Grand Beach Hotel Surfside

This hotel offers a memorable stay, distinguished by its direct beach access and a selection of multiple pools, including a serene rooftop adult-only pool that provides breathtaking views. Its prime location makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and shoppers looking to explore nearby attractions and upscale retail. While many guests appreciate the comfortable accommodations and the hotel's overall aesthetic, recent changes in management have led to mixed feedback regarding service consistency. The hotel is well-suited for families due to its spacious rooms and kid-friendly amenities, and couples seeking a relaxing getaway with stunning ocean vistas. To enhance your experience, it is advisable to confirm your room type and view upon booking and be mindful of potential billing discrepancies by reviewing your statement carefully.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities, including multiple pools, with a notable rooftop adult-only pool offering a tranquil escape and impressive views. Guests also benefit from convenient direct beach access, where chairs and umbrellas are provided. A well-equipped fitness center and a spa are available for wellness and relaxation. However, some guests have noted that the pools can be small and occasionally crowded, and the hot tubs are frequently reported as not functioning. A recurring issue is the slow and often out-of-service elevators, leading to significant wait times. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests express disappointment over the lack of complimentary water in the rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently commend the spacious and generally clean rooms, often highlighting the comfortable beds and the convenience of having two bathrooms in some suites. Many rooms feature balcony access, providing pleasant views. However, a significant number of reviews point to issues such as noisy air conditioning units, which can disrupt sleep, and reports of broken AC. Other concerns include dirty floors, a pervasive mold smell in some areas, and even instances of bugs, including bed bugs. Guests have also reported leaking showers, broken fixtures like safes and refrigerators, and stained carpets in hallways, indicating a need for maintenance. Some find the beds too hard or the pillows uncomfortable.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast offerings generally receive positive remarks, with many guests appreciating the food quality and the pleasant restaurant atmosphere that often overlooks the ocean. Specific servers are frequently praised for their attentive service during meals. Conversely, a common complaint is that the food is often perceived as overpriced for the portion sizes and quality, with some guests finding the options limited. There is also a noted absence of late-night bites or snacks, which can be inconvenient for guests. Some reviews mention issues with incorrect orders or the use of pre-made items for certain dishes.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location directly on the beach, offering stunning views and easy access to a variety of restaurants, shops, and kosher amenities. It is conveniently situated close to Bal Harbour Shops, making it ideal for those interested in upscale retail and dining. Public transit options are also within reach. However, valet parking is a frequent point of contention, often described as expensive, with guests experiencing long wait times for their vehicles. There have also been concerning reports of vehicle damage during valet service. Some guests note that the distance from Downtown Miami or South Beach can result in considerable travel times due to traffic congestion.

Staff & Service
While many guests commend specific staff members for their friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional service, particularly within the restaurant and beach service teams, there are significant concerns regarding overall staff attitude and responsiveness. Issues frequently cited include slow check-in/out processes, unanswered phone calls to the front desk, and a perceived dismissive management style. Guests report a lack of accountability when problems arise, with some feeling that staff are unwilling to assist with issues or resolve billing discrepancies. The general sentiment among a notable portion of guests is that service quality has declined, particularly since the recent change in management, leading to frustrating and unpleasant interactions.

Additional Information
A significant theme in recent reviews is the impact of new management, with many long-term guests expressing dissatisfaction with changes implemented since January 2025, noting a decline in service and overall guest experience. Guests frequently report issues with unexpected resort fees and instances of double charging, advising careful review of bills to avoid billing discrepancies. Some booking issues have arisen where guests were placed in a sister property across the street despite booking beachside, leading to misleading presentation and additional costs. The hotel charges a $20 fee for receiving and holding packages. While the rooftop pool and bar are designated adult-only, some guests have observed children in these areas or noted early closing times. There are also reports of damaged vehicles during valet service, with difficulties in resolution. The hotel offers a pet-friendly policy, though finding suitable outdoor areas nearby can be challenging. Some guests appreciate rewards program benefits such as room upgrades.