Hotel Miami Beach
  • Aqua Hotel & Lounge

Room Types

  • 2 Double Beds Room
  • Deluxe Room
  • Junior Suite
  • Loft Penthouse
  • Suite
  • Two Bathroom Suite

Address

1530 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Florida 33139-3111, United States

Phone

(305) 538-4361

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Aqua Hotel

What are the Design and Scene Like at Aqua Hotel?

Budget party hotel with blue-and-white decor and a pleasant courtyard

In the heart of South Beach, Aqua Hotel is a budget property housed in a simple, two-story building with a blue-and-white facade and outdoor entryways to rooms. The lobby follows a similar decor scheme as the exterior, with off-white polished granite floors and a few blue accents. A small breakfast area with booth and chair seating sits off to one side, but the space remains relatively empty outside of breakfast time and peak check-in/checkout hours. Decor touches such as colorful, modern artworks along with big windows make common spaces pleasant and light, though the overall feel is rather basic and generic. The most inviting public area here is outdoors, notably the large courtyard with big palms and other greenery planted in the middle, with a whirlpool off to one side and a fountain on the other. 

Rates are similar to comparable hotels in the area, but the property is in need of updates -- both in rooms and common spaces. Additionally, a daily resort fee is tacked on to room bills, surprising given that there's nothing in the least bit resort-like about this low-frills property. In short, this is a decent option for partiers planning to spend little time on-site, but there are many other options worth considering in the area -- for just a few extra dollars. 
See More What are the Design and Scene Like at Aqua Hotel?

Where is Aqua Hotel Located?

In the heart of Miami's South Beach nightlife scene and a block from the beach

The Aqua Hotel is located on Collins Avenue, in an area full of bars and clubs. It's flanked by high-rise party hotels including the Delano, the National, and The Raleigh Miami Beach, and the beach is a block down the road. There's a 24-hour Walgreen's a block away from the hotel, and Ocean Drive -- with its seemingly endless eating and drinking options (many of which are overpriced tourist traps) -- is a two-minute walk away. You're better off walking a few blocks north to the Lincoln Road Mall, an outdoor pedestrian promenade with everything from pharmacies and Starbucks to designer clothing shops and high-end restaurants. Miami International Airport is about a 25-minute drive from the hotel, without traffic. 

See More Where is Aqua Hotel Located?

What are Rooms Like at Aqua Hotel?

Simple rooms with flat-screen TVs and pleasant decor, but bathrooms are old

Rooms at this hotel range from 220 to 1,000 square feet (20.5 to 93 square meters) and have two doubles or one king. All feature a similar decor scheme, with either cement floors or more comfortable laminate floors with matching headboards. Basic white desks and nightstands are modern touches, and the overall feel is contemporary -- albeit a tad plain. However, maintenance is lacking, and there have been reports of dislodged power sockets, uncomfortable beds, and overall wear and tear.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs with cable, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Air-conditioning is controlled centrally from reception, which can make rooms unbearably cold. Suites add microwaves and toasters, plus sofa beds and dining tables in living areas. Bathrooms are bright but older, with basic shower/tub combos or mosaic-tiled walk-in showers, and plain tiling throughout. Basic toiletries and hairdryers are provided.
See More What are Rooms Like at Aqua Hotel?

What Features are Available at Aqua Hotel?

Courtyard with whirlpool and rooftop deck, plus free airport transfers, basic breakfast, and Wi-Fi

Amenities at this hotel are limited. While there's no fitness center or pool, there is a small whirlpool in the hotel's pleasant, plant-filled courtyard, along with a table with chairs for those who just want to hang out. There's also a deck on the second floor for sunbathing, though given that the beach is nearby, it's easy enough to just head there. Plus, the hotel has a number of free lounge chairs at the beach for guests. Umbrellas, however, are an extra, steep charge. Free shuttle service to and from the airport is offered, with several fixed departures in each direction per day. Beyond this, amenities are limited to a couple of guest computers in the lobby, and a free but basic continental breakfast service every morning -- but no proper restaurant or room service. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and valet parking is available for a fee.

See More What Features are Available at Aqua Hotel?

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Basic Television

  • Business Center

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Free Breakfast

  • Full Kitchen

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Pets Allowed

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Swim-Up Bar

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.