Disappointing Stay at the Cardozo Hotel — Much Lower Than Expected
We planned our wedding for the week of October 31st and wanted an intimate celebration with just 20 family and friends. As Miami locals, we walk past the Cardozo almost every weekend during our power walk and have stopped in several times over the years for drinks and food at the Estefan Kitchen. We’ve always admired the charm of the property, so we chose it as the hotel for our six guest couples joining us for the weekend. Unfortunately, the experience fell far short of what we expected — and certainly below the standards the Cardozo projects.
When we arrived on Thursday evening, October 30th, there was no valet on duty. Inside, the front desk attendant (possibly Kimberly) informed us there was no bellman working — and surprisingly, not even a luggage cart available for guest use. We had to carry our own bags through the lobby. This set the tone for a weekend filled with service shortcomings.
On Friday, after our ceremony, our group gathered on the terrace to relax. After sitting for about 30 minutes without being greeted or offered menus, a staff member named Augustina abruptly informed us that the terrace was only for restaurant patrons and insisted we move to the back patio, where smokers congregate. Despite politely explaining that we were hotel guests and had already been seated, her tone was curt and unwelcoming. When we asked for menus, they took nearly an hour to arrive — long after the moment was ruined.
Throughout our stay, we repeatedly encountered poor service. Our room keys stopped working Sunday morning. Although the front desk fixed them, a security guard rudely ordered us and other guests out of the elevator without explanation or courtesy. Again, no valet was available despite signage suggesting otherwise.
Maintenance was also an issue: a screw came loose from the floor, and the shower gel dispenser fell off the wall overnight. We reported both on Saturday morning, but neither was fixed by Sunday checkout.
We also asked the front desk twice to have a manager call us about these concerns. Both times we were told no manager was on duty but that a message would be passed along. We never received a call during our stay. After returning home, we even sent a personal note to Gloria Estefan — but received no response to that either.
The only positive experience was a kind, professional server at the Estefan Kitchen who provided breakfast on Saturday. Beyond that, the stay was consistently disappointing — especially given the Cardozo’s reputation and ownership.
Future guests should know that the restaurant, lobby bar, and front terrace are not accessible to hotel guests unless dining there, despite how the property markets itself. Transparency would help set expectations appropriately.
Our wedding weekend was otherwise beautiful, but the Cardozo was undeniably the low point. The hotel has potential, but it suffers from poor management, inattentive service, and a lack of basic guest care.
If you choose to stay here, significantly lower your expectations.
