This hotel is just amazing , everything about it is perfect; location , rooms and services. The only one thing I wanted is to have a mini bar in the room.

My wife and I spent five nights at the Clevelander from Dec. 28th-Jan 1st. I read a number of the reviews of some that were good and bad but were looking forward to seeing for ourselves. We arrived a little early so I room was not ready. The guy who checked us in said I have some good and bad news. Our room was not ready but he was going to upgrade us to a Rockstar Suite. We were early so it was no problem in our minds anyway. He took our bags and kept them for us so we could go get a drink until our room was ready and would call us when it was. We got some food, had a drink and got the call. The bellhop gave us some drinks and quickly brought our bags up to our room. We got up to the room and it blew us away. It was not huge, but a very nice size with one of the few rooms that had a balcony and was right over the stage and DJ who played music from noon until 4-5 every night. It was loud but we expected it to be a little loud going in so it was no issue to us. The room and location was awesome and you could always hang out on the balcony and see what action was going on. We loved it! Housekeeping did a good job each day and were always courteous in the hallway. Spending 5 nights there we got to know a lot of the staff and there were so many awesome people we met at all the different bars from the pool area to the roof. We were very impressed on how cool and friendly they were. Absolutely awesome! We really felt taken care of by the whole staff. We got a table before we arrived for New Years Eve in the pool area because we thought it would be the most fun. As we got to know the staff they even went down and talked to the event staff to get us a good table the day before. We could not have had a better table to see all the entertainment. They entertainment was great, great server and even a good view of the fireworks on the beach. The location was perfect right across Ocean from the beach and close to all kinds of restaurants, entertainment, etc. Our checkout was early to catch a flight and the guy who checked us out was a happy and courteous as the guy who checked us in. Excellent overall experience and would recommend it to anyone who likes to have a good time, good music, good entertainment and a great staff. Thanks to all who made our stay so great and we look forward to going back! All the best, J&A

I have been to Miami four times in the last 3 years and 3 of those stays were at the Clevelander or Essex House. The one time I didn't stay was because I was with my parents and younger brother staying for a night before our cruise.
My first visit was for a bachelor party in May 2010 - what can I say...WOW. We came to party and that is exactly what we got. First off, the staff was extremely friendly in the check-in process, holding our bags, and getting us a complimentary welcome drink. Since we arrived at 10am, I wasn't expecting a room to be available, which was not a concern to us in the first place, we went to the rooftop and lounged for a bit with a few rounds.
When we got into the Rockstar Suites (we had all 3) and man, that was great! We opened the connecting doors and enjoyed our time there! The staff down at the bars were friendly and our waitress brought our drinks in a timely matter and made small talk with us even though she was busy.
Mike was our host the first time and was extremely helpful and knowledgeable in everything we asked him about. He also scheduled a passenger van one night to take us out. I had a great time that entire trip, I knew my future visits to Miami would be here.
My next visits were to Clevelander (Dec 2010) and Essex House (July 11) respectively. Again The Clevelander upheld my expectations and I was a happy camper.
Now, on my third visit, I honestly felt like I was royalty. Natalia helped me with reservations over the phone as I had asked for more than what was offered on their website. She was able to accommdate my request and I was happily set for my trip. Once I arrived, Zah checked us in quickly and informed me that the Manager (Brandon as I'll refer to him) had taken my special request a step further, I was quite surprised and ecstatic. We got to our room and the Essex House suites were much nicer than I expected (sure I'd want more windows, but the only time I was in the room, I was drunk between 5am-11am, who needs windows then?)
Natalia had notified me that a balcony room was on hold for another night's stay and that I could check it out before making the switch (which busy hotel in south beach holds a hotel room just in case a guest wants to swap?) After one night in the essex house suite, I decided to forfeit that room and let Patricia (front desk) know that I would prefer to stay in my current room. She took care of it and made the arrangements with no issues.
Lastly, I had to let the manager know how amazing and accommodating his staff was. I have stayed at a number of international vacation resorts and not been giving this kind of treatment. I travel often each year and value customer service to the highest degree. I'm also a sharp minded person, if I don't receive good service, I let them know what could be improved, and when I do get great service, I make sure the people who made it happen are recognized.
Some of the negative reviews I've read on here are hard to believe since I've stayed here quite a few times. I've stayed at two other hotels on my first two visits to Miami one up by lincoln mall and the other down on 4th street (neither of those will be visited by me again)
I can assure the readers of this review that I do not work for nor was I paid to write this review, I simply had a wonderful stay and rely on this site for opinions before I book a trip. I can assure you that if you want to party hard and have a good time, this is the place to stay. Trust me, this is not frat/house party place, it's a fun place to be. My next visit will be in one of the balcony rooms looking over the pool area towards the ocean.

To preface this account, I am a 5-time traveler to Miami's South Beach. I have stayed at the Strand two times (now, Congress Hotel on Ocean Drive), the Sanctuary Hotel one time, and the Winterhaven (on Ocean Drive) once as well. I would have to state that this hotel is okay for what it is worth. I am an English teacher and that is the only word I could generate for this hotel: okay -- as it is nothing bad but nothing great either.

The hotel is very nice on the outside -- the sidewalks are power-washed daily, the lobby and rooms are very fragrant, and the rooms are very, very clean -- so clean that you could smell the bleach on the sheets that are changed daily.

Yet, the problem with the hotel is that the rooms are smaller than a sardine can; and, the pool, that is advertised as "the heartbeat of the Clevelander South Beach Hotel, not only famed as one of the most unique Miami event venues around but also known for its nine-foot Art Deco Historic Pool; one of the only original in-ground pools left amongst South Beach Hotels. Refresh with our Classic frozen Rum Runners, Margaritas or Pina Colada’s while you lounge poolside" on the web site, is no longer in use (according to various staff members and guests that frequent the happy hour on weekdays).

I thought my experience was only okay because nothing wowed me and I left with an empty feeling. There was no presence; no excitement for the actual hospitality I was supposed to experience with staying at a hotel.

The reason that I would never stay here again is the fact that it was nothing fabulous and there were no perks. These were not negatives, but in my opinion, what the hotel lacked: the rooms were TINY; the pool was nonexistent; there were no continental breakfasts, towels, or lounge chairs provided; it was very loud each and every day due to the consistent bass blasting from the bar below; there was no bath tub--only a shower; there were no drawers in the room to stow away our clothes; they mostly only have double beds -- not king size (even if you request it); and, honestly, I felt stifled in the room.

I love Miami but I will not come back to the Clevelander Hotel.