On a rare stretch of traffic-free beach and the closest hotel to the pier, this is the largest hotel on the beach—some say it's too large. Nevertheless, no one will accuse this resort of not being lively. And during spring break and race week, this place is downright exciting, at least for the guests. This is, along with the Shores Resort & Spa, the best hotel in town. Individuals will find the Shores Resort & Spa more intimate and accommodating, but groups, conventions and hordes of festival fans are better served here.
Guests are greeted at the South Tower, where a wide porte cochere keeps the quick-footed valets dry. Inside, the lobby comes as a shock to those used to seeing ho-hum Hilton standards hereabouts. The sparkling lobby here shows a sleek contemporary look that would fit right in on Miaimi Beach.
Registration
is at a long counter that provides excellent views of the beach, but the well-trained staff is good at keeping waits to a minimum. Groups have a reception area in the North Tower. Back in the South Tower, columns create semiprivate seating areas that invite lingering. Chic deep-cushioned exotic wood armchairs and stools dress up the adjoining ocean-view bar. An additional 20 paces leads guests to yet another bar, this one with a NASCAR pace car dismantled and reassembled at its entrance.
Marble floors reflect the main restaurant's uptown decor, and the adjoining terrace offers alfresco dining with more ocean views. All meals are served here, with pasta buffets offered at lunch; the Friday and Saturday night prime rib and seafood buffets lure locals. There is also a deli. The recent opening of Hyde Park Steakhouse fills the fine-dining void. The hotel's proximity to the pier means guests need only walk five minutes for cheap eats.
Recreation is outstanding, with two pools, a sandy volleyball court, and a health club with a gym, sauna and steam room; the whirlpool, game room, playground and watersports are popular. The laundry room proves convenient.
Meetings and high-profile get-togethers fuel the spirit here, and fill the coffers, too. The third-floor meeting rooms and those in the North Tower, including a 60,000-sq-ft ballroom, are beautifully executed, with the largest accommodating 1,400 for receptions and many boasting ocean views and terraces. Surprisingly, the business center is a self-service affair. The neighboring arena holds 10,000 people. Guests pay for self parking and valet service.
All of the accommodations offer breezy tropical decor, pastel carpeting, two phones, TVs, added high-speed Internet access for a fee, minibars, coffeemakers 
and ocean views. Bamboo accents, hardwood furniture and bold patterned fabrics and coordinated ocean-hue color schemes are standard. Premium rooms feature upgraded amenities and a lounge with the usual perks.
Room service operates until 11 pm, and the staff functions smoothly. Pets are not allowed.
As is the case with most properties here, rack rates triple and a five-day minimum stay is required during race week and other festivals. This property lacks the calm and relative sophistication of the historic Plaza Resort & Spa, but it is a better hotel overall.
