My friends and I rented with Alex for our spring break, (March 16-21), and we were just happy to find something available. Alex was extremely helpful throughout the whole process and it was all simple. We had an amazing spring break and my friends have already told me that next time we have to stay in the same place again. The room was perfect with a breathtaking view of the ocean, the pool was so relaxing, and the beach was literally a hop and a skip away. The staff at the hotel was very friendly and helpful. A short cab ride or bus trip got us everywhere we needed to be. We had such a great experience and I would definitely recommend booking this place.
My wife and I rented a studio for 1 week. Clean, comfortable, and unbeatable location literally next to the ocean. Bath towels, beach towels, chair/umbrella, ironing board, etc. included. Free valet parking and wi-fi awesome. Alex was available, on top of things, and straight forward. Honest transactions start to finish. Short driving distance to South Beach and walking distance to smaller restaurants and nearby Publix. We'll be coming back.
This has to be one of the best rooms on the property and the balcony makes up for anything that's wrong. Absolutely beautiful view and we would go back again in a heartbeat. The only thing I had an issue with is that the pic's kind of lead you to believe that there are 2 beds/ 2 rooms and a futon. There was indeed enough sleeping space for 5 people though, when you put the futon down and pull out the portable single bed along with the murphy bed- it worked out just fine. I think the prices listed must be for low season as we ended up paying a bit more than that, but it worked out to be a great deal in comparison to other rooms in the building and others in the area. It's also located right on Collins Ave. and the beach... BIG Plus! There were also lots of nice little amenities like an umbrella to take down to the beach and a coffee and espresso maker along with all the other kitchen utensils you might need.
The full name for this hotel is The New Casablanca on the Ocean. My friend and I stayed in a room with twin beds. The room had a kichenette complete with stove and pans. Just like the majority of hotels in Miami, Casablanca has direct access to the beach right behind the hotel. My only complaints are about the old carpeting in the hallways and distance to everything. There are a couple of restaurants close by but everything else is in South Beach, a cab ride away with a hefty fare. If you prefer some quiet, this is the ideal spot. But for the price we paid (cab fares included), it would have been smarter for us to find a place in South Beach.
Okay, this place is great if you know what to expect from the beginning. Miami Beach is very expensive...everywhere and for everything. My husband and I were totally surprised by this considering we have travelled quite a bit. If it were not for Alex Steuben at the Casablanca Hotel on the Ocean we would be broke.
I e-mailed the owner Alex Steuben and we negotiated a price for two months. Needless to say we got a great deal but we knew what we were getting ourselves into. We got a basic studio (with kitchenette), with an amazing view on Miami Beach with one valet parking space. The studio was small with a large walk in closet and small kitchenette. The room had a huge window overlooking the beautiful beach. We woke up each morning to a beautiful sunrise (when we opened the black out curtains) and watched the sun set on the cruise boats each night.
The hotel is located on the 63rd block of Miami Beach which is about 40 blocks from the crazy/fun nightlife of South Beach. There is a grocery store nearby and a dry cleaner plus lots of other restaurants and bars. Check out sandbar on 68th (?) and Cubi Thai - decent places.
During our two month stay we cooked in a few nights a week which was nice and spent our money on big nights out in South Beach on the weekends as well as on all the other expenses that go along with being by the "fabulous" people. If we had stayed at a big fancy hotel down the way we would not have been able to afford to go out and enjoy ourselves as much. The reality is we wanted to experience SoBe not just another hotel. The studios are fully stocked with cooking utensils, hangers, towels, even beach chairs. Alex was amazing. He introduced us to the hotel staff and made sure we had everything we needed. Also, if you rent a unit from Alex it includes one valet parking space (you do have to tip the valets, which is a buck or two but this is a much better deal than paying $17 a night).
Just understand this is not a fancy hotel. It is clean, located directly on Miami Beach, about a $15 cab ride to Lincoln road. It is a historic hotel which means it is older, although the front lobby and pool area have been renovated (very nicely), but the hotel hallways are a little worn and each unit is unique and "charming". If you stay here get a room with a view - it makes all the difference.
Also, there is coin laundry and a trash chute on every floor. If you go through the hotel it is like any other place, but if you go through a private owner than you have to negotiate a cleaning schedule, parking etc. The staff is very friendly but they are not set up to hold your hand through your entire stay. There is a restaurant and bar located inside and an activities desk. Overall the location is perfect and the price is right. I recommend people go through Alex directly if you can.
Alex Steuben's contact number is: 305-710-9522. He has several units in the hotel including one on a lower floor with a huge outdoor balcony, directly facing the beach.
I stayed in the newly remodeled Casablanca Condominium for 1 week. Rooms were large and comfortable. Kitchen was fully furnished. Bed quite confortable. Walked out the back door to the beach. Close enough to walk to nearby restaurants and supermarkets. The staff at the front desk was always helpful. Car was conveniently parked by staff everytime I went in or out. A real plus with all the crowded streets. Would definitely vacation there again.
We've stayed at the Casablanca every year since our son (now a teen) was a toddler. Started off as a hotel guest in the hotel rooms and eventually found some condo owners and have rented out condo units since. This place is a gem. Every unit has a kitchenette. It's right on the beach. We watch the sun rise every morning from our room (from our bed!). The pool and beach are both great. They've done a lot to the common areas--the lobby, the restaurant area, etc.--in recent years. It just keeps getting better. But one of the best parts about this place is the neighborhood. You can walk to so many wonderful restaurants and shops (including a strip of Brazilian and Argentine places just a few blocks away), plus Publix supermerket and Walgreen's (open 24/7). The area is way more chill than South Beach but you can still do a lot of stuff outside the Casabllance without a car. And if you want to go to South Beach, you can hop on a bus. There's always a nice mix of people there, too. Two places I highly recommend in the area: Campo Argentine Steakhouse (at 69th & Collins) and Izzy's Cubi-Thai (yes, Cuban/Thai fusion) (around 65th & Collins).