Hyatt Regency Miami Review
Prior to my cruise on Virgin Voyages, I had a night in Miami. The Hyatt Regency Miami is a Category 3 property. I booked my one night for 12,000 points. The cash rates were $250/night.
The hotel is old and dated. It could use a serious refresh. That said the staff were friendly and the price with points is pretty reasonable.
It was recently in the news after its liquor license was suspended for supplying the alcohol to a drag show next door. This was in 2023, not 1923.
Location
There are a number of Hyatt properties in Miami but the Regency is probably the best located for access to the cruise terminal. It is located next to the James L. Knight Center on the Miami River in downtown Miami. It is about 7 miles from the airport.
The neighborhood is pretty bleak as of 2023 — lots of empty storefronts. However there is a Whole Foods across the street. You can also catch the Metromover if you want to access public transit.
There is a walk along the river just outside the back of the hotel. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see any manatees.
Check In
I arrived at about 5pm and there was no wait to check in. I was offered a bottle of water and told I had been upgraded to a Miami Suite One King Bed. I was provided a one page info sheet and told that Globalist breakfast was in the Riverview Bar & Grill.
The lobby feels a bit like a conference center as it is open to the conference rooms as well as the James L. Knight Center next door.
Miami Suite
I was assigned room 2034 on floor 20 facing the river.
The room is not a true suite as it doesn’t have a separate bedroom.
As you enter the room, the bathroom area is to the right separated from the rest of the room by a half wall.
The living room area has a desk (above) with coffee maker. The mini fridge is back in the bathroom area. A fold out couch faces a TV that swivels.
The bedroom is on the opposite side of the TV. There are tables on each side of the bed along with a white noise machine, extra power outlets, and a clock radio.
The two windows look like they used to be sliding doors out onto a small patio but have since been replaced with solid windows so you are not able to go outsides.
Downtown Miami is noisy and the windows kept little sound out. At one point while I was trying to fall asleep a car with a very loud stereo drove by; I could hear the lyrics of the music in my room on the 20th floor. The white noise machine helps but it doesn’t cover everything.
Bathroom
The bathroom is a strange set up. The first part of it is divided from the rest of the room with a half wall. The single sink and mirror are against a wall while to the right is an open closet space.
The open closet space has the mini fridge and a bar to hang clothes.
The only part that is doored off is the toilet and bath/shower combo. It is a tight squeeze.
Overall the Miami Suite would not be worth using a Tier Suite Upgrade.
Pool
The pool is located on the parking level and is disappointing for a hotel in Miami. It is at the same level as a busy street so it is far from peaceful. It is also quite small. It slightly looks out over the river but you can’t really see it because of the wall and trees.
There is also a basic gym on the same level as the pool.
Breakfast
As a Globalist, I had breakfast included at the Riverview Bar & Grill as there is no Regency Club (at least currently). On the weekends (including Friday), there is a buffet as well as a small selection of a la carte options.
I picked the buffet. It was better than a standard Regency Club, but not worth $32 if not included.
Overall
To be clear, the Hyatt Regency Miami is not a vacation hotel. It is generic, noisy, and dated. There is a much newer Kimpton property across the street and other more modern options around. If you want a Hyatt with a beach vibe, you’d want to try one of the South Beach options like The Confidante (soon to be a Thompson). I’ll skip the Regency next time I’m in Miami.
