Miami's Raleigh Hotel....Looking Through Depression Glass
Written: Oct 06 '01 (Updated Feb 27 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lots of Art Deco charm
Cons: Rooms can be small, baths are old
The Bottom Line: Though rather expensive for what you get, this is can be a fun place. The staff are less obnoxious than at some other South Beach places.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: The Raleigh Hotel |
About the only thing missing at the Raleigh is depression glass in their dining room. For the most part, it's a great 1930's set-piece. The hotel is at 1775 Collins Avenue, not far from the Delano and next to the Ritz Plaza. It is a low-key spot in one of the more happening areas of South Beach. It is next door to the National Hotel (an expensively restored building that doesn't come through).
Lobby
The lobby is fairly small, but does have some nice architectural touches-particularly the terrazzo floor. The furniture is appropriate to the setting.
Dining
The dining room is a pleasant, airy space with beachy looking deco furnishings. The food is acceptable, but this is more of a place to have a light lunch than to seek a serious dining experience. The bar is a good place to enjoy a ($9)"Raleigh Martini" before going elsewhere for dinner.
Rooms
The rooms are attractive in a funky, 1950's meets the 1930's sort of way. Though not especially large, some of them do have terraces to catch the ocean breezes. The beds are firm enough and the baths are merely adequate. If you like pink and gray 1950's tile, these are for you. The bathrobes are of rather thin terry-cloth. The soaps and shampoo are better left on the counter. You won't be tempted to take them home with you. Overall, the rooms are merely comfortable-not glamorous at all.
Pool and Gardens
The garden area around the pool is lush, and there are more more terrazzo terraces. The pool itself is a 1950's extravaganza with scalloped edges. It has been restored carefully. What I really did not expect at all was the 1950's era outdoor gym, right by the pool. The equipment may not really be that old, but it appears so. Not that it is in bad condition-it is very well maintained. Johnny Weismuller would probably have been familiar with many of these contraptions. The beach is a short walk down from the pool.
Service
The service here is a bit brusque, but friendly, if that makes any sense. Staff members here do not pose like models (as at the Delano), and they are generally accommodating with most requests. It is essential to understand that this is not a luxury hotel. High prices notwithstanding, it does not really pretend to be in the luxury market. Do not be afraid to bargain with them if they quote you a ridiculous rate. Their prices should fall in the mid-range in high season-around $250 or $275. If you are persistent, you may be able to get something lower. I stayed there in August and still paid about $200-too much for the season.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 444 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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