The Balfour Hotel Miami Beach Miami Beach (FL) United States

Balfour Hotel Miami Beach: Your Dream Vacation Awaits!

Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glittering, sun-kissed world of the Balfour Hotel Miami Beach. And let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster. Forget those perfectly polished, sterile hotel reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all. I've got opinions, I've got feelings, and I'm not afraid to use them. We're talking full-frontal, no-holds-barred, honest assessment.

Balfour Hotel Miami Beach: Your Dream Vacation (Probably, Maybe, Depends…)

So, first impressions? The Balfour is stunning. Seriously, the Art Deco vibe just screams Miami glam. It's like stepping into a vintage postcard… if that postcard was also serving up a side of serious modern comfort. The exterior is gorgeous, all clean lines and retro charm. You can practically taste the cocktails just looking at it.

Accessibility: Navigating the Glam (and the Potential Pitfalls)

Alright, let's get real. Accessibility is crucial. I'm going to be super upfront here: I didn't need full accessibility features myself, but I'm judging on what they offer. The elevator seemed good, which is HUGE. The website suggests facilities for disabled guests, which is a promising start. However, the devil's always in the details, right? You NEED to contact them directly to confirm specifics. Because "accessible" is a wildly variable term. The exterior corridor, even with the beauty of it, could be problematic for some. My Take: Check. Verify. And then double-check. Don't take anything for granted.

On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: They haven't specify if it has on-site accessible restaurants and lounges, so I would need to ask to the staff.

Getting Around: Wheels on Wheels (or Not)

Airport transfer: Score! Always a plus, especially after a long flight.
Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking: Variety is the spice of life! Options for everyone, from the budget traveler to the "I need someone to park my Rolls-Royce" crowd.
Taxi service: Always available, always convenient.
Bicycle parking: A nice touch for those who like to explore on two wheels.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun

Okay, food is where things get really interesting. The Balfour promises a veritable feast for the senses.

Restaurants, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar, Bar: Diversity! It's great to have options, from casual bites to something more formal.
A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: Covering all the bases. Veggies, meat-lovers, everything in between.
Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Coffee/tea in restaurant: The most important meal of the day! A buffet is GREAT for indecisive people like me, because you can just go back and grab all of the things.
Happy hour, Bottle of water, Desserts in restaurant, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: All the essentials for a proper vacation: fun, snacks, and the option to eat everything under the sun.
Alternative meal arrangement, including those with specific dietary needs, should be discussed and set up in advance. This ensures a smooth experience.

Anecdote Time: Okay, I've got a confession. I live for a good poolside cocktail. I'm talking fruity concoctions, tiny umbrellas, the whole shebang. The poolside bar needs to be ON POINT. If it's not, it's a dealbreaker. I'm hoping the Balfour delivers. Fingers crossed.

Room, Glorious Room:

Okay, let's talk digs. Here's what's on offer in the rooms:

Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (YES!), Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: The works! This is a pretty complete offering.
Additional toilet: a fantastic addition.
Additional toilet: It's a nice to have.

My Take: I'm sold on the basics. The complimentary tea is a HUGE, huge win. And the blackout curtains? Essential for those all-important vacation naps. A high floor would be amazing!

Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day Dreamin'

This is where the Balfour really shines. Seriously, the spa offerings are extensive:

Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Whew! That's a lot. Get ready to be pampered.
And there's even more: "Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].

My Take: Spa day? Yes, please. Pool with a view? Sign me up. I'm also a sucker for a good steam room. I'm already picturing myself: face mask on, cucumber water in hand, utterly relaxed.

Cleanliness and Safety: Keeping it Sanitary

This is crucial, especially now.

Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment: It says they take this seriously. A lot of these sound like good signs, and even a few great ones, and it's a good amount of information.
Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms: Always comforting to know.
CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms: Great to know.

Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter

Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: This list is extensive! It seems they've thought of everything, which is great.

For the Kids: Keeping the Littles Happy

Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Excellent for families.

Internet: Stay Connected (or Disconnect…Your Choice!)

Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas.
The free Wi-Fi is a HUGE plus. Essential for checking emails, Instagramming your cocktails, or just generally avoiding real life.

The Quirks and Imperfections:

Okay, let's be real for a second. No hotel is perfect. I'm expecting a few minor hiccups. Maybe slow service at the pool bar? Maybe a slightly creaky elevator? Maybe a tiny smudge on the mirror? It's all part of the adventure. And honestly, those little imperfections often make the experience more memorable. If everything was flawless, it would feel… sterile. I want that sense of personality!

My Final Verdict (and a VERY Bold Offer!)

Based on all of this? The Balfour Hotel Miami Beach sounds pretty damn promising. It's got the looks, the amenities, and the potential for a truly unforgettable vacation. It's a gamble, of course. Every vacation is. You don't know exactly how things are going to go until you get there.

I'm going out on a limb here. If you're looking for a Miami Beach

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The Balfour Hotel Miami Beach Miami Beach (FL) United States

Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's brochure itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the gloriously messy, sun-kissed, and possibly slightly hungover reality of a trip to The Balfour Hotel in Miami Beach. Consider this your survival guide.

