3/5
Patricia
01/22/2024
Not so great. The hotel is old and was renovated badly. Furniture was cheap and damaged. It was inconvenient to have to go to another hotel to get breakfast/drinks. The street in front of the hotel has been closed for some time but that is not mentioned in the description
Location was great. Beach was just across the street
5/5
Excellent
Lenny Branko
01/21/2024
This was our second time staying at The Penguin Hotel! It’s clean and convenient and located around everything you would need. The beach is right across the street. Your booking comes with free drinks, beach towels, breakfast, pool, and luggage storage. What more would we need? 😊
4/5
Good
Julie
01/20/2024
Very quaint - it’s outdated but that’s part of the charm. Clean and easy to get to restaurants. It’s partnered with the President Hotel and the breakfast is off site which may not be easy for everyone.
4/5
Good
Julie
01/15/2024
10/10 location and clean
Location location location! Right beside the ocean with lots of restaurants steps away. Ocean blvd is lively (there was an art deco weekend when we were there) and so much fun.
I would stay here again!
2/5
Mike
01/12/2024
Construction work happing right next store , waking me and my friends up at 5 am . There extra fee for the rooftop pool , and free drink is a joke and not connected to the hotel . No parking in front of hotel , the roads closed .
1/5
Shene
01/04/2024
Bad service
1/5
Kaidong
12/30/2023
First and foremost, basic amenities like a toothbrush were missing from the room. The overall cleanliness was appalling, with a dirty and unsafe environment that made my stay uncomfortable.
I was particularly concerned about the hotel's policy of copying my photo ID and credit card, which raised serious privacy issues. The room itself was incredibly small and lacked even basic furniture like a table, severely impacting the comfort and practicality of my stay.
Though advertised as an ocean view room, the view of the ocean was barely visible, which was a major letdown considering the high price of the room. Additionally, there was no housekeeping service provided during my stay, adding to the unhygienic and unkempt atmosphere of the place.
To make matters worse, all the amenities that one would expect were not available on site but rather in a sister hotel, which was inconvenient and misleading. My nights were disturbed by constant noise, further detracting from the overall experience.
In conclusion, this hotel did not meet the standards expected for the price paid, and I would not recommend it to others looking for a pleasant stay in Miami Beach.
3/5
Hyang-Rim
12/29/2023
I felt overpriced
3/5
Björn
12/27/2023
Ok but not more
The hotel was dated but at a low price so thats ok. Small room for four persons. No service at the hotel like coffee or drinks.
4/5
Good
Mazen
12/27/2023
Nice and convenient but needs to have a better internet speed and coverage.
5/5
Excellent
Rohit
12/24/2023
Great place and nice property .. loved it
3/5
Aju
12/17/2023
They charged us for resort fees for daily beverages and clean every day but they didn't clean 2 days and water only on first day
5/5
Excellent
Shelley
12/17/2023
The staff was excellent -- very friendly and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable and it was very nice to have a desk and a small refridgerator in the room. The location is excellent -- near the beach and easily walkable to restaurants, the convention center, and other amenities and entertainment. Highly recommend.
4/5
Good
Verified traveler
12/16/2023
Great location and service
Customer service was fantastic and the location can't be beat. The continental breakfast at the sister hotel was great. The rooms are in need of some updates and the walls are quite thin (we were woken up by neighbors that were out later). It's pretty on par with the price. Great place if you don't need a lot in your travels.
5/5
Excellent
Franklyn
12/13/2023
Convenient location to every attraction in South Beach.
Trash truck is very loud on days of service.
3/5
Gilda
12/12/2023
It was not wat I expected, since the hotel is part of other hotel that has the facilities that are announced. It is necessary to go to other place to enter and have access to the pool, and also to take the breakfast. There was a strange smell in the hallway of the bedroom floor. There is no parking in the property. Also be aware that you must pay a warranty of US$200.00 when you get there for the check in. The breakfast was ok.
