Description: The Clevelander Hotel is a favorite of mine, though certainly not for everyone. On this girl trip, the hotel was full, so we couldn't stay and instead did the Avalon (see other entry).
Normally I come here over Labor Day Weekend, when the prices are much lower due to the frequent hurricanes. Expect to pay $89 in mid-summer but as much as $130-$230 December through June.
This hotel is situated at 10th and Ocean. The rooms are nice and big by South Beach standards, with all the usual gadgets like phone and TV, but no hair dryer. Also, don’t expect quiet; this is THE party hotel, with most rooms overlooking the pool, where nightly DJs spin until the wee hours; and don’t think you can rest up in the afternoon, because there are the infamous Splash parties, which are basically wet T-shirt competitions!!
I’m really not too into watching women parade around in bikinis, but believe me, this is a sight not to be missed. These poor women look more like ducks with fake boobs going out one direction and butt implants the other. Added to that the clear ‘stripper’ 8-inch heels and the painted one-inch-wide bikini, and you have quite a spectacle. Even I couldn’t tear myself away in a mixture of shock and disbelief (and living in Texas, I’m not easily shocked).
On this last visit, as we didn’t stay here, I took the girls to visit the pool party any way, and it was much tamer, with more regular-looking women. Maybe that’s just because it wasn’t a holiday weekend, or they have just cleaned up a little.
You can get a room that doesn't overlook the pool, but make sure you ask when you make your reservation, as there are not many of these. We did this once to try to squeeze in our afternoon naps, but it really wasn't any quieter. I would suggest just getting the pool room and getting a bird's-eye view of all the activities.
The outside bar is a great place to visit at night for a less stuffy atmosphere, but if you aren't staying at the hotel, they charge you $10 after 11pm. This is certainly more of a hook-up joint, and the DJ will play anything from house and hip-hop to chart and party favorites.
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