The Hilton Bentley Miami Beach is located in South Beach at the intersection of Ocean Drive and 1st Street. If you have never visited Miami Beach, let me give you a little orientation. Miami Beach is located about seven miles east of Miami proper and is connected to the mainland via bridges. Miami Beach is generally divided into three areas: South Beach, Mid Beach and North Beach. Though there are no exact dividers, South Beach is usually considered to be between 1st Street and about 23rd Street. Mid Beach is between 23rd Street and about 63rd Street and anything north of that is North Beach.
Though technically the Hilton Bentley is in South Beach, it’s located in a quieter part of town. The majority of the bars, restaurants and shops of South Beach are located along Ocean Drive, Collins and Washington, between 5th Street and 23rd Street. There are a few bars and restaurants south of 5th Street but it’s primarily a residential area with hotels and condos. So if you’re looking to party South Beach style, you might want to stay somewhere north of the Hilton Bentley. But if you’re looking for a place that’s within walking distance to the action but far enough for you to rest and relax afterwards, then the Hilton Bentley might be the place for you. And if you’re worried about walking, don’t. These are small blocks and cabs are plenty around here.
First off, this is a boutique hotel. If you are expecting a large resort with multiple pools and lush gardens, you will surely be disappointed. The entrance to the hotel is located on 1st Street and parking is $35/day (valet only). Check in was fairly quick and efficient and we were assigned room 612, which is a one-bedroom suite with a partial ocean view. The hotel is divided into two towers and it’s a little annoying if you are in the west tower. You have to take the elevators up to the 4th floor, cross a covered walkway, and then take another set of elevators to your room. Those staying in the east tower can just take the single elevator from the lobby up to their guest room.
Hotel amenities include a wellness spa, pool, fitness center and Jacuzzi. The hotel does have direct access to the beach via the Hilton Beach Club. It’s basically an area of the beach located in front of the hotel designated for hotel guests only. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas for rent and bar service. The fitness center is located on the 4th floor. It’s on the small side but has enough to give you that pre-party pump before hitting the South Beach bars.
Room 612 is located in the west tower. It’s an 850 square feet, one-bedroom suite with a partial ocean view. And they’re not kidding about the partial ocean view. You basically get a 20 percent ocean view and an 80 percent view of buildings, buildings and more buildings. The entrance to the guest room leads you into the living and kitchen area. Room amenities include a queen size sofa bed, 42-inch television, seating area, wet bar, full-size refrigerator, stove and coffee maker. The refrigerator is fully stocked with wine, spirits, mixers and water and the cupboards are stocked with ceramic plates and metal utensils.
The master bedroom is spacious and well appointed. Bedroom amenities include a king size bed, 42-inch mounted television, closet space, security safe and an attached balcony. The bathroom is huge with an enclosed sink, walk-in shower, toilet and bidet. Bathroom amenities include robes, slippers and Peter Thomas Roth products.
There is no Executive Lounge at the Hilton Bentley. Wifi, breakfast, two mojitos at hour and two bottles of water are provided complimentary to Hilton HHonors Gold members and above. Breakfast is served at the in-house restaurant, De Rodriguez Cuba. It was tasty and included an omelette station and buffet items such as fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and French toast. On this trip, we did not have dinner at the restaurant but I’m sure it is amazing. The celebrity chef, Douglas Rodriguez, is a James Beard Award winner.
Overall, the Hilton Bentley is a nice stay. The building is a little dated, the common areas of the hotel are starting to show their age and it’s not located in the heart of all the action. But other than that, the guest rooms are comfortable, well appointed and the employees are top notch. Parking is relative cheap and the Hilton Beach Club is a great place to catch some sun and people watch on a hot summer day.
