Anyone reading bad reviews can be scared away from this hotel. I stayed with my family for the second time, and I must say I haven't been disappointed.

There's only one elevator, that's true, but we have no problems by having to wait a bit more to go to the beach, shopping, etc. We were on vacations, we had no rush.

The hotel has a very European way to it. I think that's the main reason why US Citizens can feel uncomfortable with the food and every other aspect I read here. Regarding the breakfast, I'm from Argentina, I've been to other RIU Hotels, and I can assure you it's standard RIU Breakfast. Really complete with live cooking. (Ommeletes, eggs, pancakes, made at request in the moment). It´s all about tastes.

The room we were assigned was big, the bathroom, huge, and everything was well maintained and clean.

To be able to move around with freedom you do need a car, as the location is far from various points of interest. To do so, you'll have to spend some money at the valet parking which is the worst part of the deal offered by RIU. It's an outsourced parking company, and the hotel won't assume responsibility for damaged cars, and the parking staff is not very polite, nor helpful.

I would recomend this hotel for people that don't mind the cons stated above.

We indended to stay at this hotel for 3 nights but ended up staying for just the one. This was not down to the hotel it was purely due to its poor location in relation to Ocean Drive and Lincoln Avenue where all the life is. We timed our walk at 45mins from the hotel along the boardwalk (which was lovely by the way). We did not fancy walking that, there and back everyday. We got a taxi back and that cost us $10 (£5).
The hotel however was lovely, we got a great room overlooking the beach, it was clean and spacious. The pool area was nice but was packed with German tourists and yes they reserved all the beds before breakfast.
Breakfast was ok, didn't like the idea of all the food being just laid out with no covers on, the breakfast cereal was simply placed in large jars and people had to lean over them to get cutlery etc.
The Valet parking was trouble free and the staff where all very helpful and spoke perfect English as long as you spoke clearly to them.
The lift was still not working, there was some contractors working on the lift when we got there but still no joy. The remaining lift however was fine and we certainly didn't have to wait long for it.

This hotel was clearly bought and just slapped their name on it. This is nothing like any other RIUs. This place is not all inclusive. From the beginning. The elevator is still broken......since January that I know of. Very hectic getting up and down to your room. Parking....they charge 15.00 per day. there is metered parking on the side of the building that never had a meter maid come by...not once......you make the decision. When we got to the hotel, there was absolutely noone to help with our bags. We had to find a cart and lug them up our selves. But they were more that happy to try and run off with the car for the 15.00 parking fee. Barely giving us a chance to unload the car. So rude. We wanted to do late check-out since out flight was in the evening......they wanted $10.00 per hour starting at 12:00pm. Beach chairs are 7.00 per day. Breakfast buffet is very nice. Its 12.00 per person. Not bad. Please Please Please opt for an oceanview if possible. Otherwise you will be looking at an abandoned boarded up building or an ugly rooftop. The place is in need of serious renovations. place is very dated. Carpet is old and dusty. Overall is was not a very pleasant experience but we worked with it

When we arrived our reservation did not exist, although this had been booked some 9 months ago and we had our voucher to prove that we were staying there.
The check in staff did eventually have a non smoking room available if we waited an hour, which we duly did at the poolside bar. The staff were very friendly, which made up for the slow service.
When we got our room, it was very spacious and clean. Although on one occasion it did take until 4pm for the cleaner to start tidying our room.
The Concierge was extremely helpful, as we did not rent a car, numerous trips could be organised and picked up from the hotel including an everglades and a city tour.
The hotel was very clean and air conditioned, with a 30 second walk from the poolside and onto Miami beach. A boardwalk has been designed for pedestrians so they can walk from their hotel, adjacent to the beach up thus avoiding all vehicular traffic.