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54 reviews for The Standard Hotel
This business is a Yelp Sponsor
8/5/2009
10/21/2009
10/30/2009
10/17/2009
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10/23/2009
10/19/2009
9/13/2009
7/29/2009
10/18/2009
10/9/2009
8/11/2009
10/27/2009
Updated - 3/1/2009
3/2/2009
6/30/2009
1/12/2009
4/16/2009
2/9/2009
1/8/2009
1/25/2009
8/31/2008
7/26/2009
9/16/2008
1/5/2009
10/15/2008
6/11/2008
4/3/2009
8/4/2008
7/5/2008
5/18/2009
8/15/2008
10/10/2008
1/18/2009
1/10/2009
12/10/2008
4/7/2009
4/29/2007
8/19/2007
One of the Business' Favorite Reviews What's This?
I heart the Standard. I wish I could live there! Even just camping out on their pool deck anything!
My Standard Standards:
1. Love Life Bingo on Sundays! Super fun. I went for my birthday about last year took 12 or so of my friends which gave us quite good odds and 4 of them ended up winning. Taking part in a BINGO tie Dance Off is so much fun, and so is being in the crowd for one! Great event to take out of town friends to. If you feel like drinking, other than the free shots, grab a watermelon mojito, you will not be disappointed.
2.The Standard Spa- if you are lucky enough to win a spa pass at Bingo you must take advantage of this beautiful facility. The sauna is perfect and the Haman chairs centrally located. It is intimate without feeling cramped. The whole aura is amazing. Slightly new aged but not annoyingly so. Lay out by the pool and take in the views of the water. Great place to see beautiful people
3. More on the Pool! Refresh in the cold plunge, stick a toe in you might get scared but just jump in! The fountain hot tub is awesome!
4. If you are quite crafty try Stitching Boozing Bitches on Mondays, good times for sure. Bring a craft project and stitch and booze! They have a lot of really fun nights that are not like many other places in Miami.
The standard on Miami Beach, or better on Island Avenue, must be noted for a few items. First and foremost, the pool/deck bar facing the bay is one of the best chill out places to watch sunset. Drinks are good and reasonably priced, for Miami Beach standards. The deck also enables people to come by boat, although I have never witnessed this.
The pool itself is also grand, use it. What a bliss to be sitting in and looking over the bay. It almost seems as though you are actually in the bay.
Next is the lush garden that has a number of swings and other features to simply relax.
Flanking the gardens are the villas separated with flowing white fabric curtains. The cross area to the inside lobby, restaurant and bar, has a few tables and is probably the place to sit during bingo or Sunday brunch. Inside the pop meets ultra modern with retro mix (the style is unique, but combines all those eras very tastefully) is a one of kind experience in Miami, as far as I am concerned.
The entrance is usually convoluted and the most annoying part of the entire experience. Go for the valet as parking is a nightmare (residents only), but be ready to wait a while to get your ride back...
The entire experience is actually reverse from the way you enter, unless you actually arrive by boat...
Uh, can you say the "Sub-Standard?"
This is NOT, I repeat, NOT like the Standard in L.A. Paid $250 to feel like we were camping. It's an old school hotel and stylized as such, but the room decor is really that stark and small.
We had booked a room with a king bed and received a queen. Since it was through Expedia (yes, our mistake for not going direct) the hotel wouldn't do anything to help us or move us to a different room. FYI, they called the room they gave us an "upgrade."
I don't care if the pool has a South Beach back drop, the rooms are definitely not up to par.
A divine weekend celebrating a good friend's 40th.. his wish? to take a bunch of pals and traverse to the standard in Miami. We really hit a home run. For $189 a night we enjoyed an upgraded patio room with semi private sitting area, and all of the wonderful amenities that were not up charges:
*Turkish baths
*sauna
*steam room
*the Haman (hot marble wet room
*fabulous pool
*cool water dipping tub
*hot waterfall
*continental breakfast
I dropped one star for the weird breakfast. Typically, the continental is a nice spread in the library, but on the weekends, they do the same menu as table service. In so doing, we go charged for some items that would have been on the continental buffet anyway. In addition, the service was slow all around.
For $17, I am going to try one ashtanga yoga class in a few hours. Awesome!
If I was writing this review let's say, three years ago- I would have given The Standard 5 whole sparkling stars with some profane adjectives (used positively of course!) to express how much I truly LOVED this place. Having been to The Standard in LA way back when it opened in all of it's "oh my god- did you see the girl laying behind the reception desk" and too cool for school glory- I was happy to hear Miami was getting it's very own.
Since its opening, among our group of friends- we have held numerous girl spa days, bachelorettes and dinners here. I have soaked in the tubs with my husband in the lucidity of the Turkish Hammam, slung colored mud in a naked girl bachelorette thrill and shunned my old nail haunts (you know which ones) for The Standard.