Miami Beach Mayhem: A Mostly Coherent Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and Accidental Art Deco Appreciation

1:00 PM - Arrival and…wait, where's the luggage? Okay, first things first: flight delayed. Naturally. Because travel is inherently a masochistic joyride. Arrive at MIA looking like I've been marinated in airport stress. Finally, the bags arrive… or most of them. My favourite Hawaiian shirt is AWOL. Commence mild panic. "Hello, Lost Luggage, is this thing on?" I just know someone in Orlando's rocking it right now.
2:30 PM - Check- In at The Balfour (aka The Cool Kid's Clubhouse). The Balfour, by the way, is GORGEOUS. And the lobby? Tiny, cute, and exactly what I pictured a classy, boutique hotel on Ocean Drive to be. The front desk person is impossibly cool and chic and I instantly feel underdressed. I swear, everyone in Miami just radiates effortless style. I, on the other hand, am radiating pre-vacation jitters.
3:00 PM - Room Reconnaissance & "Wow, that's the ocean!" Moment.. Room: small, but perfectly formed. Balcony: check. Ocean view: double-check! Suddenly, a wave of "this is actually happening!" happiness washes over me. Settle in with a quick, very necessary change of clothes from my only-available bag.
4:00 PM - Ocean Drive Ambush… Sort Of. I venture out, lured by the siren song of Ocean Drive. It's crazier than I anticipated! Art Deco buildings in every colour, the vibrant energy is electrifying. I end up wandering aimlessly for an hour, just, you know, soaking it all in. I stumble into a little cafe, eat a croissant, and people-watch. Observe: Miami locals are masters of casual glamour. I am not.
7:00 PM - Dinner Disaster… or Delight? Decide to be spontaneous and end up in, shudders, a popular Italian restaurant. The decor is beautiful, the pasta is… okay. The real show? Watching the theatrical antics of the couples. They're fighting, flirting, and occasionally ordering a pizza. I can relate.
9:00 PM - The Hotel Bar - A Solo Adventure. Order an overpriced cocktail, try to look confident, fail slightly. The bar is surprisingly cosy, and the bartender is a lifesaver. We talk about jazz, Hemingway, and the sheer absurdity of modern existence. He gives me a "local's favourite" cocktail, which is the perfect beginning to a very chill evening.

Day 2: Beach Bliss, Sunburn, and Regret

9:00 AM - Breakfast Confusion and Early-Morning Regret. Decide upon a very large portion of a breakfast. In my defense, I needed it. Apparently, I needed to eat so I could get ready for the beach. This is where the real fun begins!
10:00 AM - Beach Time! (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sunburn). The beach itself is pristine! Gorgeous. I promptly find a spot, wrestle with the beach chair, and slather myself in SPF 50… or so I thought. Turns out I missed a significant portion of my leg. This realization comes later, when I'm sufficiently red. The waves are amazing. The people-watching is even better.
1:00 PM - Seafood and a Near-Collapse from Seafood Overload. Find a seafood shack near the beach. Everything is fresh, everything is delicious, and I eat until I physically can't move. My eyes are bigger than my stomach, as they say.
3:00 PM - Poolside Relaxation & "Am I Dreaming?" Moment. Wander back to the Balfour. The pool is small and intimate, just perfect for a midday swim. I could stay here forever.
6:00 PM - A Bit of Cultural Exploration Head to the nearby Art Deco Welcome Center and take a walking tour. The architecture in Miami is so unique, I'm captivated. I learn about the history of the area.
8:00 PM - More Food. A dinner at a Cuban restaurant I find on my phone. It's lively, the service is excellent, and the food is outstanding. I dance with a stranger when the salsa music comes on.

Day 3: Departure, Reflection (And a Vague Promise to Return)

9:00 AM - Another Breakfast. Breakfast at some cafe.
10:00 AM - Beachside Goodbye & Final Flurry of Photos. A final stroll on the beach. Maybe I'll leave my mark.
11:00 AM - Check Out Time.. Check out. I've fallen in love with this place.
1:00 PM - Departure MIA airport. The bags arrive this time.
1:30 PM - On the Plane. "Bye, Miami."

The End…? Not Quite.

This, my friends, is just a snapshot. Miami Beach is a place that burrows under your skin, a place where the mundane becomes magical and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. It's a place where you'll laugh, you'll cry (maybe), you'll sweat, and you'll come away changed. Come prepared for beauty, chaos, and a story that's uniquely your own. And hey, maybe next time, I'll pack that Hawaiian shirt. Or, maybe I won’t. Who knows? Life, like Miami Beach, is delightfully unpredictable.

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The Balfour Hotel Miami Beach Miami Beach (FL) United States

Balfour Hotel Miami Beach: Your Dream Vacation... Maybe? Let's Figure it Out.

Okay, So... Is The Balfour Actually "Dreamy" or Just Instagram-Dreamy?

