We stayed 2 nights pre-cruise at the Sonesta Bayfront and the entire experience was excellent. We just wanted to relax and get over our jet lag and we couldn't have asked for better. Our room was large and spacious with a kitchenette, which apart from the coffee machine we didn't make use of. We had a side sea view from our balcony.

The 8th floor pool area was very chic with comfortable sun loungers and other seating and the drinks service was very good.

We loved the shopping area which was so close to the hotel and we went to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner both nights as the range, quality and prioce of food was great.

Next time we are in the Miami area we will go back to the Sonesta Bayfront Hotel.

I am a frequent traveler. At one point I traveled so much that I wasn't sure that I even had a home base anymore that wasn't an airport. I've stayed at so many different hotels, mostly 4 and 5 star places and my level of expectation is high, while still appreciating someplace that is not overly done to the point of tasteless and extreme.

My many visits to the Sonesta have left me now completely spoiled. And not nessecarily by the decor, it's simple, modern and understated, but by the staff.

It could be 6 months between my trips to the Sonesta and they still remember me by name, they remember what it is I like to drink while at the pool, my seating preference while dining, and my preference for suites, as well as how much I enjoy their in room massages.

Now, the really good stuff.... something I highly recommend. If you can, take advantage of their private dining on the beach. It is beyond romantic and the staff have it down to perfection. The delicate rose petals gracing the ground..... the dinner delivered to your table by the staff, unobtrusively, quietly bringing you exactly what you need, but never hovering too close..... the candles lit everywhere..... you can't help bu feel like their most important guest and like you are of celebrity status..... and that goes for the entire trip.

No, it's not the Breakers, with an old world elegance (something that I do enjoy) but there is just something about this hotel that while large, gives it a very personal feel..... and do try the in room massage if you can, there is something just so relaxing about getting a massage while looking out of your suites windows down to the ocean while listening to the breaking waves.....

I can't say anything else about this hotel except that I highly recommend it on every level.

We stayed here for an extended period of time and found the room to be extremely clean, spacious, and with a lovely view of the bay. It is a bit noisy during the day, because it's on a busy street, but by sleepytime it's nice and quiet. It's within walking distance to a shopping center with a Gap, other clothing stores, a cell phone store, live music, eateries and a multiplex movie theater. Our travel agent got us a 50% discount on the rooms and a free self-parking pass. I would negotiate the room rate because the full price is high. Definitely use self-parking. It's quicker and easier than valet. The staff is very pleasant and helpful. We enjoyed the restaurant, also. The Peruvian Caesar salad with an entire NY strip steak was my favorite and my husband liked the ceviches.

My in-laws stayed here for a week over Christmas. They were in love. Every day all we heard about was the great service and staff at Sonesta. They are already going to book a trip back in March. The rooms are very spacious and have beautiful views of the bay. The restaurant, Panorama is one of our all time favorite restaurants in all of Miami. The location is perfect to walk to everything in the Grove. The valet guys were very friendly towards us every day several times a day coming to pick them up. They never gave us any hassle like most places would. Overall, they were extremely pleased.