The hype
Families love the extra space and two bathrooms, but everyone hates the slow elevators.
Grand Beach Hotel Surfside Oceanfront
$350-650/ night
Book this if You want a Miami Beach vacation with the kids that feels more 'upscale family reunion' than 'South Beach rager'.
Why People Love It
- Two-bathroom suites are a game changer for families
- Adults-only rooftop pool offers a legitimate sanctuary from the kid-heavy ground pools
- Walkable access to Surfside's charming, quieter downtown and Bal Harbour Shops
Quick Take: A suite-only tower that masters the art of separating screaming toddlers at the ground pool from sipping rosés on the roof.
Reviewed by @LouiseMarief: I booked this for a weekend getaway and the corner views completely stole the show. Waking up to the ocean on one side and the city skyline on the other was unreal. Plus, having that kitchenette made pre-gaming so much easier before we hit the town.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You will pay a hefty resort fee (~$66/night) for beach chairs that you might still have to fight for on busy weekends.
- You are traveling with kids and need a separate living area
- You keep Kosher (huge selection of nearby dining)
- You prefer a quieter, safer neighborhood vibe over the South Beach party scene
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally reliable daily service, though some guests report sand left on balconies.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are a strong point—modern, tile-heavy, and usually spotless.
- Maintenance: The property is relatively modern (built ~2013), so wear and tear is minimal compared to Art Deco hotels.
- Linens & towels: Crisp and white, though pool towels can sometimes run out on busy weekends.
- Odors & scents: Lobby has a signature perfume; rooms are generally fresh but check for mustiness in lower floor ocean-facing rooms.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Connecting room doors (very common here)
- Hallway noise due to tile floors
- Elevator dings if you are too close to the lift bank
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'West' building guests have access to the Oceanfront pools, which can make the main pool deck crowded.
- There is no self-parking; factor the valet cost into your budget.
- Beach service includes two chairs and an umbrella, but front-row spots go fast.
What to pack
- Sound machine (to drown out hallway chatter)
- Refillable water bottle (water stations are available)
- Modest swimwear if you plan to visit the local orthodox-friendly shops/cafes
Room Genie
Best picks
- Oceanfront King Suite (High Floor): Worth the upgrade for the actual view and distance from pool noise.
- Corner Suites: Often have a bit more light and fewer shared walls.
Rooms to avoid
- Connecting rooms if you aren't using both (sound leaks)
- Low floor 'Sunset View' rooms (traffic noise from Collins Ave)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would appreciate a room on a high floor (10+), away from the elevators. Please ensure it is NOT a connecting room if possible, as I am a light sleeper.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, both the ground-level family pools and the rooftop adults-only pool are heated year-round.
Can I walk to South Beach?
No, it's about a 20-30 minute Uber ride. Surfside is a distinct, quieter town north of Miami Beach proper.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, expect to pay around $66/night, which covers beach chairs, umbrellas, and Wi-Fi.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, up to 2 pets (max 50-60 lbs) are allowed for a fee of ~$100/night.
Do the rooms have balconies?
Yes, almost every suite has a balcony, though the size and view vary significantly by room tier.
Is it Kosher friendly?
Extremely. You are walking distance to Harding Avenue which has numerous Kosher restaurants and markets.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The rooftop pool has a 'sunset' side and an 'ocean' side; the sunset side is often empty in the morning.
- ✨
Walk two blocks north to the Publix for snacks and drinks instead of paying hotel minibar prices.
- ✨
The 'West' building is cheaper and newer, but you have to cross a busy 4-lane road to get to the beach.
5 things to know before you go
💡The elevators are notoriously slow during peak breakfast and beach hours.
💡The 'Sunset View' is a marketing term for 'Street View'—you're looking at Collins Ave.
💡You might see iguanas chilling near the ground floor pool deck (they are harmless but startling).
💡The lobby scent is distinctively strong; some love it, some get a headache.
💡West building guests often flood the Oceanfront building's amenities, making it feel busier than the room count suggests.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Grand Beach Hotel Surfside Oceanfront is located and what's nearby.