5/5
Excellent
Norma
12/05/2023
Affordable and you could walk to many attractions. Their sister hotel El Presidente was where you go for breakfast. Henry from El presidente was amazing! He was very helpful and kind. They also helped store our luggage as our flight was not until later in the afternoon.
4/5
Good
Tonia
12/04/2023
The hotel was decent, a bit run down as was this area, you can tell it's seen better days. However, the beach is across the street and there are options for food everywhere. The pool is in the hotel behind the Pelican as was breakfast and that was fine. The room was small but plenty of space for me and my things. Shopping is all around as well, and I took an uber to the casino. Not a place to stay if you're early to bed, it is noisy although that didn't bother me. I probably won't stay in south beach again, but it was nice to experience it!
5/5
Excellent
narendar
12/03/2023
Good
4/5
Good
silvana
12/03/2023
Hotel is nice,clean,stuff is great,the problem is parking,was told it’s possible to valet at sister hotel,but there’s no valet parking,was directed to the municipal parking. When got there I was told it’s full and the hothe knows it,was directed to a different municipal parking which was fine and cheaper than what the valet was supposed to charge
5/5
Excellent
Amanda
12/02/2023
The Penguin has such good unique qualities and amenities, so close to everything, Staff was kind and responsive. Would definitely stay here again .
5/5
Excellent
Brittney
11/29/2023
It’s in the most convenient/cute area. I love the unlimited options of outdoor seating feet away from the beautiful south beach.
5/5
Excellent
Sharon
11/28/2023
Ashley the front desk clerk welcomes you with such good energy on arrival. The hotel is located on the Main Street of South Beach. You actually received something for the resort fee. Welcome drinks, water, use of beach towels and a real hot breakfast. Most hotels can’t tell you what the resort fee is for just extra for the room. I’ll be coming back and recommending this hotel to both family and friends traveling to Miami or leaving on a cruise from the port. I am very pleased with my stay.
2/5
Shuhrat
11/27/2023
Don’t take yellow taxi from reception of hotel , very high price to the MiA airport
4/5
Good
Marlen
11/21/2023
Good
5/5
Excellent
Brenda
11/21/2023
Both staff members that we dealt with; the gentleman checking us in on 9th Nov just before 5pm (sorry I didn't get his name) and Carmen at check out the next morning, were both extremely helpful and friendly. The gentleman checking us in, made us feel extremely welcome after a rather stressful journey into South Beach area of Miami that day. We found our rooms to be lovely; newly decorated it seemed and clean and very comfortable. We did both overlook side walls but that was our choice of room to keep the cost down as was just for one night. Would definitely stay at The Penguin Hotel again.
5/5
Excellent
Greg
11/20/2023
Property was perfectly located, walking distance to everything restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Great place
2/5
daisy
11/20/2023
So sad, seriously outdated, very sloppy, dirty, bugs, dingy bedding pubic hair on bed from previous guest, just nasty,phone in room didnt work, no blackout curtains. Had to
Walk through an alley way to get to the sister hotel for breakfast and the pool, which all the lounge chairs at pool were disgusting,This Hotel needs a superior makeover and upgrade,
4/5
Good
PAULETTE
11/20/2023
everything was good check it was great, drinks was nice room small but clean
4/5
Good
Yassine
11/10/2023
The location is amazing.
5/5
Excellent
Kelly
11/10/2023
Ashley was extremely friendly and helpful! Loved her!
5/5
Excellent
Dierdre
11/07/2023
Nice place to get-away
The front desk was friendly but short-staffed and working mostly our first night out of the nearby hotel. The hotel stored our luggage before check-in and after check-out which was a life-saver as we arrived pretty early and left later in the afternoon. Our room on the top floor was amazing and the view was breath-taking. We enjoyed the happy hour and breakfast which was located at the sister-hotel as well.
