Shelborne South Beach

Shelbourne is ok. I did not host my wedding here. It is a beautiful venue with great catering. A little expensive, but ok. That is why it has three stars. The reason it does not have five stars is because of the service. In December I contacted Shelbourne and Carlos (who was very nice) was very helpful. We gave me a proposal and I told him I would contact him after the holidays and we could get a contract. Ok, it's January, holidays all over. I email Carlos. After a week, no reply. I try again, not batting an eyelid since I understand how busy things can get. No reply. I keep emailing him every week or two. No reply. Until LATE FEBRUARY, THE 27th. He replies and I am so relieved. By now I have started looking into other venues. He informs me that there is a new menu for 2018 and that my previous picks are no longer valid. So I pick an entirely new menu and we email back and forth until I finally figure stuff out. When it is time for him to get a proposal, he disappears. Kinda literally. Again, I email him every week until late March. He told me that sorry they have been doing some renovation. I say OK since as I've stated before I understand how things can get really busy specially when you're owning a business and there are important things going on like renovation. So we talk back and forth again figuring some things out since he was worried my space wouldn't be renovated in time for my September wedding. AND HE DISAPPEARS AGAIN. I'm really worried of because my wedding is in five months and I need to know where my wedding is going to be before I do anything else. I keep emailing him every week or so in April. Now it's May.... I email him on May 13 and he replies pretty quickly. But by now I have figured stuff out with another venue since I decided that I cannot risk him disappearing again and me being a month away from the ending without a venue. So I say give them a chance but a) make sure to also be talking with other venues even while finalizing details with Shelbourne. Also don't be shy to email them often if they are not replying, like I was. Make sure that someone will be able to talk to you so you can actually get a contract ready and book.

I had my wedding at the Shelborne South Beach 2 weeks ago. After 6 mths of planning the wedding day itself was smooth, flawless and perfect!! The venue has the Art Deco vibe I was looking for and the Oasis Garden was the perfect size and location to host the 90 guests that I had. There was plenty of room for a buffet, raw bar, 2 bars, dance floor, photo booth, cigar roller and all the other amazing elements that we had at our reception. We even had chandeliers hanging over the dance floor which looked incredible! The Shelborne catering director Carlos Velez could not have been more amazing. He is so experienced in the wedding industry in Miami and knows how to deliver exactly what you want for your special day. No matter what your vision is...Carlos will make it happen!! He knows all the best vendors and every recommendation he gave me was spot on! I had very specific requests for food and alcohol and wanted things "just right" for my guests. Carlos made sure that all of my sometimes "high maintenance" requests were granted. He went out of his way to organize a tasting for us and was always available by cell or email. He is patient and professional but also has a great sense of humor and can help even the most anxious bride feel comfortable and well taken care of. The food at my reception (especially the raw bar) was absolutely amazing! Even the most discerning and jaded New Yorkers in the group could not stop raving about how fabulous all the food was. All of my guests who stayed at the Shelborne had a fantastic time as well. They loved hanging at the private pool cabanas and having drinks in the Drawing Room. The Shelborne staff were all so friendly and professional with all my guests and truly made them feel welcomed and important. The wedding weekend flew by so fast for me and my husband but I am so glad that we got the chance to work with Carlos and to have our celebration at the Shelborne. It was an unforgettable time and the best weekend of my life!!

We got a good deal to stay here BUT unfortunately as the bride and groom, we got the smallest room with a horrible view, while others in our group had ocean view and bigger rooms. We felt as if we should have been given a better room since it was our wedding weekend but I guess they did not pay attention to that detail. We were able to get a discount because of the oversight on their part. Another issue was that they lost the groom's parent's suit and dress right when we got to the hotel. It took almost an hour for them to relocate them. They also charged extra vehicles and days for the valet so make sure you check your invoice before you pay! The facilities were clean and nice. Everything has been renovated. It is very expensive to stay there normally, but if you have the money, its a good location and it is a very beautiful hotel.

We chose the Shelborne based on its new renovations and location. It is located on one of the best parts of the beach, the pool is gorgeous and the restaurants are great. My guests were very happy with all of the amenities. Melina did a fantastic job in planning our wedding there and held our hand every step of the way. The wedding process is usually tough from what I am told, but Melina made the whole process painless and a joy. The ballroom space was plentiful and the food was outstanding. Definitely consider this place for your wedding and ask for Melina.