Peter D.
Yelp
If you're looking to relax in South Beach, especially if you never want to leave your hotel, The Plymouth is an outstanding choice.
The Rooms.
Comfortable and stylish, with an excellent shower (pressure could be a bit better though), plenty of outlets (although two bedside tables would be better than one), and just about everything you'd want product-wise. I'd recommend springing for the pool view king; it isn't too much more than the standard room, and you're already taking out a second mortgage to pay for a vacation in South Beach, right? Is that just me?
The Staff.
The porter who greeted us wasn't offended that I wanted to carry in my own bag, and promptly offered and brought me a glass of rosé on the house. A perfect welcome to Miami Beach. The ladies at the front desk took one look at me and gave us a handicapped room, and gave my wife a pitying look. I'm not sure how I feel about that, but basically everyone that works at the hotel was nothing but nice throughout our stay. It's odd that they try and clean your rooms every evening, right when you're showering after the beach to go out, but that's not too inconvenient and I'm almost sure it wasn't because they were trying to see me naked.
The Pool.
Not always a factor when it comes to hotels, but definitely a factor in Miami. This pool is gorgeous enough that there was a literal photo shoot happening while we lounged, complete with stylists, many costume changes, and one staff member whose job it became to keep me out of photos.
The Downsides.
Just so you don't think I work for the Plymouth, it's not perfect. This joint isn't cheap, which makes the mandatory "resort fee" a little galling. Especially so because while it includes two beach chairs and towels, it doesn't include an umbrella. What are we, peasants? Also, no swim up bar? I have to walk a hundred feet or wait for the attendant to come around? This isn't the Middle Ages.
The Amenities.
That said, I appreciate that cold water and sunscreen always available at the pool. The roses delivered to our room with a weather forecast for the next day were nice I suppose, as was the guy that came and dropped off a hat...but again, I'd rather just have an umbrella without having to drop $15.
The Location.
You're on the north end of South Beach, a little away from the main drag of Ocean Road, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. You're still a short walk from the beach or Lincoln Road, and it's quieter and feels more like a vacation than a party. It's a long hike to Joe's Stone Crab, but you could use a few extra steps.
The Food.
This is what puts them over the top. The food is legitimately awesome, even when you branch out from Blue Ribbon Sushi. The presentation, the flavors, the execution...it's all on point. Sitting by the pool, we had a fresh and perfect burrata and tomato salad, great tacos, a beautiful shrimp sandwich, and (heavy as fuck) oxtail and mushroom hash for breakfast. Tater tots should always be subbed in for other potatoes. The wings are more like fried chicken than wings (breaded), but I wasn't complaining while I was eating them. The menu is fairly expensive, but absolutely standard for Miami Beach, and better than what most of the restaurants are offering for similar prices.
I'd stay here again.