5/5
Excellent
Kamila
11/03/2023
I stayed for 4 days . It was amazing being here during my vacations, it is close to the beach 🏝️ , shopping & dining stores !
The only thing I dislike it was the cleanliness because is at the 3rd day of your stay . They can give you towels ,and those amenities. But not clean your room until the 3rd day .
1/5
Sumanth
10/31/2023
Parking is very weird as the front access to the building is closed and hotel charged me $66 for 4 people. I thought the resort fee is $33. Expedia never mentioned that it is going to be $66 for 4 people.
3/5
Mildred
10/30/2023
The hotel was ok, but the front desk was not open and we had to go to another back ally hotel to check in. The alleyway was not safe to walk through at night. Also, the plumbing in our room was horrible. The toilet and sink were not working.
4/5
Good
Antonia
10/29/2023
The parking was an issue, there’s no parking and the one that they were offer it costs almost $50 a day. The rest was good.
5/5
Excellent
rickhaslo
10/28/2023
Highly recommended
4/5
Good
Wendell
10/22/2023
Ideally located.
5/5
Excellent
jennnifer
10/21/2023
Ashley & Ronald at front desk was great. I was dissapointed in the solid white walls of hotel room. All the pics & description of rooms state art/painting on walls. My room was completley bare
4/5
Good
benjamin
10/09/2023
Good location
1/5
Erma J
10/09/2023
You have to go to The President Hotel and walk through the back then cross an alley then walk to the front of the Penguin then climb stairs to get in. Front desk at Penguin was nowhere to be found fkr 40 mins for us to check in, elevator only goes to 3rd floor so you have to drag all of your luggage to the 4th floor using stairs. 4th floor room (only 1) is TINY. Balcony is amazing. Bathroom is old, dingy and the shower feels like youre going to fall through it. Toilet it literally up against the shower so you have to sit almost sideways tl use it. Faucet in shower os about to fall off. The "free drink' and breakfast, you have to go back downstairs, elevator to 3rd floor, walk outside, sown more stairs, go trhough a back gate, walk to back of hotel cross an alley walk up to Presidenr hotel then back through it all to get to your room. Insane. Handicapped ppl BEWARE. Will never stay here again.
5/5
Excellent
Charmian
10/07/2023
I have nothing bad to say about my 7 days stay in The Penguin Hotel. Excellent location, room small but enough space, there’s a small fridge, hairdryer, iron, the breakfast that was included delicious wiht a lot of choices, pool is small but honestly I spend more time in the beach. Thanks to Ronald who took care of my check in, he was really informative and patient, also thanks to Ashley who gave me what I needed (towels and water )
3/5
TINA
09/28/2023
Staff was great. Location was excellent. Hallways smelled like mold. Room was small. Elevator very small. Bed was pretty firm. Breakfast at neighboring hotel, but very good.
5/5
Excellent
Rick
09/26/2023
I liked the property was clean and I felt comfortable. The staff was friendly. The bed was also clean and comfortable. The street is blocked off so you don't get any real traffic, only foot traffic from the tourists, but it dies down around 11 pm or so, not a big issue. It's so close to the ocean and a great park. I would stay there again.
5/5
Excellent
Valmirio
09/26/2023
Great hotel and breakfast
1/5
Amaury
09/25/2023
When we arrive the Check in part was a nightmare, just one person at the reception, several guest were complaining about fees that never was explained when we did the reservation, like hotel fees for towels and water and also they have a sign with old prices about those fees $19.00 per day plus $9,50 for extra people on the room and they charge us $33.00 per day and $16.00 extra per person, and the guy in the recepción said they didn’t change it yet , Poor customer service , breakfast in a different building, pool in a different building and they don’t offer valet you need to pick that service from a different hotel , conclusion if you want a good time pick different hotel , manager Poor customer service ….
5/5
Excellent
akram
09/13/2023
The hotel is clean, very nice location and very convenient.