I had thoughts of stealing furniture from the lobby- which is a Mid-Century furniture lover's wet dream (that's me!). The large macrame hanging is stunning and can only truly be appreciated by someone who grew up in the 70's, with a wood panelled basement...and the details in the restaurant (the diagonal wood panelled walls, vanity bulbs) remind me of being in a ski chalet in Kitzbuhl for spring break circa 1988...Love it all.
The grounds are delightful. Wicker hanging chair pow-wows are de rigeur and the plant life is lush with manicured sea grape canopies that welcome you as you enter the gardens.
However- fast forward to now- management has changed a few times (or so I have been told) in the past year...and my love affair has fizzled. I still love it- but not LOVE it.
I still do recommend it fondly to anyone who asks 'where should we stay in Miami' and I still go there for my mani-pedis BUT many important things in my eyes- have changed. No more rolling in a mani-pedi with a hedonistic day in the saltwater pool on the bay. You now have to spend $100 in spa services to get a pool pass- or pay $40 for one. Boooo.
The lobby- in all of it's mid-century glory has been pock marked with conventional glazed ceramic pots that you buy in the Gables for 5 times what they cost from Vietnam and furniture arrangements have become conventional and static. Finn Juhl would be turning in his grave.
The landscaping is still beautiful- but it doesn't seem so 'special' anymore. There used to be a resident gardener who took care of each plant by hand, meticulously, carefully- who is now gone and it shows.
At least- the mani-pedis are amazing, the saltwater pool is delightful when you want to get away from madness of the beach (or in man o war season!), sunset drinks are always a happy time and everyone is friendly. And the vibe is still (kinda) there...
But I still do love the place.
There are much better options in South Beach for your hard earned dollar than the Standard.
First off, it's not on South Beach. Island drive is a loooooong walk to the hub of Collins Ave and there is nothing within a couple of blocks of the Standard. Since the bar at the hotel closed at midnight I asked the front desk to suggest a spot. "I don't know I don't live around here"
This is the essence of The Standard in SOBE. They don't know and they don't care. No offer to help with your bags. No robes in the room. They just don't care. I could list a dozen more. Give us your money and get out.
The staff is beyond arrogant. I realize this is meant to be an upscale chic hotel but that doesn't mean the customers want you to be a douchenozzle.
The room we had was nice. A bit sparse. Smallish but right by the pool.
The gym was run down with equipment and things like the T/V.'s not working. No water or towels in the gym.
The pool is really nice. Beautiful bay views and it's open 24 hours if you want to take a late night swim. As for the pool staff see douchenozzle above.
The valet. Very slow. Also, I asked the guy for directions and he looked right through me and didn't respond. Thanks bro!
Did I mention the parking was $35. Yeah..neither did they until we checked out.
We didn't have a chance to use the spa and only had a snack by the pool so I can't comment on these things.
I'm glad I got a great rate on Easy Click but even at half the usual Standard prices it was not worth it. Much better options right on Collins for the same prices and better amenities.
As a resident of Miami the Standard was a great hotel for me to put the holiday guest that didnt fit in my house. It is away from the bustle of SoBe but close enough to enjoy if you wish.
the drawbacks of this hotel however is the staff. The hotel offers resident rates for those of us who live in Florida which is great. A part of that package includes parking. Due to the location of this hotel there isnt any street parking and therefore valet is a must. The resident rate is $50 cheaper then the regular rate and again it includes parking. Since I live in the area i also was the designated chaufer.
The staff had charged my guest the regular rate, and I found that they added my parking onto one of the room bills. When I questioned them about this and providing proof of residence a-la drivers license and of course car registration ( yes the car also has FL plates) they said there is nothing they can do.
I didnt make a big deal about it since I already had the stress of trying to keep my family happy but I felt this was completely unacceptable.
Hotel is nice, spa is nice, pool is great, food is lacking and the staff is worse.
If you like peace and quiet go to SoBe in the off season, late September is perfect. The hotel and the spa were very quaint and I wish I would have stayed at this hotel than at The Shelborne, but The Standard is also a bit more expensive. Spa treatments were a second best.
I splurged for the KISS package at the Standard Spa with my boyfriend and it was money well spent. My boyfriend's masseuse actually climbed up on the table to ensure he got a deep tissue massage. The massage was followed with a scrub in the Hamam. And in standard SoBe fashion, gratuity was included.
We stayed at the hotel all day and took advantage of the pool, sauna, steam room and other amenities included with a spa package. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Everything was clean and due to the off season the pool was quiet and relaxing. If you can't afford to stay here, at least get a treatment!
I give it a 4 because it's expensive and you can no longer just get a mani and pedi and then spend the whole day there using everything, they now make you pay $40 if your spa purchase was not over $100. WTF.
