Beachfront Art Deco Hotel: Reviewing the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club Miami, An Autograph Collection hotel

If you are looking for an art deco retreat in Miami Beach, you should stay at the Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club. It offers comfy rooms, luxury amenities, and easy beach access via the Boardwalk.

Lobby & Check In Process

Our check-in experience left something to be desired. As a Marriott Titanium Elite member, I arrived at the hotel at 12:30 PM, well within the early check-in window typically extended to elite guests. Upon reaching the front desk at 12:45 PM, I was informed that my room would not be ready until 4 PM. I had originally reserved a 2 Queen room in the main tower, but fortunately, the staff was able to accommodate me in the Oceanfront Tower—a welcome upgrade, as it offers enhanced views and a more refined atmosphere.

The lobby itself is thoughtfully designed, blending art deco influences with modern touches. A standout feature is the lobby bar, which offers ample seating and serves as an inviting space for evening gatherings. That said, the front desk area could benefit from additional seating, especially considering how busy the hotel becomes during peak check-in hours.

Room Design & Condition

We stayed in a 2 Queen room located in the Oceanfront Tower, which offers a more elevated experience compared to the hotel's main tower. At 352 square feet (32 square meters), the room felt compact but thoughtfully appointed. It featured two comfortable and exceptionally clean beds, each with a medium-firm mattress that appeared to be recently replaced—providing a good balance of support and softness.

Each bedside was equipped with a nightstand and an integrated wall light suitable for both reading and ambient lighting. The room also included a well-stocked minibar and a large television. The minibar area featured a coffee station complete with a machine, cups, sugar/stirrer packs, and two complimentary bottles of water. Additional beverages, such as Aqua Panna for $3 per bottle and a mini fridge stocked with liquor, were available for purchase. However, the fully stocked minibar presented a challenge: with limited space, I struggled to refrigerate the food I had brought from home, resorting to placing items on top of the canned beverages.

The bathroom was a highlight, offering L’Occitane toiletries, a stylish vanity, and clean finishes. There was also a compact closet with hooks and a convenient steamer provided. A private balcony offered a beautiful view of Miami Beach and its iconic boardwalk. Unfortunately, the serene setting was interrupted by loud construction noise from the adjacent Andaz hotel undergoing renovations—detracting somewhat from the otherwise relaxing ambiance.

One unexpected issue was a subtle vibration felt when sitting on the chair or bed, seemingly caused by a malfunctioning A/C unit. It's worth noting that on a prior visit—when staying in the main tower—I encountered a pronounced mold-like odor in the room. Thankfully, that issue was not present during this stay in the Oceanfront Tower.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning a stay at the Cadillac Hotel, be sure to request a room in the Oceanfront Tower. The accommodations are noticeably superior in both comfort and condition.

Pool Area

The pool area at the Cadillac Hotel captures a distinctly Miami Art Deco atmosphere, complemented by the vibrant Bungalow Beach Bar, which adds a lively touch to the setting. While the design is visually appealing, the pool itself could benefit from modernization, especially considering the hotel's position as a luxury property within the Marriott Autograph Collection.

One key issue is the inconsistent water temperature. During this stay, the evening of check-in offered a pleasant, comfortably warm pool experience. However, on previous visits, I’ve found the water to be uncomfortably cold—making it difficult to enjoy extended time in the pool.

The hotel also offers a second pool designated as a relaxation area, exclusively for guests aged 21 and older. While this adults-only space is a thoughtful addition, overall, the pool experience felt somewhat underwhelming, especially when compared to the elevated standards I’ve encountered at other Autograph Collection properties.

Parking

Parking at this hotel has plenty of options, but it is slightly challenging to find a spot. One option is on site Valet Parking which costs $49 per night which is the most convenient option.

Second option: There is a parking lot on 39th St which costs $45 overnight and it is 2 mins away walking from the Cadillac hotel. To get here via walking, exit the hotel and turn left where the Donna Mare restaurant is, walk and cross 39th St where Donna Mare's corner is, once you crossed the street, you will see a liquor store in the corner, like the first half of the sidewalk, cross across Collins Ave via the crosswalk near the liquor store which is 1 door down and then turn right and the crosswalk is there, once you crossed Collins, you will see a yellow tower named Four Freedoms House, turn right once you crossed, and then turn left on the other corner onto 39th St, continue and halfway on the street, you will see the lot.

Those are my favorite two options to park at the Cadillac hotel.

Dining

The Cadillac Hotel offers a solid selection of on-site dining options, providing both convenience and variety for guests.

Donna Mare Trattoria, the hotel’s signature Italian restaurant, serves breakfast and dinner. On past visits, I’ve enjoyed memorable dinners here—the steak, in particular, was excellent. During this stay, I had the opportunity to try breakfast at Donna Mare. As a Marriott Titanium Elite member, I was offered the choice between 1,000 Bonvoy points or complimentary breakfast, and I opted for the breakfast.

The hotel provided vouchers for a Continental Breakfast, which included coffee, orange juice, a fresh fruit bowl, and pastries. The hostess mentioned the option to upgrade to the full breakfast buffet for $38 per adult. Although I didn’t upgrade this time, I was pleased with the quality of the Continental selection. The fruit bowl included watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya, green melon, and pineapple—each item fresh and flavorful. On a previous visit, I had upgraded to the buffet and found it to be well worth it, offering a generous spread of eggs, pancakes, fruit, and more. Service at Donna Mare was great.

One downside is that Donna Mare is closed for lunch, which can be inconvenient if you're arriving midday or hoping for a full-service meal during those hours.

For lunch and casual dining, the hotel’s Bungalow Beach Bar is the alternative. Located near the main pool area, it features an American-style menu with options such as Chicken Lollipops and Calamari. While I haven’t personally dined at Bungalow despite staying over 20 nights at the Cadillac, it remains a convenient option for poolside or beachfront meals.

The hotel also offers in-room dining, with menus served by both restaurants. Donna Mare provides room service during dinner hours, while Bungalow covers all-day dining. The difference in cuisine is notable—Donna Mare’s offerings are Italian-inspired, whereas Bungalow leans toward classic American fare.

Conclusion

The Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club delivers a quintessential Miami Beach experience with a strong Art Deco aesthetic, beachfront access, and several appealing amenities. Its standout features include the Oceanfront Tower rooms, which offer upgraded comfort and beautiful views, as well as solid dining options like Donna Mare and the Bungalow Beach Bar. The property also benefits from its location—steps from the beach and the Miami Beach Boardwalk.

However, for a Marriott Autograph Collection property, certain aspects fall short of expectations. The inconsistent pool temperature, limited mini fridge space, minor in-room maintenance issues, and absence of lunch service at the main restaurant detract from the overall luxury experience. That said, elite Marriott members may appreciate the breakfast perks, and thoughtful touches like L’Occitane toiletries and Art Deco design details elevate the stay.

With a few adjustments, the Cadillac Hotel has the potential to rival the best in its class. Until then, it remains a stylish, comfortable, and convenient option for travelers looking to enjoy the charm of Miami Beach—especially if you can secure a room in the Oceanfront Tower