5/5
Excellent
Jovani
09/11/2023
I loved the experience I had during my stay and I will be going again . Don’t know if there’s a reason the windows from my room (303) didn’t go up but they were locked in a way that they are never to be open but I believe that’s a safety hazard and the windows from my room (303) needs some maintenance because one of them a piece that goes on the glass missing and due to that a sticky residue is seen across the glass. Other then that I loved everything the hotel has to offer .
4/5
Good
Carlos
09/06/2023
A lot of water entered to the room during a storm.
4/5
Good
Svitlana
09/05/2023
The location is great and easy access to everything
5/5
Excellent
Slobodan
09/03/2023
❤
3/5
joey
08/31/2023
Location was nice if you wish to experience south beach. Parking was a pain and very expensive. When i arrived had to wait 20 mins to get helped at front desk. I think the front desk clerk has to cover two hotels which makes no sense. My family complained of a smell in the room.overrated/overpriced
5/5
Excellent
Ingrid
08/30/2023
Second time staying at this hotel and it was a great experience too. Right by the beach, nice area to walk around! Room is spacious and clean! Staff is helpful and friendly!
5/5
Excellent
Gabriel
08/30/2023
Amazing view in the heart of south beach
4/5
Good
JACOB
08/30/2023
The best location on Ocean Drive! Service and cleaning could be much better.. The keys had to be activated several times per day, cleaning of the room only every 3 days, front office not very profesional and many times with a sign saying "we will be back shortly". As Ocean Drive is closed for traffic, there was no valet parking and we had to walk from Collins Av. with our luggage to the hotel. Buffet breakfast (good) served at another property till 10:30 (not 11:30 as per previous information).
4/5
Good
Yixi
08/26/2023
Saw a little bug or cockroach in the bathroom like at 2am
3/5
Tyler
08/21/2023
It was a decent stay, no complaints; but not blown away.
1/5
Margaret
08/15/2023
The Penguin presents nicely on line and could be a gem however, there was hardly any staff there our entire visit. There was nothing warm and welcoming whatsoever. There is only a manager who goes between another hotel. The amenities are also at the other location. The pool was overcrowded was tiny in size.
5/5
Excellent
Dylan
08/15/2023
Overall our experience was lovely! We did not use the amenities but everything else was great!
5/5
Excellent
Anthonet
08/14/2023
Nice and convenient hotel, family friendly and nice staff..
3/5
Sudeep
08/02/2023
Neither Expedia nor the hotel states anything about construction noise. There was daily construction on the right side of the building that started at 7am! Many times I thought someone was drilling a hole in my room wall. The lobby is small and clean. There are no cocktails or anything there. Room was very clean. Nice big safe but one needs to be 6'4" tall to see inside. Easy to leave valuables behind. Room service is only available after 3 days. But front desk is forthcoming with water bottles, towels, etc. Breakfast is not a buffet but a choice of eggs, pancakes, fruit parfait in the Cuban restaurant next door. Overall breakfast food and service is good. Great location for the beach and walking down Ocean Dr.
5/5
Excellent
Manuel
07/30/2023
My whole family enjoy the stay in the hotel
5/5
Excellent
AGNIESZKA
07/25/2023
Excellent hotel, in perfect quiet spot on closed part of the street.
I was very pleased with everything and no complains or any issues to be encountered.
5/5
Excellent
Predrag
07/19/2023
Great location on Ocean drive. Close to the beatchies and the Lincoln av
3/5
John
07/12/2023
The security deposit has not been returned. Its been more 10 days.
5/5
Excellent
Noble
07/12/2023
Staff and service were great! Close to food, shops, beach and entertainment! Rooms aren’t very spacious or glamorous but they got the job done! Great price for the location! If you’re gonna spend most of your time OUT like you should in Miami…. Great option for a hotel!!
5/5
Excellent
Patricia
07/10/2023
The hotel was very nice. The location was perfect, especially for fireworks on the fourth. I loved being a short distance from the beach. A very lovely experience.