So the pool area is really damn cool, but the real winner at the Standard is sunday night Dirty bingo and tues night Gameface. So much fun i almost don't want to mention it because I don't want it to get over crowded. Erica the MC at bingo is hilarious and the guys that run Gameface are very nice. And best of all it's free!
I came here for Sunday bingo - because I live in Florida now- and that's the law.
This place has the great vintage feel of South Beach that I recall when I visited here a lot as a kid - way before it was called, South Beach. There is a low-key ease at the Standard. My friends who stayed here had a great comfy room- and access to the heavenly little spa. The staff is exceptional - very attentive - without being stuffy. The amenities are understated but still plush and comfy.
And Bingo night- get OUT! So fun! Every Sunday, you can hang here - and not buy a thing if you don't want to and just play. (But bingo and a cocktail are a made-in-heaven combo - even if the cocktails are like $11.) The fantastically NC-17 rated Bingo gal- -Vanna Black I like to call her - is sublime. Her fave number to call - B-8. Nuf said.
People of all ages - mostly 20 and 30-somethings- plus an adorable trio of silver haired regulars front and center --lounge on the comfy couches or throw a pillow on the floor and - well, play bingo. The prizes are great- spa treatments and day passes to hang at the pool. I actually got a bingo - almost won a night's stay!! But someone else had bingo too. Beware- ties are settled via a dance-off. Humiliation is great for the soul - and hips. (The sliver haired trio said I was robbed.)
I've decided this is the best place to stay on the beach - cool and retro- nothing standard at the Standard -- and spa-like - plus bingo. Perfection.
im shocked and saddened by my experience at the standard spa today. i had sooo been looking fwd to it and was ridiculously let down.
let me start by saying i have frequented several hotel spas in miami and although im no expert, i know what is standard (no pun intended) at hotel spas and this was no where near.
me and 3 girlfriends decided to celebrate one of their birthdays since spa week was having a $50 special. we thought we were getting a great deal.. we were wrong.
i like to call this review a dozen strikes and youre out!!
we arrived at the standard, took the really old elevator up to the 3rd floor and were greeted, not in an excited or eager manner, by the staff. we checked in and received our robes and locker keys at the front desk and were told to head down to the 2nd floor locker rooms. no one walked us over and gave a tour of the facilities. (strike 1)
we get to the hot, old, and outdated locker room. i open my locker and find dirty cup and napkin in it (strike 2), the dresser in the locker room is stained and dirty. we put on our swimsuits and robes, and find the robes have holes and stains (strike 3), one didnt even have a tie thing to keep it together. oh yeah and we didnt get slippers (strike 4) so we are stuck wearing our own sandals, luckily we werent wearing heels or sneakers. the bathrooms look like a public school elementary bathroom. there arent any lotions or soaps anywhere in sight or any teas, fruit, or snacks (strike 5) there is not any aroma in the room. we are officially grossed out.
so we head over to the common area, that has hot marble lounge, steam, sauna, soak tubs, and showers. to our surprise its completely unisex and everyone is naked! we try to make the best of it, and head over to the steam room. we are surrounded by men in compromising positions, one is doing yoga positions and contorting his body into pretzel shapes, another is doing crunches and leg lifts, and another one is doing god knows what under his towel while heavy breathing. please keep in mind we are inside the aromatherapy steam room that had no aroma fyi (strike 6). after a few minutes we decide we need to get out of here and want to go check out the outdoor pool area.
one of my friends and i head to the shower area where we find a man who strikes up conversation, he decided to de-robe while facing us head on and show off his goods, and yes he was getting *excited*. can you say awkward!!!!
(strike 7)
we finally make it over to the pool and garden area. best part of the hotel. this was the only 15 mins i found enjoyable of my whole time there.
we made our way back to the spa to wait for our body scrubs in the relaxation room. this is not a relaxation room. there is no door and its right in the spa lobby, so you hear other guests checking in and out, talking loudly, and walking by. (strike 8)
our therapists pick us up over 5 mins late (strike 9) and took us to the common area where we had been before, and laid us out on the heated marble area in the middle of everyone for our body scrub. (strike 10) uuuuhhhhhh are you serious standard? you shouldnt book treatments if you dont have private rooms for them. i got my scrub while watching/hearing every spa guest walking by, looking at me, talking loud, the spa janitor even made a racket while wheeling out the cart with all the dirty towels.. this is soooo not soothing and relaxing!!
