The Betsy – South Beach

This is my second trip to the Betsy and in the last year, I see many improvements in the room and the amenities (except the soap and shampoo dispensers are a little cranky). I stayed in the Writer’s Room last year and this year, I was booked into a standard room overlooking the pool. The staff goes above and beyond making the guest feel taken care of.
Tonight, at the restaurant, Rolando fielded my many questions, made perfect suggestions and i enjoyed the Tuna Tartare and the Watermelon/​Heirloom Tomato salad and their kiwi? Margarita – yes it works.
The hotel has arrangements with a vendor on the beach who set me up with a chair and umbrella (Buchon Brothers) and tweaked the position as the sun shifted.
The rooftop is a lovely setting and there’s a breeze and a view. The fitness room is clean and has new equipment.

The Betsy Hotel is the best hotel environment I have experienced in my life the people are so nice they personally accommodate you and your friends! They are the best!

Just back after their renovation, it was an absolute experience to have been going to the Betsy for so many years and see they could give this beautiful boutique hotel such a subtle renovation and refresh every aspect of what they are known for, and still keep it classy. Many new things on their menu at the LT (no longer BLT) but again, very pleasant and delicious.

Checked in, looked elegant. Went to roof top bar to order lunch after a long trip and they said the restaurant is closed for a week? Ugh maybe tell your guests when you book or maybe even when you check in? No food in the entire hotel?
Get to our room and construction noise is making the room shake, apparently they are redoing hotel again– no one told us this on booking or at reception.
Then at 6am get woken up by what sounds like a bowling ball getting throw on our ceiling, security couldn’t identify what it was. Then at 7am we get a «wake up call» which we isn’t ask for.
7.30am the construction starts again.
I wish I could give this hotel no stars!

I’m giving The Betsy restaurant 4 stars based on the quality of the food prior to preparation. The lettuce, the shrimp were excellent quality. And the meats seem to be as well. My biggest complaint is that their menu does not describe what you actually are served. Therefore, we had to send back to re-​prepare both the Boston lettuce salad and the hamburger because they contained ingredients we don’t eat — that were not described on the menu. Our advice to The Betsy restaurant management if they want to be more economically efficient — tell your patrons what they’re getting on the menu descriptions so they know what to expect. It will improve the service and the experience of dining here. I am author, Dianne Collins, writing on my husband’s Unilocal account.
The service staff is excellent — we had Carlos. He was very attentive and great.

When Peter Betan posted he was heading to The Betsy with Marc Berner, I was sold. We arrived at around 9pm and we were instantly delighted as classic guitar and flute filled our ears as we entered through the front doors into a modern décor that reminds me of the movie Casablanca. Palms, dark wood, black and white upholstery on chairs and couches are all very chic touches.
Nicole is following a strict nutrition plan by Carolina Fernandez’ Potential Body, which has proven some remarkable results. It’s High Fat day so I order her drink of choice, Diet Coke and vodka, and I have a classic margarita.
After perusing the menu we chose the Seafood Sampler which featured large shrimp, scallops, oyster, clams with three featured sauces: cocktail, horse radish and soy with scallions and garlic. As an appetizer we also ordered the Hen of the Woods mushrooms which arrived in a cast iron miniature with melted butter.
Before the food arrived some of the most delicious warm bread and butter arrived what tasted. I would have come her for this alone! The mushrooms had a unique and wonderful texture and melted in your mouth. The seafood was also deliciously fresh.
While we sat there at the bar Peter and Marc continued to crank out some of the sweetest melodies, which felt like a private concert. Truly a splendid evening.

