The Raleigh Hotel — User Comments Rating: 4.0 Pearls

South Beach, Miami, Florida

My husband and I stay at the Raleigh every time we're in Miami. For me, it's the pool (I don't think it's saltwater, like the reviewer said). I take some magazines, a good book and spend the day dipping in, and then drying off on the daybeds they have next to the pool (big enough for 2, pillows, comfort). The pool staff are there with lunch, drinks, anything you want. The pool is not one of those long narrow afterthoughts; it's truly gorgeous. And because it's so big, there can be tons of people lounging and no one is too close.

The lobby and the outdoor dining spot have that 1940s Cuba vibe. It's a great spot for a Rob Roy before dinner. Huge banyan trees shade the outdoor dining, which is right off the pool area and steps out from the lobby. Take a morning swim and then read the paper over a great cappuccino and a pastry basket.

The rooms are indeed a little "vintage"--although I hear they are undergoing a serious facelift after Andre Balaz (sp?) sold the place. We've always stayed in the larger rooms, which have great vintage touches, like the 1940s-green tub, or the drapes with the big-print banana leaves and tropical reds and yellows. Each room is different so you never know what you're getting. It's not high-sheen boutique hotel. Rather, it's vintage with quirks (in a good way).

The one issue I've always had with the place is the carpet in the hallways--dreadful. Hopefully the facelift will solve that problem.

The Raleigh, in a word, has charm. It's the mood, the je nes sai quoi about the place that keeps us coming back. And the pool!

The Pinnacle of Personal Service & Hospitality - Love OUR Raleigh!

By Jeff Rappaport from Acton, MA on Mar 9, 2011

The Raleigh Hotel is the perfect venue for a weekend getaway or week-long vacation. Conveniently located at 1775 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach, The Raleigh draws you back into the 1940's, when life's pace was slower and genuine Customer Service was the norm. You'll relish the Raleigh's scrumptuous breakfast; the brioche' french toast is yummy. Enjoy lunch beside the Raleigh's world famous swimming pool, situated just a few steps from the beach. Rooms are absolutely clean and comfortable. In May 2010 we stayed in Room 406, a superb suite adjoining to Room 407. In October 2010, we stayed in Room 715 with a balcony, view of the pool, beach and ocean. Walid, Ben, Peter, Willy, Roberto, Nick, Alex. Crispy, Sandy and Yette will make your stay tops. Raves for OUR Raleigh!

I just booked a stay and the bike rentals are not for fee ($25/day or $8/hr). This is the same charge as the local bike rental places on SoBe.