the scrub ended within 20 minutes. and then my therapist tells me the rest of my treatment will be in the steam room. WHATTTT
so my 45 min scrub just turned into a 20 min scrub and now they are telling me the steam room is the remainder of my trmt (yes the same room that all those naked men were doing pretzels and crunches, and heavy breathing) - (strike 11)
we are so outraged at this point we leave immediately and go down to change into our clothes and get out of this sorry excuse for a spa. we went back to the hot locker rooms, with no toiletries to get ready to leave. we went back upstairs to pay for our trmts. $50 with automatic 20% tip added on.
when they asked if i enjoyed my treatment, i couldnt lie or candy coat it. i was honest and said how let down i was, they seemed a little embarrassed / apologetic, but not too much when they blamed spa week for mis-advertising the trmts (strike 12). i went back on spa week's website to make sure i wasnt crazy. it clearly says 45 minute treatment!!
standard you need to get your act together, be on time, book trmts in private rooms or at least ask your guests if they mind being in public and maybe try to implement a no-nudity policy in the unisex common area, or at least let your patrons know ahead of time what your spa is all about, so they can be prepared.
oh yeah and just to make a bakers dozen of strikes - the front desk dude was totally incompetent at charging me for valet (strike 13) he seemed offended i wanted to pay the $7 (with validation) with a debit card.
My rating is based on the HOTEL not their amenities because I love the spa and pool, it was always my favorite place to spend a Sunday. But having moved from Miami Beach and coming back a a guest I'm not so thrilled with the actual hotel.
Got a great room rate because of a promo they are doing for Fall. But my upgraded room was teeny tiny, can't imagine what the standard room would have been like. King size bed was nice though, no complaints about that. But the weird daybed, which is a great additional sleeping space, is a weird jailhouse blue stripe, gross. I definitely did not sit on that nasty thing! And my biggest complaint was the bathroom. It would have been totally great, very simple, white, and an awesome shower, but DIRTY. Now that is the quickest way to ruin it for me. A litle Clorox clean up would do wonders. Plus they charged me for parking when I parked in the residential area and didn't give me my spa discount which was also part of the promo.
All together the staff doesn't seem too on top of things and the cleaning people need a good kick in the ass!
Though I have never actually stayed there, I really love the Standard. A renovated old hotel on Miami Beach now houses a luxurious respite from the hustle and bustle of Miami and the Beaches. They have a lot of events there which invite locals and guests to really use the hotel- not something many other hotels do.
Bingo at the Standard is super fun! I've never won, but one day... The prizes are great including free nights and the Standard and spa treatments. Best of all, it's free to play. You can order drinks and food, and they pass out little shooters every once in a while. I should note that it's "dirty bingo," which means that the hostess makes little dirty comments when calling out numbers. Seems to keep people entertained and laughing.
The outdoor parts of the Standard are reason enough to visit. They have beautiful gardens, cute little seating areas, and a big pool overlooking the bay. There's a restaurant and bar there too.
Only down side is the parking. It's $10 to valet and not really anywhere else to park. It also took a really long time to get the car back. Depending on how far you live, it is probably just better to walk - or, maybe park on South Beach and walk over. At least you won't have to just stand there and wait to get the car back and you'll have a nice walk back over the Venetian.
I used to love the standard...love their cute game nights, love the ambiance, the pool is the best on Miami Beach. But the service is lame. When we are in a time where people are valuing their dollars even more, it's pretentious of the Standard to think you don't need to make an effort to make customers feel welcome and appreciated. It seems as though a luxury hotel opens up every month, with the recent opening of the W, etc, opening soon...The Standard needs to step up their game if they want to hang in there. Beautiful surroundings aside, why would I stay somewhere where they treat you like some country bumpkin that eats with their hands and has never used the telephone? I made a reservation for my sister for her birthday and when I tried to reschedule it for next week,(due to a work conflict she had come up last minute), and they had the most condescending tone of voice. They said that it's 72 hours cancellation policy. I asked, "but I'm not canceling, I just need to change it to next week, cause something came up with work". And the guy on the phone said, "well, it's 72 hours to make any changes". And I said, "I didn't realize this, I've heard of 24 hours cancellation policy for hotels? But 72?" (Meaning....the person on the phone when I made the original reservation never said anything and your website doesn't say anything) And he mustered up the most condescending voice he could and said, "Well, it's the standard for ALL Miami Beach hotels". Hmm...I guess that's what the Standard is...the standard that you give attitude for people willing to spend money at your hotel. I'll be taking my business elsewhere next time I treat someone to a hotel room for their birthday...
Came here recently with yelpers ready tp get our BINGO on! Alas, they were showing a collection of short films pre-game and so then we tried to head outside to imbibe the view and a few drinks. Foiled again! Damn you cold front, Damn you and where the heat lamps at Standard?! Everyone knows you need heat lamps in South Florida. We headed back inside and into the bar but that was packed with many fleeing the films. Finally, we made a line and ordered drinks. We then headed for the restaurant before finally getting some game time in.
