My wife and I stayed at the Lowes Miami Beach for 5 days. The first 3 days were as part of a business trip, the last two we were on our own.

Everything about the hotel is first rate. Great service, polite staff, clean rooms, great location, nice beach, great spa, restaurant etc. The only problem I have with this hotel is the same problem I have many of the hotels in this class--for the price you pay, some things should be included, or at least reasonably priced, but are not. Examples? I can get free wireless internet at a Holiday Inn. Why can't these guys do that? Want to go to the beach? They want to rent you a chair. They have a nice breakfast buffet--for $28.00 per person. By the time you pay taxes and a gratuity, you find yourself paying nearly $70.00 for breakfast. We had 2 cans of corona from the poolside bar--over $10.00 each. There is no airport shuttle--but they'll flag you a taxi for $33.00. Our only complaint about the hotel itself is that our mattress was not the best--not as comfortable as you might expect--although the linens were top notch.

All in all, we enjoyed this hotel. We would have enjoyed it a whole lot more if we didn't feel quite so much like they have you in an economic headlock at all times. For $300 a night in the middle of a recession, you'd think they might lighten up a bit and provide their guests a little more in the way of value.

The Loews hit me with $37.00 "Guest Parking" charges. I flew into Miami and took cabs; I didn't even rent a car. When I called to complain they were "difficult" and tried to put me on hold; do not let them do it. Demand they fix the problem and call you back. The Breakfast Buffet is $36.12 including the mandatory 20% "gratuity". I asked several servers if they get the 20% "gratuity" and they only get part of it; you are still expected to tip above it. They add 20% "gratuity" to all food and beverage items. I was supposed to have a king balcony room. I ended up with 2 beds and a balcony and I was by myself so that was OK, but at what this place charges I should have had a king. I was on the 16th floor and there were tiny ants in the bathroom. How do tiny ants get into a 16th floor bathroom? If I ever come back to Miami Beach for another conference I think I'll stay another block or 2 from the beach in one of the other premium hotels.

This is the most comfortable, luxurious hotel I've ever stayed in. I could never have afforded to stay here - I won the holiday in a radio competition! I'm so grateful to have had the chance to stay somewhere so pristine, and in such an incredible position. I took my son and niece (11 and 10 years old) and we couldn't have felt safer. We were suffering from jet lag, so were all awake extremely early...we just gathered our inflatables and made use of the gorgeous pool - all to ourselves! The whole stay was magical. The rooms was sumptuous. The free towels by the pool couldn't have been fluffier. The free iced poolside drinks couldn't have been more refreshing. The hummingbird moths drinking nectar from flowers around the pool were a total joy to behold. I'd LOVE to be able to afford to go back there one day.

I stayed in this hotel last week. I woke up at 5:30 bitten all over. I called manager to tell them. They sent security and they were very dismissive. They assured me they did not have bed bugs. This happened Wednesday. When i got home I showed a doctor who said it looked like bed big bites. Showed it to another doctor who also said it looked like bed begs. This hotel probably has bed bugs. No one apologized. They keep giving me to security, not the manager.