Arrival/Check-In: Miami in August can be draining—intense heat and frequent storms make travel unpredictable. My flight into Miami ended with a dramatic aerial view of a large thunderstorm, so I was relieved to reach the Blue Moon after a long workday and evening of travel. The South Beach hotel is easy to find if you know the cross streets, though street signage is limited. I was greeted warmly on arrival; Alexis handled my check-in and David escorted me to my room. Their hospitality felt genuine and especially welcoming after a tiring day.
Guest Quarters: My room was located on the first floor of the building adjacent to the lobby and bar. I later learned this section was once the separate Merv Griffin property. The room felt comfortable rather than cramped, with décor that complemented the hotel’s Art Deco exterior. A large blue moon above the bed served as a focal point. A long desk provided a reliable workspace, and the room included a small fridge, a stocked minibar and a Keurig coffee maker. The recent renovation showed most clearly in the bathroom, which felt modern and spacious.
Services/Amenities: The Blue Moon features a full bar, a restaurant with poolside seating and an inviting front patio lounge overlooking Collins Avenue. While there is no on-site fitness center, the hotel partners with nearby gyms for guests who prefer indoor exercise. Runners will appreciate the hotel’s location—just a block from Ocean Drive and the Atlantic—in the heart of South Beach’s Art Deco district. Dining and nightlife options are abundant along Collins and Ocean Drive. Valet parking is provided; during my stay I found that calling ahead ensured my car was ready and parked close by, which was helpful since local streets were under construction.
South Beach is a magnet for people-watching, and Lincoln Road—an open-air shopping and dining promenade under a mile from the Blue Moon—is an ideal place to browse upscale shops and casual eateries. Beachgoers will also find convenient stores near Collins Avenue for essentials and souvenirs.
The Experience: As part of the Autograph Collection, the Blue Moon delivers attentive service and a comfortable stay. Its proximity to the beach, Lincoln Road and central Miami made it convenient for both leisure and business commitments. I would happily return on a future trip; for business visits I would plan for a cooler season to avoid the peak summer heat.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet — yes
Less than 10 minutes for check-in — yes
Separate tub and shower — no
Large vanity — no
High-quality towels — yes
Powerful, unattached hair dryer — yes
High-quality bed linens — yes
Large, flat-screen television — yes
Large desk with convenient outlets — yes
Large, complimentary laptop safe — yes
Complimentary in-room WiFi — yes
Complimentary bottled water — yes
Stocked minibar — yes
Ample lighting — yes
In-room coffeemaker — yes
Iron and ironing board — yes
On-site restaurant — yes
24-hour room service — yes
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center — no (local gym partnerships available)
Turn-down service — yes
Blue Moon Hotel
944 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel 305 673 2262
autograph-hotels.marriott.com