We walked into the middle of a real-life dance-off and those boys were bringing it! They even had their four-legged best friends in on the action.
Shots were passed, innuendos were said, "BALLS" was shouted over and over and um wow again? over again.
If you're heading to Bingo get there EARLY.
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7/2/2008
Years ago there was a hotel on the Venetian that was loved by many for its location, casual energy,… Read more »
My valentine surprised me by taking me here on February 14th and he is still patting himself on the back for his brilliance (and rightly so). I have a low tolerance for... well, spa-type relaxation... but I'd been craving some time in the sun and some pampering.
We did a couple's massage, spent a couple hours exploring the indoor facilities (heated marble slab, 2-person bathtubs, steam room, sauna), and relaxed in the sun by the pool until we determined we were medium-rare.
My favorite part about this place was that while it had all the amenities, I did NOT find it pretentious at all. Everybody was nice and accommodating, the guests seemed relatively down to earth, and I felt like I blended in well.
I would say that the one drink I ordered was so-so, because for a $12ish dollar "fresh raspberry mojito" I expect, well, at least ONE fresh raspberry, plus it was 90% alcohol. I almost returned it but then I took another sip... and another... and... mmm, this drink is goooooood. Wheee!
Valet, though? Yeah, slow. Really. Slow. Not sure how to get around this, though. Perhaps bring a book for the wait?
Can't wait to try Bingo on Sunday night!
ooh la la! this spa just makes you feel fancy and luxurious being there...when you actually get the spa treatments, it's heavenly. what makes this place great is their attention to detail and their extraordinary attentiveness. from the moment you walk in you are put at ease by the tranquil music and the soft scents of beauty products as you are greeted courteously by the staff. depending on what you have scheduled, they give you a nice plush robe to change into and send you on your way.
I've had several spa treatments there now and the one that stands out, by far the best, was the 60 minute detox cleanse massage. this is a faster-paced massage that is designed to improve circulation in order to expel toxins, restore balance and reduce muscle pain/ache. every single detail - from the subdued lighting, to the essential oils, to the cushy massage table, to the soothing voice of the masseuse, to the perfect tactile pressure, speed, and intensity - is tailored to make this the most completely satisfying experience you can have during a massage. (without crossing over that line!) I've also had the anti-oxidant boost facial and the relaxing holistic bath (lavender blossom milk bath) which were excellent experiences that go far beyond their simple descriptions.
in addition to the treatments, when you schedule a spa visit, you get access to the spa facilities on that same floor (not everything service includes this perk). among those are the hot marble room, the sauna and the steam room - the latter of which is perfect for sweating out toxins and is über soothing. also, if you are slick (and/or confident) enough, you just might be able to sneak outside to enjoy some additional lounging and chilling out at their salt water pool, their waterfall hot tub, and take advantage of the beautiful view (both the scenery and the hotel guests!).
these treatments in this setting are so effective and well-executed that I'm relaxing all over again just writing about them. if you ever wanna splurge and treat yourself to something nice to soothe, unwind, or restore, I highly recommend giving the Spa at the Standard a try. it may be a bit on the pricey side but this is one case where you most certainly get what you pay for.
Went to the Standard Hotel for the Simple Saturday Event which is held every Saturday. First off I must say that I am not writing about the hotel, but rather the event I attended. The hotel is gorgeous. That is why the area where the Saturday event was held threw me for a loop. The crowd was young...they were doing some weird, crazy dances(you know, the ones with the flips and the rolling on the floor). Anyway, had a drink which was average, DJ was cool, but the crowd just did not agree with me.
Hubby and I went in the back, and man what a difference. The view is awesome. The waterfront restaurant looked interesting but just sat back and enjoyed the view. They even have this cute lil area with swings which I took advantage of.
Would NOT go back for the Simple Saturday Event, but would go back to the hotel around sunset for dinner and to relax.
Amazing location right on the water, within walking distance of the main action on South Beach, but removed enough that you feel that you can really relax. The property used to be the Lido Spa so it has some history to it. Its a mid-rise building so everything does not have a huge, out of proportion scale to it. Nearly every room looks out over the garden, pool, and onto the causeway.
For Miami the room rates are pretty reasonable and you have access to one of the best spas in the area.
"This place is so romanitcal."
Yes, those were the exact words that came out of my mouth as a girlfriend and I walked by the moonlit cabanas swaying in the light evening breeze. We grabbed a seat right by the bay and chatted the night away.
The Standard's pool has the best real estate in all of South Beach, hands down. The moon, a full view of the bay and plenty of outdoor space make for the perfect environment.
I'm eager to check out the spa and restaraunt, but for a lovely Valentine's day date, head straight to the Standard.
If there is a salad that could bring me close to tears it was here at the Standard on NYE.