Is «to die for» still a cliché? Well it fits the food at the Betsy!!! We started off with a drink while listening to an amazing guitar and flute duo (and bought the cd upon leaving for good groves all the way home… Check out Peter Betan) but that is a whole different review… Back to «to die for» since today was my high fat day I had to drink Diet Coke and vodka… Not my favorite but it gets the job done! Fred had a margarita I had a small taste, strong and delicious! They came out with bakery fresh, seemingly fried bread, which I can’t have on fat days but I tried a small bite. It melted in my mouth! For our main course we ordered the seafood platter for two… It had the usually clams, oysters, jumbo shrimp, and scallops marinated in a delicious lemon sauce. As a side we ordered hen of the woods mushrooms that were marinated in butter… This was my favorite and is what I consider «to die for». It all fit into my diet! It was a magical night out with my honey!

I was soo happy to find out that I was the winner of the Cigar Event for #SOBEWFF. Couldnt wait to get to the Betsy with my love. Parking was easy at a municipal parking that charges $ 1.00 an hour. It was about two blocks down (they also have valet at hotel).
We got there a little early so decided to hang by the bar at the Betsy. Let me tell you that hotel was so beautiful and the art work around was different and funky.
The event began around 11:00 PM but, the hotel was letting everyone in at 10:30 to hang at the roof top that had the most amazing view of the ocean and the gorgeous full moon. I tried many different tobaccos and some amazing vodkas to wines and whiskeys. We also got to take home some tobaccos. Would love to stay there one night soon looks like a top notch place.

It’s a beautiful location and venue, but the sushi was average in flavor and skimpy on the fish. It’s beautifully presented, but a $ 16 roll has less than the amount of fish is normally have in one piece of sashimi. The brunch appeared to be nice and not as overpriced. But still nothing spectacular. It sort of masquerades as a nice restaurant.

Love this place! BTL was outstanding food was excellent and portions are large enough to shatter. Staff was very well trains. Would highly recommend. They are adding on to the hotel, I can see why people would keep coming back.

The only rooftop spa in Miami at #TheBetsyHotel, a four star diamond boutique. I’m getting the Spa’s most luxurious facial, available only during #MiamiSpaMonth ! Therapeutically, pure gold dates back 5,000 years to Cleopatra, who was said to sleep in a gold face mask every night to maintain her beauty. This 80-​minute facial harnesses the powers of the precious mineral to diminish fine lines and wrinkles, stimulate collagen, as well as hydrate and tauten skin. A mask of nano gold (¹⁄₂₀₀₀ the size of an average pore) and 99.999% pure gold infuses the skin, imparting a luminous, glowing complexion. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any more luxurious than a 24k gold facial and massage, I recieved a fantabulous surprise by having my treatment upgraded to a Diamond Illuminating Collagen mask. If there’s something I love more than wine, it’s diamonds and sparkles ! With the help of micronized diamonds, whitening agents, peptide blend and vitamins penetrate the skin to revitalize from the inside out.

Classy and low key with all the perks that make it one of the best hotels, if not the best, in South Beach. The restaurant is a 5 star restaurant. Doesn’t get better in South Beach.

I cannot tell you how lovely and accommodating the staff was. This place deserves six stars for that alone! The food is also absolutely delicious! If you haven’t been, make sure to check out The Betsy just to eat at BLT Steak alone! The grounds are very clean and marry old word Floridian style to modern posh perfectly. If you’re looking for a quit, classy location where you can treat yourself on Miami Beach, you should definitely look into this location.

Food and drinks are good, ambience is rich, but if your not dressed up your not getting a table; off to the bar you go. Hard to believe for South Beach but the staff there are pretty snooty. I’ve been there 2 times and spent $ 175 and $ 180 respectively and that’s without counting the tip. It’s expensive but, if I’m treated right and the food is good I don’t mind paying. Both times I went the maître d’ was a bit arrogant and I barely got a table the first time, the second time I had to sit at the bar. The maître d’ said that all the tables were reserved but we sat there for over an hour and half the restaurant remained empty. I have lived in South Florida for over 45 years and I have frequented South Beach since the mid-​80s. The best way to keep a clientele is to keep them happy and although the food here is excellent some of the staff here need to learn some people pleasing skills.