5/5
Excellent
Anamarys
06/29/2023
Good
5/5
Excellent
Andre
06/29/2023
The free breakfast polite guess staff members for polite and helpful
5/5
Excellent
Lori
06/27/2023
Couples getaway to Miami
I had the ocean view, which was perfect. I love the layout of the room, including the mirrored wall. The bathroom was small and made it awkward to use the toilet so close to the wall and door in the way, but we managed. The hotel has an old musky smell, but nothing I was too concerned about for health reasons. It's an old hotel on the ocean where heat an humidity is all year round, so it's to be expected. The location of the hotel is a very short walking distance to several restaurants and stores. I loved the fact the hotel was on Ocean Drive and an easy walk across the street to the beach, which was not crowded. The hotel provides towels for the beach, and you'll want to take a couple unless you choose to rent a chair. The chair is $21.95 each and the umbrellas are $21.95 each, but you get to keep your rental till 6 pm the same day. I highly recommend this hotel if you are looking for something quaint and romantic for a few days. Perfect 5-day getaway for me.
3/5
Shanta
06/26/2023
There was no one at the check-in counter
5/5
Excellent
Dinh
06/25/2023
Clean hotel, friendly staff and short walk to beach across Ocean Drive. Located on the more quiet end of Ocean Drive. Loved the breakfast options.
1/5
Bernadette
06/22/2023
I reserved two nights. The hotel made me switch rooms after the first night and wanted to charge me a late check out fee. The front desk staff was very rude. Do not stay here.
4/5
Good
Lynda
06/20/2023
Walking distance to everything that you need
1/5
Bernadette
06/20/2023
The staff was very rude and not helpful.
5/5
Excellent
Daryl
06/20/2023
Room was very nice up dated and very clean . All of the staff was very helpful and friendly.
2/5
Raquel
06/19/2023
We stayed for 4 days, and the location/staff were great, but ran into several incidents. Leaking roof (saturated our clothes), cable didn’t work (wasn’t in the room long enough, but still a disadvantage), received 2 wake up calls before 8a (complained and was told to unplug phone), unable to control AC (had to turn off/on in the middle of the night), long cushion by the window was very soiled, and plumbing issues (had to flush a few time for everything to go down). The other disappointing area: I paid for beach front and all I saw were palm trees. The reservation indicated breakfast was included, but when you get to the hotel you have to pay fees which includes towels, breakfast, welcome drinks, Wi-Fi, bottled water, local calls, and the in room safe. The restaurant/bar and, the pool was in a different building. I mentioned my concerns upon check out but was referred to management where I made 4 attempts but sadly never heard back.
5/5
Excellent
Dima
06/19/2023
We loved the location of the hotel. The staff was all very helpful. The room, although a bit outdated, had an amazing corner view of the beach. The room was pretty clean and had a fridge. Although no coffee, they provided us with plenty of water. The pool is great and the hotel is across the street from the beach and many of our favorite restaurants. Our booking came with breakfast at the Havana restaurant next door. Breakfast starts at 9 and sadly although it was a decent breakfast, the server were not nice. They treated those with breakfast vouchers as second class costumers. This was our only complaint about an otherwise amazing trip. Will definitely go back to this hotel but might opt out of the breakfast option.
5/5
Excellent
Joseph
06/19/2023
Customer service was great!
4/5
Good
Kathleen
06/13/2023
Overall this property was well maintained and the room was clean, well situated and very nice. Unfortunately our check-in was a total NIGHTMARE for a number of reasons.
First, you can't unpack your car and bring your luggage in because Ocean Drive is closed so you have no front access to the hotel. We literally had to drive up a back alley to unload our car then carry our luggage to the front entrance.
Second, there is no parking provided so we had to use a parking garage two blocks away. I feel sorry for any elderly guests who would have to struggle with this process of bringing luggage and parking.