Okay, real talk. The Balfour. Picture this: you're scrolling through Insta, and BAM! Filtered perfection. White walls, turquoise waters, the whole shebang. That’s the *promise*. The reality? Well... it’s complicated. I’ve stayed at the Balfour twice. Once, it was a total vibe. Sunshine, cocktails by the teeny pool (more on that later), and a feeling of "I've *made* it." Other time? Less so. My AC unit sounded like a dying walrus. Seriously, poor little guy. So, "dreamy"? It's… *aspirational* dreamy. Prepare for some grit amongst the glam. This isn’t a five-star Ritz experience, but it’s charming in its own, slightly-grungy way. They really lean into the Art Deco aesthetic, which I adore, but sometimes, it feels like they lean just a *little* too hard.

The Pool! Is It Actually Swim-Worthy, Or Just For Show?

The Pool... bless its tiny little heart. It’s… *intimate*, let's call it that. Think more "plunge pool," less "lap pool." You're practically elbow-to-elbow with your fellow sunbathers. But honestly? I kinda love it. It forces you to chat! And it *is* refreshing after a day roasting yourself on South Beach. One time, I was in there, and this incredibly loud couple were having their very own relationship therapy session. The entire pool got an earful. Made for great people-watching, if nothing else! Just... don't expect to do actual *swimming*. That's for the ocean, which is, you know, right there.

What are the Rooms Actually Like? Is the "Ocean View" Actually a View of a Brick Wall?

Alright, let's talk rooms. Size varies quite a bit. Some are positively palatial (okay, maybe that's an exaggeration, but some *are* bigger), others... well, let's just say you'll become intimately acquainted with your luggage. And the "Ocean View"? BEWARE. Always ask specifics. Sometimes it’s a *partial* ocean view. Sometimes it's a distant glimmer. Sometimes… it’s the view of the *adjacent* hotel. Really get to know the layout beforehand. One time, I booked an ocean view, and was staring at a charming little alleyway. Charming, but not exactly *ocean*. Learn from my mistakes, people. On the plus side, the beds are pretty comfy, and the rooms, for the most part, are clean. Key word: *most*.

Food, Glorious Food! What's the Deal with the Restaurant? And the Free Breakfast?

The restaurant... meh. Okay, it’s not terrible, but it’s not, like, a destination dining experience. The food is... fine. The service can be a bit… *leisurely*, let’s say. But! The cocktails are usually pretty good and the atmosphere's nice for a casual evening. Free breakfast? Now that’s where things get interesting. It's the continental breakfast. The bare minimum. Think bagels, toast, fruit – the usual suspects. Don't expect a gourmet spread. But hey, it's free! And it’s fuel for a day of sunbathing and exploring. It does the job. Just don’t go expecting a Michelin-star brunch. And if you're a coffee snob, bring your own instant. Just trust me on that one.

Location, Location, Location! How Far is it From... Everything? Beaches, Bars, Nightlife?

The location is a HUGE win for the Balfour. It’s right on Ocean Drive, a block or two from the beach. Walking distance is practically everything. You can stumble back from a night of cocktails in South Beach or a quick dip in the ocean. You're close to all the action *without* being in it. Think: convenient, but not overwhelming. Now, depending on how far *you* want to walk depends how much of the *rest* is in reach. The shops are a little off, but not too far of a walk.

Parking! Oh, The Dreaded Parking! What's the Situation?

Parking in South Beach is… a contact experience. Like, you will make contact with stress. The Balfour has valet parking (thank goodness!), but it ain’t cheap. Expect to shell out a decent chunk of change. Street parking is an option, but good luck finding anything. Seriously. I spent an hour circling once, just to get the privilege of paying for a spot. My advice? Factor in the valet cost when budgeting, or Uber/Lyft. You'll save your sanity (and probably your fuel).

Is The Staff Friendly? Are They Helpful? Do They Care?

Okay. The staff. It's a mixed bag. Some are *absolutely* lovely. Warm, welcoming, and go above and beyond. Other times, I’ve encountered… less enthusiasm. They're not *rude*, per se. More… professionally indifferent? It's hit or miss. I had one amazing concierge who arranged this *amazing* last-minute dinner reservation near the Art Deco district. He saved the day! And then another time, I asked someone about the Wi-Fi, and I swear it was like I'd asked them to climb Mount Everest. So, overall? Expect variable levels of service, and be patient.

Let's Cut to the Chase! Is The Balfour Hotel Worth It, Ultimately?!

Okay, the million-dollar question. Worth it? That depends. If you’re looking for absolute, flawless perfection, and service that's always on point, maybe not. But, if you are looking for something *different*, something with a bit of character, if you appreciate a good location and aren't afraid to embrace a little imperfection... then *yes*. The Balfour is worth it. I'd stay there again, even with the sometimes-iffy AC and the tiny pool. Because it's got a *vibe*. It’s got charm. It feels like a vacation. Just go in with your eyes open, and manage your expectations. And maybe bring earplugs, just in case the walrus is back.