Wow. This place is all sorts of fancy. It’s just as elegant as the name. We didn’t actually stay here but came to sit outside and have a round or 2 of drinks to make the most of this beautiful year end weather after a long day.
First your location is perfection. Right on the strip you are in the heart of it all though the hotel isn’t a HUGE building. It’s more boutique like with just the right touch of modern meets old fashioned. The have an open wrap around porch and extended lower patio. We sat at the former and were greeted and served quickly. Facing away from the sun, it was the perfect spot to take in people watching and watch the Miami Beach crowd walk by.
Drinks were perfect. The wine selection was top notch and the mixed drinks were well made. As an overall place I really think I’d like to revisit to stay or at the very least venture to the rooftop. It was a highlight of the trip. Well done Betsy!

The Betsy is a great hotel just at the end (or beginning) of Ocean Drive. It takes 2 minutes (or less) to go to the beach. The sunbeds and umbrella’s are for free if you stay in The Betsy. That’s good, because te prices of the beds ar way too expensive. The Betsy is just a few steps from the madness of all the bars and restaurants of Ocean Drive. But inside you don’t hear of see anything of this. The rooms of this boutique hotel very white but neat. The mirror in the bathroom has a television. Very modern! The pool is side is not very big, but most of the days it’s not very crowded at the pool. The rooftop bar is great to have a drink before you go out to have diner.

The Betsy was our first stop on our Honeymoon trip last year, and when we had to leave, I could’ve cried.
Everything about our stay was amazing… the cozy, inviting rooms… the mod bathroom stocked with lux amenities… playing chess and drinking scotch in the lobby… I could go on and on!
The Betsy is right across the street from the ocean, where we spent most of our time. WHEN you book here, treat yourself to their breakfast. When they served us our breakfast– heaping plates of eggs, rashers of bacon and sausage in cast-​iron dishes, bowls of fruits… plates on plates… I honestly thought they gave us someone else’s breakfast. That morning was a honeymoon highlight!
I’ll update with a more detailed review– this one is diffused in the glow of honeymoon memories and time pass. Lucky for me, we’re actually returning next week to celebrate our first anniversary! See you soon, Bets!

This is a gem in the heart of south beach. From the moment you walk in it feels like you are simply in another world. Great décor, compact, but well put together.
The spa is great, since it is not only located on their rooftop but has genuine and caring people that will take great care of you. I had a coconut oil body spa during Miami spa month and it was fantastic for a hot day. They topped it off with a nice cold coconut water beverage at the end and soothing music. I didn’t want to leave.
Definitely a good place to get a nice drink, stay a couple of nights or just get a great massage in middle of soothing environments. I look forward to my next visit.

Horrible. Horrible. Horrible.
What a terrible experience using their spa. I WILL NOT BE BACK. EVER.
It was a planned event for a group of 9 women to use the spa in celebration for a birthday. I should use the term ‘spa’ very loosely. All they offer is a rooftop massage. If it rains, you’re screwed. Let me tell you why:
They do not plan for rain in Miami, which is a baffling concept since summer in Miami rains every afternoon at the same time. How can there not be a plan B for this?
Since we were a large group, we had to split up for the first round of massages and the second round. The first round got interrupted half way through because of an insane downpour. Again, this is a rooftop «spa» and there was no other option. We waited around in a hot hallway for over 30 mins while they scrambled around and tried to accommodate us. The spa manager was working hard, but I still was not impressed at all with the service. Some of the other staff was just rude and off putting. One woman just ignored us or gave us iterated looks whenever we asked questions. Pick the scene: 9 women in a tiny hallways with half of them in robes with a tropical storm happening outside. Wouldn’t you have questions, too?
The rain finally starts to slow down and the first group continues on with their massages. The only thing that was clear, and I’m not talking about the sky, was that it was only a matter of time until the rain came back. The second group of girls got thrown into a room that ended up being rehearsal for an orchestra. We ended up getting yelled at and kicked out.
When it was time for the second group to get their massages, it was beginning to drizzle again. I started to get a massage for all of 5 mins, which I was not impressed with the massage skills at all. My massage therapist felt like she was petting a bunny. Not impressed (that seems to be the theme of this review).
The storm was back and our massages had to end. I was not willing to sit there and get massaged under a tarp. Did I mention we were already charged for these massages. Yep. $ 150 bucks. I was PISSED! Why would you charge me for this service when it was iffy that it was going to happen?
I could continue ranting on how bad this experience was, but I’m sure you get the point now. I have no plans to ever return to this hotel in the future, even if it was complimentary. Well, maybe if someone paid me. A million dollars.

