The hype
Travelers love the location and the staff (shoutout to Ruby), but often feel misled by the 'resort' fees given the lack of on-site amenities.
Penguin Hotel
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want to be dead-center on Ocean Drive without paying $500/night and plan to spend 90% of your time outside.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location directly across from Lummus Park and the beach
- Access to the rooftop pool at the sister property (President Villa)
- Art Deco charm that feels authentic to the neighborhood
Quick Take: A historic Art Deco crash pad that trades sleep quality and square footage for a prime Ocean Drive address.
Reviewed by @TravelbyDas:Β My family and I stayed here the night before our cruise and it was the perfect kick-off. Being right on Ocean Drive meant we could hit the beach and grab great food without needing a car. The vibe is super retro and fun!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The rooms are significantly smaller than they appear in photos, with barely enough space to open a large suitcase.
- You thrive on nightlife and want to stumble home from Mango's
- You prioritize ocean views over silence
- You want the South Beach aesthetic on a moderate budget
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.5
- Housekeeping: Generally diligent, but recent reviews mention missed spots like dust under beds or sand in carpets.
- Bathroom hygiene: Grout can be discolored due to age; some reports of mildew in corners, but usually surface-clean.
- Maintenance: Aging infrastructure means occasional peeling paint, slow drains, or finicky AC units.
- Linens & towels: Sheets are usually crisp and white, though some guests have reported stray hairs or stains (check upon arrival).
- Odors & scents: Heavy use of cleaning products to mask the humid, old-building smell common in Art Deco hotels.
Sleepabilityβ’
4MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Ocean Drive traffic and music (constant until late)
- Thin walls/doors letting in hallway noise
- Neighboring bars and restaurants
Before you book
Good to know
- Resort fee is ~$33/night and covers beach towels, wifi, and water bottles.
- The elevator is tiny and slow; be prepared to take the stairs.
- Check-in is at 3 PM, but they will hold your bags if you arrive early.
What to pack
- High-fidelity earplugs (essential)
- White noise machine or app
- Compact luggage (rooms are tight)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Ocean View Corner King (Rooms ending in 01 or similar) β best views, most light, but loudest.
- Back/Traditional Rooms β ugly 'alley views' but slightly buffered from the street noise.
Rooms to avoid
- 2nd Floor Ocean Front if you want to sleep before 3 AM (closest to the street action).
- Rooms near the elevator (mechanical noise + foot traffic).
Room Request Genie β copy & paste
βI am booking this stay for the Art Deco history. If possible, I would love a room on the highest floor (3rd) to minimize street noise. If an Ocean View isn't available, a quiet back room is preferred over a low-floor street view.β
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a pool?
Not on-site. You have access to the rooftop pool at the President Villa Hotel, which is a short walk around the block.
Is breakfast free?
No. It costs ~$9 + tax and is served at the President Hotel nearby, despite some older reviews saying otherwise.
How bad is the noise?
If you stay in an Ocean View room, it is intense. Back rooms are better but still subject to internal hallway noise.
Does the hotel have parking?
Valet only (~$48/day). Public parking at 13th & Collins is cheaper (~$20-30/day) but fills up.
How far is the beach?
Literally across the street. You cross Ocean Drive and Lummus Park, and you're on the sand.
Are there fridges in the room?
Yes, small mini-fridges are standard, but don't expect a microwave.
Insider Tips
- β¨
The 'Purple Penguin Cafe' on the front porch is great for people-watching, even if you don't stay here.
- β¨
Ask for extra beach towels at the front desk *before* you head out; they sometimes run out by midday.
- β¨
The hotel was featured on 'Hotel Impossible' years ago β it's much better now, but still has quirky old-building plumbing.
5 things to know before you go
π‘The 'nature-inspired' decor includes giant floral murals that can feel a bit intense in small rooms.
π‘The bathroom doors in some rooms don't close or lock properly due to shifting frames.
π‘You might find sand in the carpet corners; housekeeping is good but beach sand is relentless.
π‘The 'resort fee' feels steep when the 'resort' amenities are at a different hotel.
π‘The lobby smell is a mix of old vintage building mustiness masked by strong floral cleaner.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Penguin Hotel is located and what's nearby.