Hotwire Hotel: 3* Miami (South Beach - Oceanfront Collins) or 3.5* Royal Palm?

[P63110]

I am planning to stay in South Beach from Friday, May 6, 2011 to Sunday, May 8, 2011. I would like to stay on Collins in the Art Deco district. In the past, I have stayed at the Loews, the National, and the Royal Palm and I like the area a lot. This is a budget trip, so the Royal Palm would theoretically fit the bill as (after using the HOTWIRE link) I found out it is going for $102 (I have no doubt that it is the Royal Palm, as it is listed at 3.5* with the following amenities:

Resort

Beachfront

Fitness Center

Pool(s)

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

High-speed Internet Access

as the amenities.) I stayed at the Royal Palm back around 2005 and I remember it as okay, but not great. I am a bit skeptical with a lot of the negative reviews lately. I understand the property was just purchased and it is supposed to undergo renovations, but it sounds unlikely that they will be complete by the time I arrive. Has anyone had experience with this property lately?

The other option for these dates is a 3* for $136. Reviews are listed as "We are still gathering reviews for this property." This lists the following amenities:

Boutique Hotel

Beachfront

Fitness Center

Pool(s)

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

High-speed Internet Access

Tennis Nearby

My dilemma is choosing between these two properties. Is there any guess as to the 3*? I remember from previous threads that with all of the boutique hotels in the area, that hazarding a guess may be difficult. It seems a little counter-intuitive paying an extra $72 for a hotel with a lower star rating, but it the experience will be better I don't mind it. I will have a guest along, so I would like not to get stuck with a horrible room.

I would appreciate any thoughts!

[thereuare]

I'm not currently seeing the 3* property offered when searching HOTWIRE for your dates... are you still seeing the above on your own search? If so, are you searching HOTWIRE for more than one room or for more than the default 2adults/0children?

Thanks for using the PRICELINE and HOTWIRE links on the board.

[P63110]

Well, that's very odd. The 3* disappeared from my search results as well on Hotwire. The funny thing is, it is included in the Expedia Unpublished Rates still. (Which should be the same since it's "Powered by Hotwire".) The Expedia listing says:

3.0-Star South Beach - Oceanfront Collins Area Hotel Area

Boutique Hotel

Beachfront

Fitness Center

Pool(s)

Restaurant(s)

Business Center

Laundry Facilities

High-speed Internet Access

Golf Nearby

Tennis Nearby

Spa Services

On Expedia it's $128, and the 3.5* (Royal Palm) is $97.

Thank you for checking, it's greatly appreciated. I will continue to use the links and post my results.

[yellowdog]

P63110

Best guess for the 3.5* would be Royal Palm.

I can't see the 3* on HOTWIRE so i don't have any guess for that.

Please use the site's HOTWIRE link, and let us know how it goes or if you need any additional help with your stay.

Yellowdog.

PS. Please remember follow-up this thread with whatever you end up doing, even if you chose to book direct, cancell your trip, etc.