My friend and I stayed here June 8 - 15 2004.

So OK, yes, as some reviews on another website have reflected, the hotel, in keeping with the Art Deco style, is not huge. The rooms are not palatial - but they are definitely adequately sized for their purpose (i.e. sleeping, getting dressed, chilling etc)

They are also well appointed and clean. The furnishings are well maintained. Everything worked as it should do. Air conditioning was very good. No problems with shower - however MOST rooms don't have a bath. They might not tell you this. Also, unlike what was stipulated on the website (so I am informed), they do not have US adaptors for use, since previous guests pinched them all. They do, however, have irons in the rooms, and toiletries are replaced almost every day.

The location is fab - right on Ocean Drive, a short 2 min walk to the beach. There is a petrol station round the corner for your daily consumables - 2 blocks down is Washington Avenue, where much of the night activity takes place. A wide range of clubs and pubs are positioned along that street.

Washington Ave is also home to a whole host of boutiques and designer stores, from Urban Outfitters, to Gap and Sisley, to Armani. Cafes and bars are all dotted around the locality.

In my opinion this hotel is very good value FOR THE PRICE. I have just 2 gripes with this hotel.

First, is the breakfast. I understand that a Continental breakfast is a little more modest than a full English, but in my opinion, a couple of bagels, muffins, tea, coffee and orange juice is a little too scanty! The cinnamon bagels were all finished by 9.30!! C'mon! How about some fruit or some cereal, maybe a few danish pastries??

My second whinge concerns one member of staff in particular who wasnt too friendly or helpful. Dont remember her name but she had permed dyed blonde hair and a hispanic accent.

Thankfully she contrasted starkly with the wonderful Anne Faye who was outstanding! Give her a raise.

Another thing - there is a considerable vagrant contingent in the area, who will occasionally approach you while u are trying to digest your bagel and try to bum a ciggie or a quarter off you. But that is not unique to the Winterhaven. It seemed to be the same the whole way along Ocean drive, even at the posher hotels.

Overall, a great place for the money. If you want a clean, comfortable hotel with some character but dont want to pay heaven and earth for it, this is for you! I will definitely stay here again.


Recommended: Yes