OverviewLocated on Sunny Isles Beach along Highway 1A, the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort is popular with travellers who prefer a hotel with extended kitchen amenities, on-site dining and easy highway access on the beach.
This non-smoking hotel has 250 air-conditioned guest rooms and suites, all of which offer free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a balcony, a coffeemaker, a microwave, a mini-fridge, a small dining table, an iron and ironing board and a hair dryer.
Standard rooms offer one king or two queen beds, while rooms with a kitchenette and wheelchair accessibility are also available.
Hotel amenities include an olympic-sized outdoor pool, a children's pool, a hot tub, a steam room, a sauna, a fitness centre, beauty facilities, several shops, an art gallery, a business centre, a bar/lounge, banquet space and laundry facilities. The front desk is open 24 hours. Airport transportation is available, but charges apply. Contact the hotel for details.
A free continental breakfast for up to two guests per room, plus up to two children aged 4 and under, is available daily. Parking is an additional $18 per day, and pets under 25 lbs are permitted for an additional $50 per pet per stay. A $13 resort fee is also charged. This hotel provides private access to the beach.
On-site dining is available at Ocean Terrace Restaurant (serving breakfast daily), and Poolside Grill and Bar, which is open for dinner daily. Room service is available.
Aventura Mall is about a 5-minute drive west of the hotel, while Oleta River State Park can be found about a 7-minute drive southwestward. Sun Life Stadium is roughly a 20-minute drive west, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a 20-minute drive north. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)
Verified with a front desk agent: Free Wi-Fi, parking $18/night, pets (under 25 lbs) $50/pet/stay, wheelchair accessible. (Call Date: June 16, 2013)
The GoodThe majority of the reviews consulted for this analysis were positive, especially regarding the staff, rooms and location.
The hotel's staff were the source of numerous compliments by guests, who characterized them as helpful, courteous, accommodating and knowledgeable about the area.
Many guests were pleased with their accommodations. They described their rooms as clean, spacious, well equipped and well appointed, with beautiful ocean views and good water pressure. It should be noted, however, that some guests had complaints about their rooms (see below).
Several patrons praised the hotel's location. They found it to be relaxing and safe for walking, as well as on the beach and close to shopping, nightlife, restaurants and a bus stop. It was recommended, however, that this location is more suitable for those travelling with a vehicle.
The Bad
While the majority of reviews consulted for this analysis were positive, there were some common complaints about the prices, the breakfast and the rooms.
Some guests were disappointed with the additional costs incurred while staying at the hotel. They felt the extra charges for beach chair rental, parking and the resort fee deterred from the hotel's value, and also mentioned the room rates were on the expensive side.
The hotel's breakfast was a source of complaint by some reviewers. They described it as "a joke" and dismal, with a poor selection and no hot items.
While the majority of lodgers were pleased with their well-equipped and clean rooms, some guests were disappointed with their rooms. They reported dated decor, worn carpets, some plumbing issues, uncomfortable beds and musty smells.
Expedia.ca guest reviews rated the hotel 3 out of 5 with a 59% recommendation rate from 762 reviews.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviews ranked the hotel #1 out of 5 North Miami Beach hotels with an average rating of 3 out of 5 from 736 reviews.
Booking.com guest reviews rated the hotel 6.5 out of 10 from 216 reviews.
The author called the hotel on June 16, 2013 to verify some information.
