Sometimes being a dedicated Marriott traveler makes it easy to choose a hotel when traveling. This was not in the case of Miami Beach, each of the dozen or so Marriott branded hotel and resorts looks better than the last. Miami Beach, and browsing was really fun. Our final pick, the Cadillac Hotel and Beach Resort, is an Autograph Hotel brand, built in 2018. We chose it for the relative newness – it was rebuilt in 2018 – as well as for the mid-Beach location.
There was a lot to love: the staff we encountered were friendly and considerate, especially the housekeeping and restaurant staff. Not to mention this view from our room!
Location
The location turned out to be a winner. The Cadillac Hotel is located ten miles from Miami International Airport smack dab between North Beach and South Beach, with the citywide trolley on the street side and the Miami Beach Boardwalk on the other. Ubers and taxis were plentiful and reliable; there was no reason to rent a car. There are a few restaurants and a deli in close walking distance, but if you’re looking for nearby nightlife, you’ll need to take a 7-minute taxi ride to the South Beach clubs. That made the Cadillac seem pretty quiet, even though it was sold out.
Beach access is across the promenade. You’ll want to spend some time strolling down the palm lined beach pathway getting a glimpse at the pool areas of some of the neighboring hotel resorts. It’s also a good way to admire the brightly colored lifeguard stations. These make a seriously great photo op.
Ocean view suite
The ocean view suite indeed had an ocean view, a great one at that, with a balcony that made it worthwhile to wake for sunrise and sit outside with a cup of tea. But it was neither large nor a suite; at 350 square feet it was what we joked was European-sized. Which makes sense, because the website calls out the fact that the Cadillac Hotel is inspired “European sensibility.” There was plenty of room for suitcases and to move around, especially because at a beach resort most of your time is spent at the pool or on the sand. The long desk against the wall was nice looking and useful for a little additional table room. Set your expectations accordingly.
The bathroom was amazing with an enormous tiled shower and loads of of counter space. Lots of room to clean up from the pool or the beach and get ready to go out.
Also notable, the air handling system was amazingly efficient and quiet, and we were very comfortable in our room. That’s not always the case, even in 4- and 5-star hotels.
Dining and bar
The Cadillac Hotels breakfast buffet was absolutely among the best we’ve ever had at a Marriott-branded hotel, rivaling only the Munich and Milan Marriotts. Cold items included plentiful, fresh cut fruit: cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, and blackberries. Plain Greek style and vanilla yogurt, granola, sliced deli meats and cheeses. Smoked salmon with all the fixings: tomato, capers, red onion, and cream cheese. Bakery items included mini croissants and muffins, white and wheat bread, bagels, focaccia, and baguettes. Butter, jams, and Nutella. Then there was the hot bar: bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, roasted potatoes. And an omelette station!
The bar entertainment was extraordinary; we discovered guitarist Matty D. Please visit his Instagram – he’s immensely talented and personable, and created such a fun atmosphere that we didn’t head out to find any other Miami Beach nightlife. Good for the Cadillac for having such quality live entertainment!
Beach and pool
As befits a beach resort, there is a large outdoor pool area with a hot tub, a large family pool, and a smaller adult pool area away a bit from the the cacophony of the family pool.
Cabanas and pool service were both overpriced, but we will still spent a pretty relaxing afternoon munching on guacamole and ceviche before heading out beautiful cruise on the Biscayne Bay on a private yacht charter. 
A couple of issues we ran into: the confusion of the suite not being a suite and unclear cabana prices, so we felt we had overpaid. Half the elevators were out of order, so it took a really long time to get up and down from our rooms. And for some reason, we had a really hard time with Uber taking us back TO the airport.
Overall, the Cadillac Hotel and Beach Resort was a really great spot. Highlights were the new comfortable beds, the ocean view and balcony from our not-a-suite, the over the top morning brunch, and the location away from the biggest South Beach crowds. But it wasn’t just the great location and comfortable room with such excellent air handling – it was all the people working at the Cadillac that made the stay so great. From reception to housekeeping to the restaurant staff, we felt very welcomed and taken care of. Got to recommend this one to all of you!