I attended the I LOVE MIAMI 365 photo shoot and arrived early for a bite at the pool/waterside restaurant out back. It was an amazing day, sun high in the sky and then the menu arrived. Being from an island, the Seychelles, the fresh octopus salad looked good. A super fresh green juice with a shot of wheat grass and I was good to go. The octopus was so fresh and perfectly done. It really reminded me of afternoon lunches back home on the beach with fresh, clean, good food. Not something that is easy to find here in the States often.
I will go back again and again for this perfect meal. I have found it!
I headed over to The Standard last night at 10:45pm just to relax and have a drink and listen to some good old fashioned house music.
DJ Djinji Brown was spinning and though his mixing is off sometimes (even though he was using only CDs), his track selection was quite fitting for the setting and ambiance of the little "lounge area".
The drinks are expensive ($17 for a Grey Goose L'Orange & soda) if you don't order one of the $10 specials on their menu (which doesn't change often enough in my opinion). They also have a selection of bite size finger foods and other delicacies, though I have never tried any of these. BAr service is very average, though not at all memorable.
The only gripe I have about this event is that it should be outside by the pool. The Standard has one of the best bay views from its pool deck (in my opinion; Mondrian's Sunset Bar is another great spot for views) and begs for a small party with good house music and stiff drinks. I think the main reason they keep the music indoors is the noise complaints from the hotel guests. I don't know about you, but if I'm staying at The Standard on South Beach on a Saturday night, I'm not going to be asleep at midnight (that's when the music stops).
I just came back from a facial at The Standard spa and am still in a state of bliss. I got the "resurface" facial with Kathy and everything about it was divine.
Kathy even gives a hand, arm and neck massage in between facial masks. Total cost? $120...not bad considering a strong peel is part of the service.
The spa's other facilities were closed but I've heard the the hamam is outta control.
The restaurant downstairs in the lobby is pretty solid. My gal pal and I split the turkey burger and veggie wrap.
PS...the valet takes FOREVER. It took 15 minutes to get my car because the valet has to park the cars all the way on Michigan Ave.
All in all, the perfect way to spend a rainy summer Sunday.
Last weekend (Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19), my boyfriend & I stayed at the Standard for our 5-Year anniversary, but we were nervous about renting there as he had read MANY negative reviews. But I have to squash all those negative comments into a bloody pulp, because The Standard was anything BUT! The hotel, spa, food and staff more than exceeded our expectations!!! We were promptly greeted & welcomed on arrival, given a tour of the facilities & shown to our room (which was upgraded) & we were even surprised with champagne on ice in our room with a sweet note from the staff congratulating us on our milestone! The hotel seems basic, but it's very relaxing and has such a retro-vintage feel that is really appreciated. As the hotel mostly serves as a spa, with the food being gourmet & mostly organic, but it all tasted amazing & could be served poolside or room service. The spa was simply delicious and definitely a liberating feeling to walk around the premises in bathrobes to be continuously pampered; the massages are definitely worth it! Lastly, but most importantly, the service was outstandingly stellar!! We were always taken care of promptly and with a smile, and all staff was really attentive. As part of the experience, there was even free tandem bike rental, which we used to peddle to and throughout Lincoln Road only 5 minutes away. My ONLY complaint was retrieving the car at the valet at the end of such a dreamy & relaxing weekend; it took way too long, but we were placated with some more time at the spa :).
I recommend this place to EVERYONE who wants to stay at Miami Beach without having to be in the middle of chaotic and eventful SoBe; whoever wants to hit the spa and spoil themselves to great masseuses and/or self hydrotherapy; whoever likes European-style resorts in the states; whoever's down with the REAL locals.
A++ Can't wait for another excuse to stay!
For my first yelp, I really wanted to choose something worth yelping about, and Sunday night bingo at the Standard is totally worthy!
Me and my girls rolled in after the fun was already under way, but it was easy to find a seat, grab some cards and stamper-thingies and catch up with everyone else. Within minutes we had a good-looking waiter catering to our every whim, and a plate of delicious marinated olives and fresh, unfettered tabouleh followed shortly thereafter. I washed it all down with one of their mojitos, which I highly recommend if you're in the mood for something sweet.
While my friends had led me to believe that the crowd might be on the swankier side, everyone was casual and relaxed, which is totally how it should be on a Sunday night. Needless to say, upon walking in and seeing the hipsters in dishabille, I immediately felt better about my wild hair and sleep-deprived countenance.
Once we were in the game it became abundantly clear that this was not the same bingo I played volunteering at the old folks home! The delightfully feisty hostess kept the mood lively with her sexy commentary and occasional requests for the crowd to recite silly and/or bawdy terminology (I think I yelled out the word "boobies" at least 40 times).
