AC hotel Miami Beach vs Marriott Stanton South Beach?

Question

Think Ive narrowed it down to these 2- maybe throw in Royal Palms? Looking for King Bed with Balcony with ocean view. Can afford 3 nights at Stanton or 4 nights at AC. Thank you!

Answer

Great question. Both the AC Hotel Miami Beach, Marriott Stanton South Beach, and Royal Palm have their pros and trade-offs, especially when looking for a king bed with a balcony and *some kind* of ocean or beach view. Which is “better” largely depends on what you value most — views, design, location, or how much you’re willing to stretch per night.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide:

AC Hotel Miami Beach

Very modern and minimalist design, with a European “boutique meets business” feel.
Ocean-view rooms: The hotel clearly advertises “ocean view rooms and suites” with spacious balconies.
Rooftop pool: There’s a rooftop pool with panoramic views, which is a great spot for relaxing and enjoying the skyline.
Close to the beach: While not directly beachfront, it's very near; the beach is just across or a very short walk away.
Reviews are mixed regarding the balcony depending on the room — some mention the balcony overlooks another building, not always a perfect ocean panorama.
Very good value per night; because it’s slightly off the prime beachfront strip, you may stretch your budget further here (4 nights at AC might feel more “bang for buck”).

Marriott Stanton South Beach

Excellent location right on Ocean Drive, which is iconic South Beach and very walkable to restaurants, nightlife, and the beach.
They have *Oceanfront Guest Rooms* with king beds and private balconies.
Also have *Oceanview* rooms (more affordable than full oceanfront) with balconies.
Atmosphere: More classic, somewhat Art Deco / beach resort feel. Not as “sleek minimalist” as AC, but more “Miami Beach hotel with personality.”
Some guest complaints: According to reviews, balcony size and view quality vary a lot — some say they got very small balconies or views of AC units.
Parking / Resort Fees: Likely higher; be sure to check total cost. (E.g., one reviewer mentioned $48/day parking.)
Elevator delays: A few reviews mention long waits for the elevators in busier times.

Royal Palm South Beach (Tribute Portfolio)

Very stylish, more boutique-luxe / “classic Miami” feel with a more intimate property.
Some rooms / suites do have private balconies, but they are often quite small, per guest reviews.
Ocean views are not guaranteed for all rooms — many are partial ocean or downtown / Biscayne Bay views.
Pool & beach: The property has a nice pool and beach access, though some reviews say the beach chairs or umbrellas may cost extra.
Vibe: Slightly quieter than a party-heavy Ocean Drive hotel, but can also swing more “social” depending on the crowd; not ultra modern, more “timeless.”

My Recommendation Given Your Situation (3 Adults, 2 Kids, 3 Nights vs. 4 Nights)

If you want just 3 nights and want to feel right in the heart of South Beach, with that classic beach / Art Deco energy, Marriott Stanton is very compelling. You’ll get the balcony + ocean / beach feel and be right where a lot of the action is. But be careful to book a *true oceanfront balcony king* — not all rooms are equal.
If you stretch to 4 nights and want a slightly quieter stay with modern design, a reliable balcony, and good views, AC Hotel is a very smart pick. Plus, the rooftop pool is a big plus for relaxing.
If you’re okay with something a little different — maybe not full beachfront but stylish, and potentially a better long-term “place to hang out” — Royal Palm is worth a look, especially if you’re okay with partial views or smaller balconies.

A Few Booking Tips:

When booking, request a “king with ocean-front balcony” specifically, and reconfirm with the hotel. In busy times, “ocean-view” might be side-view or partial.
Use Marriott’s website or app (if you’re a member) because room maps / photos can help you pick better balconies / floors.
Check recent guest reviews (past few months) — that helps flag any construction, elevator issues, or service changes.
Consider the total cost: not just nightly rate, but also parking, resort fees, and how often you’ll use the balcony / hotel amenities.

Bottom Line: For a *walk-and-experience-everything* kind of stay, go Stanton. For a *relaxed, extended getaway with good views and style*, go AC. Royal Palm is a great third option if you're okay compromising a little on view or balcony size for a more classic boutique feel.

AC hotel Miami Beach vs Marriott Stanton South Beach?

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