This is the second time I’ve stayed here. What I love about the Betsy is the décor and relaxing artsy feel when you walk into the hotel. Not your typical hotel you would expect to find in South Beach. Staff is friendly and the service is excellent. It is on Ocean but away from all the loud music but close enough if you wanted to walk there. The beach is across the street and it includes a chair and umbrella. Free continental breakfast each morning where we had chocolate croissants and fresh fruit and fresh orange juice each morning was well worth it. Very family friendly. The live music is a nice touch on Wednesday and Thursday if you just need a place to sit and relax. Rooftop deck is nice also.

Close your eyes and go back in time… think Marylin Monroe, Humpfrey Bogart a splash of James Dean… Your sitting by the pool in the court yard that is perfectly shaded by the hot Miami sun. Your chilled champagne arrives… you take a few sips… you decide to take a dip in the pool… you dive in and it’s incredibly refreshing… you swim your laps and can hear the soft music playing every time you turn your head to take a breathe. You get out of the pool and finish your champagne that has been calling your name… thrown on some sunblock and your cover up, toss your oversized hat on and head to the roof… where there is an incredible glass of rose waiting for you… the misters work over time and you stare out at the ocean knowing that your almost ready to take a walk on the breathtaking beach.
The Betsy is one of the last UNIQUE great places in South Beach… with giant rooms… amazing bath products… incredible food… but above all impeccable service… the only thing that is missing from this hotel… is you checking in!
Enjoy!

Beautiful hotel right on Ocean drive in Miami Beach. I love the décor and the ambience is very cool. Hotel
Has been opened for many years now. They have live entertainment and a piano bar inside where you can get a nice drink or a glass of wine. Cheers and enjoy

By far the greatest place I have every stayed, super friendly and accommodating staff. Clean, luxurious, and beautiful from the lobby to the rooftop deck. Was served a huge complementary breakfast each morning of our stay. And the bathroom mirror has a built in TV, need I say anything more?

Our concierge was so accomodating and gave us spot on recommendations. This place is litered with rolling stones photos of their time spent im the hotel. If it’s good enough for the stones it’s good enough for me. The rooftop bar over looks Miami Beach and is beautiful at night. It is a great place to stay as all of the trendy bars, hotels, and clubs are no more than 5 minutes away but the hotel itself is quiet and serene.
Oh and starbucks is right across the street.

Awesome place. Awesome people. Awesome location.

This is my second stay and I have the exact same feeling leaving there as I did the first stay… FOUR star décor and THREE star service.
I can go on and on about the problems I experienced with the staff but do not feel like boring you nor myself by repeating them. Bottom line is they do not practice high end service befitting of being included in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group. Not at all.
The décor, however, is another matter. Everywhere you turn has something interesting to witness and gives you great decorating ideas.
The rooftop deck is purely idyllic. Oh, here’s an easy little example of the poor service — no one bothered to tell me about the wonderful deck where you can order off the full menu and have wine and drinks looking out over the ocean. I only stumbled upon it while getting a massage up on the roof top deck. Had I been informed, I would have spent all my dining money at the hotel and never left that particular stay.
The spa up on the deck in the open air is another plus to the hotel. I love getting treatments outside. I had both a massage and a facial and they were great. OH, now I remember, I was given a half torn up robe. I planned to post the pic but never did. It’s still on my phone. Can you believe that robe in a «high end» establishment?
Love the restaurant and the lobby bar. I can’t wait to return and try some of the desserts. They look beyond heavenly. Oh my God, the fresh popovers straight from the oven at dinner? Oh yes! Idyllic.
The location is FIVE star. I appreciate being right across from the beach and close to Lincoln Road Mall and Espanola Way.
Finally, for beach lovers, they have cabanas out on the beach for you. Yet another snafu I encountered and will no get into but you pay a $ 16 daily fee to stay at the hotel and have use of the cabanas.
Will I stay here again? For the right price as the location is very convenient for my needs when visiting Miami. I know what to expect and adjust accordingly.

