The hype
Families love the extra bathroom and space, but everyone hates the hidden fees and the smell in the corridors.
Grand Beach Hotel Surfside West
$180-280/ night
Book this if You want full access to a beachfront mega-resort's pools and spa but refuse to pay oceanfront prices.
Why People Love It
- Full access to the main Grand Beach Hotel's 3 pools and beach service across the street
- Most standard suites have two full bathrooms (a miracle for families)
- The West building's own rooftop pool is often dead quiet compared to the main hotel
Quick Take: It's the budget annex of a luxury hotel where you trade a lobby and fresh-smelling hallways for a cheaper room and a street crossing.
Reviewed by @mettahara: I stayed here for a romantic reset and the ocean views from my balcony were unreal. Loved starting the day with rooftop yoga and ending it with wine by the waves. It’s the perfect spot if you want chill luxury away from the noise.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are staying in a glorified overflow building; don't expect a grand entrance or 5-star service until you cross the street.
- You are traveling with kids and need two bathrooms
- You keep Kosher (walking distance to Harding Ave's kosher row)
- You plan to spend all day at the main pool/beach and just sleep here
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7
- Housekeeping: Daily service is generally reliable, though sometimes late in the day.
- Bathroom hygiene: Strong point—bathrooms are usually sparkling and modern.
- Maintenance: West building common areas (hallways, carpets) show wear and tear; rooms are better maintained.
- Linens & towels: Standard hotel quality, clean but not luxurious.
- Odors & scents: Hallways frequently described as 'musty' or 'unpleasant'; rooms usually smell neutral.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Traffic on Collins Avenue (especially for East-facing rooms)
- Loud in-room AC units
- Connecting doors letting neighbor noise through
Before you book
Good to know
- Check-in is at the West building (there is a front desk), but it's small.
- Breakfast is served across the street at the main hotel (La Plage).
- The resort fee includes 2 beach chairs and 1 umbrella—claim them early (before 11am) or they run out.
What to pack
- White noise machine (to drown out the street/hallway noise)
- Beach bag (you'll be hauling gear across the street daily)
- Small bills for the valet (you'll be using them a lot)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Sunset View Suite (West facing) on a high floor for less road noise and bay views
- 2-Bedroom Suites for larger families (often cheaper than two rooms)
Rooms to avoid
- East-facing rooms on lower floors (direct view of traffic)
- Rooms near the elevator (noisy lift mechanism reported)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a 'Sunset View' suite on a high floor, facing West, to minimize noise from Collins Avenue. Please ensure the room is not directly adjacent to the elevator shaft.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the West building directly on the beach?
No. It is across Collins Avenue (a 4-lane road). You have to walk across the street to access the beach.
Do I get access to the main hotel pools?
Yes. You have full privileges at the Oceanfront building, including the family pools, adults-only rooftop pool, and gym.
Is there a pool at the West building?
Yes, the West building has its own rooftop pool and hot tubs, which are usually much quieter than the main hotel's pools.
How much is the resort fee?
Expect to pay around $64 per night + tax. It covers beach chairs, towels, and Wi-Fi.
Is there a restaurant in the West building?
No. The main restaurant (La Plage) and bars are across the street. The West building has vending/market options only.
Are the rooms clean?
Generally, yes. Guests consistently rate the rooms themselves as clean and spacious, even if the hallways are worn/smelly.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The West building rooftop pool is the best spot for a private sunset soak—most guests forget it exists.
- ✨
Walk one block west to Harding Avenue for cheaper, better breakfast options than the hotel restaurant.
- ✨
If the main hotel valet is backed up, the West building valet is often faster.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hallways in the West building often have a strange, musty odor that contrasts with the clean rooms.
💡You might get a 'city view' balcony that just looks at the street and the other hotel building.
💡The elevators can be slow and clunky.
💡There is a 'Kosher Row' of restaurants just one block away on Harding Ave.
💡You can use the 'quiet' pool on the West roof to escape the screaming kids at the main pool.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Grand Beach Hotel Surfside West is located and what's nearby.