Third, the system was down so we couldn't check-in to the hotel but instead had to go to the sister hotel which was once again behind the hotel, through a back alley. After waiting over 45 minutes on line to check-in we were told to walk through the back way to get to our hotel room.
Basically, after spending over an hour and a half getting everything situated we had access to our room but let me tell you we were not in very good moods - not a great way to start a vacation!
4/5
Good
Stefan
06/06/2023
Ok, but I would not come back
Positives:
- the staff was friendly and helpful;
- breakfast at the nearby restaurant was great;
- good location.
Negatives:
- the room was way too small. You get a bed and that’s it. Not even a drawer in the room. The bathroom is also super small.
- the pool is at another hotel and it is really small.
Overall, I would look for another place next time I’m in Miami Beach.
5/5
Excellent
Rebecca
06/05/2023
The lady at the front desk is so friendly and awesome! Very accommodating!!!!!! Our time there was so comfortable and safe! Location was amazing and staff was so friendly. House keeper were kind and helpful!
5/5
Excellent
Chris
06/03/2023
Great location. Friendly staff. Room was very clean. Our room faced the main street / ocean. There was a little noise form the bars & restaurants nearby but nothing that disturbed us from sleeping, however I could see the Karen's of the world being bothered by this. Stay included a very good breakfast at Havana 1957 two buildings down and a really good Margarita from Oh Mexico next door. Would definitely stay here again
4/5
Good
Ferid
06/01/2023
property position and nearby facilities
3/5
Veronica
05/31/2023
I liked location, ocean across the street, plenty of restaurants, great service. What I didn't like is that there was no pool in the hotel but it was advertised and secondly no coffee machine in the room
5/5
Excellent
Carlos
05/29/2023
Its a nice spot on Ocean Drive close to everything n walkable distance.
5/5
Excellent
Paggy
05/21/2023
Great property and perfect location! It was close to everything! The rooms were great and very clean. Rudy at the Front Desk is the best and very knowledgeable! He is fantastic, detail-oriented, and provided exceptional customer service.
4/5
Good
Sofia
05/19/2023
Location and cleanliness
3/5
Wendale
05/15/2023
No coffee no water in the lobby & presidents suite deck wasn’t cleaned properly
1/5
Meshal
05/13/2023
Almost everything was differint of the picture and the staffs were bad
4/5
Good
Md
05/07/2023
Overall good
3/5
Laura Ashley
05/06/2023
Our TV didn’t work and I told the staff and nothing was done to fix it
3/5
Verified traveler
04/29/2023
Night staff not cooperative at all.
5/5
Excellent
Susan
04/27/2023
Very quaint
5/5
Excellent
pradeep
04/26/2023
This is very clean and right opposite to beach ...great breakfast ...good staff ..continent for all the entertainment, food and fun for entire family ...
4/5
Good
Heather
04/25/2023
The room was small for a family of four but the location was perfect, beach was right across the street and close access to all activities. Service was also pleasant
5/5
Excellent
Carole
04/24/2023
Staff were all very nice and accommodating. Definitely would go back and stay there again
5/5
Excellent
LILLIAN
04/23/2023
Loved location and closeness to beach and boardwalk.
TV was not working and they were unable to repair it during our 3 day stay. Not serious.
1/5
Jalila
04/22/2023
Should be called the roach hotel not the penguin ! We were so called upgraded to a room that has cracks in all the windows and let the rain in . The elevator made horrible noise all night waking us up all night and the staff would or help or care . The pool is in another hotel and you need to show u pass and room key and all every time u try using it ! No food or beverages are available In The restaurant and no room service . The breakfast that’s included is horrible and microwave pancakes or 2 eggs are the only choice . Over all horrible place to stay I have videos of eveything to follow !
4/5
Good
Rane
04/19/2023
Fun stay
The room was comfortable. The free breakfast was great, and the location was very close to shops, bars, the beach and restaurants