The best part - each winner gets a prize from the hotel, and prizes range from manicures and massages at the spa to the grand prize - a free one night stay. What's more - I TOTALLY WON THE GRAND PRIZE! Granted, my one night can't be during the weekend, and there are blackout dates, but who cares!?!? Just yelling "BINGO" and being told that I really did have it was immensely satisfying in and of itself!
All in all, it was a great way to wind down the weekend. If you're feeling lucky or are just looking for a novel way to spend your Sunday night then definitely check it out. You will probably see me there!
I am not a fabulous person. they exist, it's just not me. in fact I resemble a baboon, including dressing like one would dress. So coming here made me wary, just because I thought it was going to be uncomfortable if your body/style/persona wasn't perfectly sculpted by gym, knife, or otherwise.
and to be honest, this place was fabulous. They took an old motel and literally made a masterpiece out of it. they could have cut corners and didn't. they could have played safe, but didn't. And while the pool was stocked with fine human specimens, I never once felt like my monkey butt was somehow out of place (i.e. no one cried, yelled, or pointed).
it's hard to list the best thing about this place - the service up front, the pool, the location (off from the chaos, but close enough to walk to it), the food, the rooms, the view..... all of these compete for top spot. and therefore a return visit is all but guaranteed.
I will say that the bar seems adequately staffed, but always seemed to be slow. that's only slightly harder to swallow by the smallish $14 drinks they finally would bring. Not enough to ding a star, but something that should be mentioned, if for no other reason than to prove that this is not spelp, just a damn satisfied guest.
Have a lunch or cocktail with nice breeze by the water!
I went in for lunch and it was nice to sit outside and not faced to the street where people walking by or any of that!
Not to mention pool is right next to it and if it is too hot, makes you want to just dive into it..
I ordered salad and it was great!
I always liked food in one in LA so I thought it will be the same type as well and it was.
Definitely come back for stay and hang.
Sunday's is a great time to check out the Standard, if you're a local or otherwise. You can have some cocktails outside by the pool, or inside the lobby and play bingo at night. They give away night stays, spa treatments, etc. The drinks in the lobby bar are top notch, made with fresh fruit. A little spendy, but you gotta spoil yourself once in awhile.
The pool along side the bay is gorgeous. A perfect spot to be at during sunset.
Stayed at the Standard on a a fluke ... usually stay at the Four Seasons (for work) but was sold out. Location was great and service to South Beach was quick and easy. Food was good but most of all loved the chill atmosphere. Did not feel claustrophobic like some boutiques can make you feel but at the same time did not feel as if I was tucked away in no man's land. Will definitely go back!
Don't miss the Hamam or the Sea Salt French Fries. The Hamam is just a relaxing warming room in the spa but I found it to be a great way to break into a weekend.
I think this would be a great spot to treat your special someone. Beautiful spa, good drinks, decent food and a pleasant relaxing atmosphere really close to the South Beach night life.
Oh and some of the rooms have semi private outdoor bath tubs for the semi exhibitionist in you.
My husband and I took advantage of a September spa special and spent 4 days at the Standard last year. It was by far the most relaxing, romantic, and healthy trip we have ever taken. We spent mornings and evenings in the spa and day time at the pool.
Must do: Take a bath with essential oils in the hammam room and make sure to book a massage before you leave. Try every meal at the restaurant and the poolside grill. The food is fresh, healthy, and innovative. After dinner, soak in your own tub on the patio of your room and enjoy the Miami evening.
We borrowed bicycles from the front desk and took a fun ride to South Beach. The hotel is so peaceful on the island but still so close to the beach and all of the best South Beach shops.
We can't wait to go back.
Met friends at The Standard to hang out and chill. Great music, fantastic atmosphere, beautiful views, within walking distance from SoBe. The spa here is really good too. Simple Saturday's are a youngish crowd but otherwise a nice place to kick back & chill. Russell Simmons is a fixture. Overall a great place to go.
Spa only review:
I would give The Standard Spa 2.5 stars, but am bumping it up to 3 b/c it's Friday and I'm feeling generous. :)
I had a massage at The Standard last Saturday almost immediately upon my arrival to SoBe. I had heard such great things about the spa (mainly from Yelp) and their website made it look like nirvana, so I couldn't wait.
I didn't know that this was a renovated hotel (guess I should have done my homework), so I was a little surprised by the outward appearance upon my arrival. I didn't think that it would look so, old (and quaint).
I checked in and was shown/told where to go by the gal behind the desk pointing her fingers and mumbling about going one floor down to the locker room.
Again, I was surprised by the locker area. I don't know, but I expected it to be nicer. I headed out to the pool area which was really great. It was divine to order a tropical fruity drink and hang by the pool. That is, until a torrential downpour came out of nowhere forcing everyone to run for cover.
