The hype
Historically a 'scene' hotel where the pool party was the main event and the rooms were an afterthought.
Sls South Beach
$450-600 (Historical)/ night
Book this if DO NOT BOOK — The hotel is currently CLOSED for major renovations as of early 2026.
Why People Love It
- Legendary Hyde Beach pool parties (when open)
- Philippe Starck's whimsical, mirror-heavy design
- Prime location at Collins & 17th
Quick Take: This former party palace is currently a construction zone; book the SLS Lux Brickell or 1 Hotel South Beach instead.
Reviewed by @chasefortravel: I stayed in the Philippe Starck suite and honestly, the open bathtub concept is so sexy for couples. Dinner at El Cielo was a total sensory trip—definitely book a table if you stay here. The vibe at Hyde Beach is unmatched.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Before closing, guests consistently complained about 'shabby' wear and tear, small rooms, and relentless bass from the pool.
- You are planning a trip for late 2026/2027 (check reopening dates)
- You want to be at the center of the South Beach party scene
- You don't mind sacrificing room size for social status
Cleanliness & Maintenance
6
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. Pre-closure reviews cited missed spots and rushed service.
- Bathroom hygiene: Mediocre. Complaints of leaky toilets, cold showers, and tight spaces.
- Maintenance: Poor. 'Shabby' furniture, peeling paint, and worn carpets were key reasons for the current renovation.
- Linens & towels: Standard luxury quality, though pool cushions were reported as 'dingy'.
- Odors & scents: Often overwhelmed by marijuana smoke in hallways and stale party smells.
Sleepability™
3LOUD
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Hyde Beach day club sound system
- Hallway noise from late-night revelers
- Outdoor speakers playing music 24/7
Before you book
Good to know
- Resort fee is steep (~$52) and includes beach chairs and wifi
- Valet parking is mandatory and costs ~$46-68/night
- Strict cancellation policies often apply during events
What to pack
- High-fidelity earplugs (essential)
- Designer swimwear (the pool is a runway)
- Credit card with a high limit for incidentals ($150/day hold)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Premier Ocean View (for the view, not the quiet)
- Tower Penthouse (designed by Lenny Kravitz, if you have the budget)
Rooms to avoid
- Villas (located directly next to the noisy pool/club area)
- Standard City View (very small, approx. 260 sq ft)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Note: Hotel is closed. If booking for future, request: 'High floor, ocean-facing room away from the Hyde Beach speakers to minimize vibration.'”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is SLS South Beach open?
No. As of early 2026, the hotel is closed for renovations. Check their website for reopening news.
Where should I stay instead?
The hotel recommends SLS Lux Brickell, but for a beach vibe, try 1 Hotel South Beach or The Setai.
Is there a resort fee?
Yes, historically around $52/night, covering beach chairs and gym access.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, they historically allowed pets (sometimes cited as free for small pets, other times a $200 fee).
Does it have a private beach?
It has a serviced area on the public beach with chairs and umbrellas for guests.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, there are two pools: a guest-only pool and the Hyde Beach party pool.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'guest-only' pool is significantly quieter than the Hyde Beach pool
- ✨
You can use the house car (Lincoln Navigator) for short drops if available
- ✨
Katsuya often has a separate entrance if you want to skip the lobby scene
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'marijuana odor' in hallways was a frequent pre-renovation complaint
💡Bathrooms in standard rooms are incredibly small with little counter space
💡The 'Villa' rooms sound fancy but are basically inside the nightclub
💡There is no dedicated spa facility, only a salon
💡Breakfast is not included and the buffet is pricey (~$32/person)
Local Playbook
Map
See where Sls South Beach is located and what's nearby.