the strand hotel review + a few reactions to sobe

we are just back from a 3 nite getaway at the strand. I booked a junior suite for my husband and myself. we are a couple in our mid-30%26#39;s who were looking mostly for pool and beach time, in a place that caters to couples more than families. I requested a room in the contemporary (pool) building per advice on this forum, but was told at check in that ';there were no junior suites in that building'; (?) and that the retro building was all that was available. hmmm. didn%26#39;t make fuss about this. room was not ready at 3pm. (official check in is 4 there.) stowed bags and went and had huge mojito to start trip off right.

the good: the room was spacious and clean, the bathroom was roomy, modern and nice. the room%26#39;s ipod dock was a nice touch. the bad: jackhammers and other loud noise on thursday, friday and even saturday (!) morning, starting at 6:30 to 7 AM, from the construction at the clevelander next door. it didn%26#39;t ruin our trip, because we can both sleep through almost anything, but if it would ruin yours, beware. I knew about the construction, but didn%26#39;t expect to be so close to it.

all in all, I%26#39;d book this place again (post construction) purely for the rooftop pool, which was gorgeous, overlooking the ocean. pleasant in the afternoon and surprisingly uncrowded in the early evening on thurs. and fri., a gorgeous place to have a drink and a romantic swim. btw, I saw only 2 kids the entire time we were at the pool. It%26#39;s just as pretty as it looks on the web.

the pool area has bottled water, virgin frozen fruit drinks, popcorn and apples available, gratis. an attendant will fetch lunch from a cafe below, but you%26#39;ll pay $90 for lunch for two with drinks. ouch.

overall, the costs do add up quickly. you%26#39;ll pay about $50 in taxes/resort fee each day on top of your room rate, plus $35 a nite to park your car at the strand. Drinks are $7 for a beer and $14 for a mixed drink at most places on ocean drive. so do take advantage of happy hours and 2 for 1%26#39;s.

check your bills: don%26#39;t do what we did the first day and miss that they add in a tip on your bill before presenting it to you at most places in sobe.

next time I will shop harder for a cheaper rate online and be pickier about insisting on which room I get. also, I will not pay $100 extra for friday night. we had just as much fun during the week.

food: we enjoyed a good dinner meal at lario%26#39;s (despite mixed reviews here, their ceviche and shrimp and fish creole style were delicious. wouldn%26#39;t have wanted to dine inside, though. we lucked into a nice outside table under an alcove.) we also had a nice dinner at a casual place on hispanola way. check that area out. do avoid the tourist places on ocean drive. for an inexpensive breakfast, check out mom%26#39;s ny pizza on 11th street, around the corner from the strand. they will make you a yummy breakfast sandwich with orange juice for $5. Their pizza was good too, and there%26#39;s a store next door to get beer. Tasted great at that rooftop pool. Lots of people bringing own drinks up there in plastic cups. Not a problem.

btw, we did not go clubbing: we considered it, but didn%26#39;t realize the clubs don%26#39;t even get the party started til 12. after a day in the sun and some mojitos, you may find you%26#39;re ready for some fun before then, too.

we love key west; it%26#39;s much more casual, much less expensive, and has live music and dancing all hours of the day. but sobe is an interesting and beautiful alternative for a few nights, expecially for the beach.

the strand hotel review + a few reactions to sobe

KW%26gt;

Thanks so much for such a detailed report. Updated info like this keeps the forum fresh.

Hope you%26#39;ll come back to town again...

AG

the strand hotel review + a few reactions to sobe

Great trip report. Thank you!