Stopped in for a Bloody Mary after walking along the Miami beach Boardwalk. The Bloody Mary is a little on the small side since it wasn’t a pint glass and was nothing special. It did have a little bit of an Asian flavor which I could not put my finger on but reminded me of something I have had with sushi. Maybe seaweed. For $ 14 the Bloody Mary was over priced but you do get to enjoy it in a very nice outdoor atmosphere.

This hotel is beautiful! Cannot wait to come back. Spent two nights here on a girls getaway and it was awesome. We we stayed in a double with an ocean view. Windows open so you fall asleep to the sound of the ocean. Great location right across from Starbucks on north end of Ocean. Super clean and comfortable. We will definitely be back. Highly recommend.

Almost everything about this hotel was amazing. The staff is incredibly friendly, helpful, and attentive. The Classic King room was better than the last Ritz Carlton I had been to; the bathroom and shower was a bit cramped and got quite warm inside because of what I assume was poor ventilation but overall I really liked my room. Bathroom shampoo and what-​nots are actually pretty nice. There is also a lighted mirror for the lady and a safe to leave your valuables in.
Location is incredible, it’s right at the start of Ocean Drive which means you’re right in the middle of everything South Beach has to offer. You go left if you want Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road for shopping. You go right if you want touristy-​samey-​samey «restaurants.» I wouldn’t recommend drinking or dining on Ocean Drive except at The Palace for brunch; they have an MC, put on shows, and give you unlimited/​bottomless mimosas (which actually taste good by the way).
The beach is two minutes away walking distance from the hotel’s front doors. You just have to cross the street. Beach was clean except for the occasional cigarette butt here and there.
When I go back to SB I intend to stay at the Betsy again. Highly recommend it for the location/​price ratio alone.

My bf and I stayed at The Betsy the nights of 4÷3−4÷6. There’s no shortage of hotels on Ocean Drive, but The Betsy was in a class of it’s own. It oozed elegance and sophistication from the beautiful building to it’s lobby, to the quaint room we stayed in. The front desk was warm and welcoming, and they were eager to assist us with making dinner reservations, calling for cabs, etc. Everyone who worked at the hotel greeted you with a smile and a «hello» as you passed by them.
We stayed in a classic King room. The room was small but you don’t need a humongous suite when all you need to do is pass out at night. The bed was comfortable and the sheets were super soft and warm. Our room included a closet, minibar, and a lovely, sleek bathroom. Even though the Betsy is located on Ocean Drive, it’s far enough from the really loud bars and restaurants for you to get a good night’s rest. The only sounds we heard from our room was the occasional car honking, and the service vehicles in the morning.
We had free breakfast with our room rate, which consists of coffee/​juice, 2 eggs any style, home fries, a choice of sausage or bacon, and a small side of fruit. It certainly filled us up enough to skip lunch and save room in our bellies for dinner. You can walk across the street to the beach, where you get a free umbrella, 2 towels and 2 chairs when you mention your room number at the hotel.
The only downside I can say about the hotel was that the roof deck was closed to the public during the weekend for private events. However, the hotel staff left a letter on my door apologizing for the inconvenience and they offered us a free cocktail each at the bar. Speaking of the bar, the bartender at the main lobby made me the most exquisite chocolate martini. That alone deserved 5 stars! All in all, I definitely recommend the Betsy. I felt like I was treated like royalty, and I definitely will be staying here again on my next visit!