This mid-size, mid-range hotel on Collins Avenue, in the heart of South Beach, makes a friendly, convenient and surprisingly affordable base for a Miami beach break – and with an impressive amount of character for a chain hotel.
Location
Positioned on the corner of 16th Street and Collins Avenue, the Hyatt Centric is within walking distance of everything you'll want to do at South Beach. A block to the north is Lincoln Road, the pedestrianised shopping street; a block south brings you to restaurant-packed Española Way and, just beyond, Ocean Drive's world-famous, neon-lit Art Deco waterfront. For the beach, simply cross Collins Avenue. The airport is 20-30 minutes away by taxi, or an hour by bus (which stops around the corner).
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The vibe
Although this stretch of Collins Avenue lays claim to exquisite Art Deco architecture, the hotel occupies a more modern and modest 10-story tower. Exit the lift at the third floor to find reception, a lounge and indeed all of the public space, with style-on-a-budget interiors (think: dark-wood veneer and plastic plants) that come across as youthful, if slightly generic. Overall, the hotel is a launchpad from which to explore South Beach and it's particularly handy for getting home fuss-free after nights out on the town.
Service
This is where the Hyatt Centric elevates itself. Service is friendly, cheerful and refreshingly informal: not what one expects from a chain. Staff gladly give honest suggestions of things to do – instead of encouraging me to stay at the on-site bar on a quiet Friday night, I was steered towards another place where I was likely to find more atmosphere. Other recommendations (such as nearby Yuca 105's Peruvian-Cuban fusion food) were also spot-on.
Bed and bath
There are 105 rooms, including two suites. Standard rooms are comfortable (although storage space is small) and come with either a king-size or pair of queen-size beds. For more space, choose a room on the upper floors, which can be up to 20 per cent larger – or, book a south-facing room on any of the top three floors, as these offer partial sea views across the rooftops. Whichever you go for, the interiors reference South Beach via subtle Art Deco touches such as retro-style tables and bedside lamps, or the gentle curves of a freestanding bar unit. Bathrooms have walk-in showers but are otherwise unremarkable.
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Food and drink
Breakfast, served at lobby-level Deck Sixteen, comes from a limited menu of omelettes, pancakes and breakfast wraps (when included in the room rate) or a wider a la carte selection enhanced with salmon toast and breakfast sandwiches. Just don't order the coffee: it's dreadful. For the rest of the day, Deck Sixteen serves light-bites (salads, chicken tenders, flatbread pizzas), cocktails (including Aperol spritzes) and wines by the glass. Not having a proper restaurant is a purposeful choice that compels guests to engage with South Beach's various cuisines.
Facilities
In keeping with the Hyatt Centric brand's focus on destination immersion, this limited-service property (or “select service”, as Hyatt prefers) minimises on-site facilities. The only noteworthy element is the third floor's open-air, rooftop pool. Instead, guests are encouraged to head out and discover the area. Helping them on their way is the small fleet of “beach cruiser” bicycles that are available to borrow, free of charge, for two-hour stints. And if all you want to do is relax? A partnership with the Loews Miami Beach Hotel across the street grants access to its gym, spa and beach club (with complimentary loungers and parasols).
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Disability access
The entire hotel is wheelchair accessible (including the pool, equipped with a lift); seven guestrooms have adapted bathrooms and other considerations for wheelchair users.
Pet policy
Pets (up to 25lbs) are welcome. There's even an astro turf dog park on the roof terrace.
Check in / check out?
Check in at 4pm; Check out at 11am.
Family friendly?
Kids are easily accommodated (and welcomed with gifts of inflatable beach balls) but there are no other facilities and no lifeguard at the pool.
At a glance
Best thing: The location – it's central to everything.
Perfect for: City slickers keen on a comfortable base from which to enjoy South Beach.
Not right for: Indulgent fly-and-flop holidays.
Instagram from: The pool deck, with the Loews Hotel's landmark tower as a backdrop.
Address: 1600 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, USA
Phone: +1 305-428-1234
Website: Hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/
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