I hung out in the hamam for a minute, but didn't find it very relaxing, so I lounged in the waiting area. My massage itself was o.k. Not bad, but definitely not worth the $145 (after tip) that it cost (even with the pool access). The masseuse used WAY too much massage oil, so I was a slick mess afterwards.
All in all, I would say that this was an "eh" experience for me. Everything seemed disjointed at The Standard. Unfortunately, I will not be going back for spa treatments, but WILL go back for bingo as I hear that's off the chain fun.
Great place for sunset cocktails (although they can be a bit pricey)! It's especially great if you're looking to escape the SOBE crowd.
The staff was super cool without being presumptious which added to our great experience.
At times, about an hour after sunset, the standard can be magically seductive. It's lit superbly lit outside so you can just make people out - some in hanging chairs and others diving into the infinity - pool it's a spa essentially so chill, get an expensive mojito, and join the decadence. It's fun
I LOVE THIS PLACE! It's always a great experience when I'm there.
I didn't stay overnight so this goes for the restaurant: I admit the food was much better then expected. I guess I had imagined that mediocre-trendy-miami-hotel-food vibe but was (thankfully) wrong! I ordered the tuna Niçoise Salad and it was fantastic. We sat outside overlooking the ocean, the atmosphere by the pool was great! I'm definitely coming back, maybe for dinner next time.
For a pretentious LITE version of doing Miami spa come here. One day here and you will want to move in! I live and Miami and wanted to treat myself for my birthday so I got a massage. Max I believe, $125 for 60 minutes. Fabulous. Overpriced but it's Miami. However....what did make up fro the $65 extra over charge is that if you spend over $100 you can use the hotels amenities...and boy I MILKED it. (Also you can pay $40 just for the amenities) Came at 11am, massage at 2pm, left 7pm. HA. I brought lunch and drinks in a cooler hidden in my bag. $7 Valet for spa users. Pool side food and drink service. Turkish hammam, sauna, steam room, hot tub, pool with view of bay, mud baths=heaven. I actually thought I may miss this place...
Amazing space. Come on Sunday night and sit in for the fun bingo party. Yes, bingo. It's held in the lobby. All the popcorn you want to eat. Prizes are spa treatments, haircuts, manis and pedis. When you tire of the game, go sit outside by the pool or bay and enjoy the view.
Well mixed drinks and spot on service.
I'm very familiar with The Standard in Downtown LA...I LOVE it! I've had many fun nights there. So when I was planning a trip to Miami and found a great deal at The Standard Miami Beach I jumped on it.
However, I read some bad reviews on various review sites before we left for our trip and the hubs and I were thisclose to canceling our reservation and booking somewhere else.
I'm glad we didn't. We really enjoyed our stay at The Standard.
First of all, if you are familiar with the LA locations of The Standard...this hotel isn't like them. The LA Standards are party hotels, the Miami Standard is a spa hotel...very relaxing.
The spa is supposed to be great and there are a lot of self-serve options included with your hotel stay. I never took advantage of these, though, because my hubs and I ended up getting drunk at the pool instead. Oh well...that was relaxing, too.
The pool area is awesome. It's an infinity pool with amazing views of the bay and the city. You can sit on a chair right on the dock with the bay behind you and then hop in the pool. There is a hot tub and also an arctic plunge tub that they keep at 50 degrees. My hubs tried to hop in the plunge after a dip in the hot tub at night, but he couldn't do it. It was a lot easier during the day when people were just lounging in the 50 degree water.
The rooms are nice. Comfy beds. Flat screen TVs. Well-stocked mini-bar. No blackout curtains, but that was fine by me. I like being woken up by the sun.
Some minor annoyances:
No real shelf space in the bathroom. I'm a chick...I have a lot of "bathroom stuff" and there was really nowhere to put it.
There were some things we weren't clear on and there were some staff members who weren't very forthcoming with information. For example, as part of our deal we had free continental breakfast each morning. But when we tried to figure out where to go to get it and what we could get with it, we were a bit lost. We tried to ask this server in the restaurant and he was less than helpful. He was really the only person who had this attitude...the girl who checked us in was super friendly and helpful.
Once we finally figured out what we could order with our free breakfast we were floored. Our "breakfast" was 3 pieces of toast, coffee and OJ. That's fine because we weren't paying, but they were charging $14 for it on the menu! The prices there were a little steep for this cheap-ass.
When we were there, there was a lot of construction going on in front of the hotel. Luckily we were driving a rental car (and had free valet with our deal...thank goodness at $22/day), otherwise I would have been annoyed with the dirt all over my car every day and the rocks and bumps we had to drive through.
Overall, the views and the room more than made up for the minor things. We really enjoyed our stay at The Standard and would visit again, if we ever ended up back in Miami. Maybe this time I won't get too drunk to visit the hamam.
