Are you looking for an affordable beach hotel right in the heart of Miami Beach? The Marriott Vacation Club Pulse South Beach is a reasonably-priced, conveniently located option.
Miami is one of my favorite East Coast cities. It’s easy to get to, offers delicious restaurants, is right on the beach, and is the gateway to many fantastic cruise lines. This fall, when getting ready to sail on the Celebrity Summit, we decided to book a night stay at the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse South Beach on Miami Beach.
The Marriott Vacation Club Pulse South Beach is conveniently located in the South Beach district, right on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach. It’s a quick walk right down to the beautiful beach, and there are so many fantastic restaurants, bars, and shops just steps away. It really does feel like you are in the center of the action.
We enjoyed our stay at the hotel, and would definitely plan to stay there again when visiting Miami Beach or when sailing out of the Miami Cruise Port.
Disclosure: We paid for our stay at the hotel. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no cost to you. All opinions are my own.
The Bottom Line: This is a great value, with a convenient location near the public beach, and beautiful room decor. It’s a fantastic destination for a Miami Beach vacation. Book your stay here.
Review of the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse Miami Beach
Location of the Hotel
The Marriott Vacation Club Pulse Miami Beach is located right on Ocean Drive, in the heart of Miami Beach. This part of Ocean Drive is pedestrian-only, so you won’t be able to get dropped off right at the entrance if arriving by Uber or cab.
The hotel is about a half hour from Miami International Airport and twenty-five minutes from Port Miami. We landed at MIA and were at the hotel within 45 minutes!
On this area of Ocean Drive, you’ll just be able to cross the street to the beach. There are also lots of great restaurants and bars within walking distance of the hotel. Once you are at the hotel, you won’t really have to drive out unless you want to. It’s a fantastic location.
Are you driving to the hotel? There is no parking onsite, but you can utilize valet parking starting at $48.15 per night (prices are subject to change). You can also find nearby garages. It’s best to contact the hotel directly for options before your visit so you know exactly where to drive.
Rooms at the Hotel
Upon entering the hotel, I was immediately impressed with the beautiful beachy decor. This carries on through to the guest rooms. Expect coastal-themed, comfortable rooms with clean, blue accents.
Room types include the following:
- Guest room with one queen bed
- One queen bed studio with a sofa bed
- Two queen bed studio
- Two queen bed studio with a sofa bed
- King bed studio with a sofa bed
- Two bedroom suite with two bathrooms
We booked the king-bed studio with a sofa bed. It was a great size for two people, but would probably feel a little small for a family (for longer than a few days).
Room amenities included free Wi-Fi, a mini fridge, a coffee maker, a microwave, dishware, a hair dryer, and a television. Each room also contains a beach cart with towels, a large umbrella, and beach chairs that can be brought across to South Beach. While you won’t be able to really prepare a full meal in the room, you can have snacks and heat up leftovers. There are no destination fees (resort fees) at this property.
Amenities of the Hotel
As a vacation club property, this hotel offers some amenities that are great for an extended stay. This includes microwaves and mini-fridges in the rooms, as well as laundry facilities on the first floor off the lobby.
On the day we were at the hotel, there was a complimentary happy hour in the lobby. Other activities take place throughout the week. During our stay, the small lobby was lively during happy hour, but not overly crowded.
They also offer free coffee in the mornings. A concierge in the lobby can help you book any activities and restaurant reservations.
As a hotel guest, were offered a discount at the attached Havana 1957 Cuban restaurant and decided to dine there. I would highly recommend it.
In addition to some fantastic decor, this restaurant offers a large selection of authentic Cuban entrees and appetizers, including ceviche, shrimp, and yuka. We enjoyed our meal here.
Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Since it was raining during our visit, we had to eat indoors. I would recommend dining outdoors if possible, because it can be fun sitting along Ocean Drive.
Havana 1957 also offers breakfast and lunch, in addition to dinner. While we only had dinner there, I would love to return to have breakfast as well.
Things to Do at the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse Miami Beach (and Nearby)
Visit South Beach: you’ll want to take advantage of the stunning location across from South Beach. Load up your beach cart and head over to the beach for a day of fun in the sun. Or you could choose to visit the beach just part of the day, and spend the rest of the day doing something else.
Explore Ocean Drive and South Beach: This stylish, Art Deco neighborhood is very trendy, with fantastic nightlife. It’s a great place to walk, people-watch, and enjoy the sunshine. There are also plenty of great restaurants, bars, and beach shops along the way.
During our short stay at the hotel, we decided to spend the evening on South Beach. We walked along the Ocean Drive until it started to rain. In the morning, I enjoyed taking a walk on the street in the quiet hours and stopped to get a delicious Cuban coffee at a nearby coffee shop.
Miami Children’s Museum: You’ll need to drive to this museum from the hotel, but it’s a great option for families with younger children.
Lincoln Road Mall: This large outdoor shopping complex offers restaurants, shops, theaters, and more. You can easily spend a morning or an afternoon there.
Bayside Marketplace: A two-story marketplace with shops and restaurants, along Biscayne Bay. The Skyviews Miami observation wheel is also located right near this area and offers beautiful views of the Miami waterfront.
I enjoyed my stay at the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse Miami Beach. It’s an affordable hotel, offering pretty rooms, a fantastic location, and nice beach amenities.
To learn more and book your stay, click here.
