If you’ve ever driven along Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach, chances are you remember the Sahara Motel. It’s hard to forget with its quirky desert theme, those big concrete camels out front, and a vibe that felt more like old-school Florida than modern Miami.
And if you’ve been Googling lately to book a stay there, you might be wondering: is the Sahara Motel still around? The answer is yes… but not really. Let me explain.
A Throwback to “Motel Row”
Motel Row in Sunny Isles Beach, circa 1950s–60s. Families flocked here for beachside vacations, with iconic themed motels like the Sahara Sunny Isles Beach FL standing out as landmarks of the era.
Back in the 1950s and ’60s, Sunny Isles Beach was lined with fun, themed motels that gave the strip its nickname, “Motel Row.” Families came down for summer vacations, spring break getaways, and weekends by the pool.
The Sahara Sunny Isles Beach FL property was one of the stars of that era, with its camels and Bedouin-style touches making it a landmark you couldn’t miss. For many people, it’s tied to childhood memories of swimming, sunburns, and sandy car rides home.
👉Sunny Isles Beach has changed a lot since the days of Motel Row.
In fact, the Marco Polo Beach Resort has been part of this history for decades—read our full story here.”
The Sahara Motel in Sunny Isles Beach, circa 1950s. Known for its camel statues and Bedouin-style entrance, the Sahara was one of the most famous stops on Motel Row along Collins Avenue.
So, Is the Sahara Motel Still Open?
Here’s where it gets a little tricky. The building is still standing, but it’s not operating as a traditional motel anymore.’
The Sahara Sunny Isles Florida has hung on while almost every other themed motel on Collins has been torn down to make way for luxury high-rises and it’s no longer open for standard hotel bookings.
So yes, you can still see the camels if you drive by, but no, you can’t check in for a weekend stay anymore.
👉 Looking for a place to stay instead? The Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort offers oceanfront rooms just down the street. Book your stay here.
Why People Still Search for It
A lot of travelers still type “Sahara Sunny Isles” or “Sahara Sunny Isles Beach” into Google when planning a trip. Some are chasing nostalgia, others just stumble across old listings. But if you’re looking for a place to actually stay, the Sahara isn’t your answer anymore.
That’s where I come in with a little tip: there’s a modern, family-friendly hotel just down the street that gives you the same beachfront vibes without the confusion.
👉 Instead of chasing outdated listings for Sahara Sunny Isles, you can book directly with a trusted Sunny Isles oceanfront hotel: The Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort.
Your Best Alternative: Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort
Instead of trying to track down the Sahara Motel for a trip back down memory lane with a little nostalgia, you can head straight to the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort & Hotel, a trusted choice among Sunny Isles hotels on Collins Ave.
Marco Polo Beach Resort in the late 1960s–70s. Today known as the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort & Hotel, this landmark has welcomed generations of families to Sunny Isles Beach with its oceanfront pool, direct beach access, and resort-style amenities.
Here’s why it’s the perfect alternative if you’re looking for:
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Sunny Isles Oceanfront Hotels 🌊 – You don’t just get a “near-the-beach” spot you’re right on it.
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Resort in Sunny Isles 🏊 – Your kids will want to stay at the pool here all day, and honestly, who could blame them as it’s also heated during the winter months and comes with a kiddie pool / wadding pool.
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Spacious Rooms (Many With Balconies) 🛏️ – Because waking up to ocean views in Sunny Isles Beach 33160 is a must.
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On-Site Dining & Poolside Bar 🍹 – Parents, you’ll appreciate this one.
Family-Friendly & Budget-Conscious 👨👩👧👦 – Perfect if you’ve been searching for cheap hotels in Sunny Isles Beach FL that still give you the resort experience.
It’s everything the Sahara Motel used to represent: fun, easy, beachfront vacation, but with the amenities and comfort you expect today from a proper beachside hotel in Miami.
👉 Ready to trade Sahara nostalgia for real ocean views? Check today’s availability
FAQs About the Sahara Motel
Is the Sahara Motel still open?
No, it’s no longer operating as a hotel.
Can I stay there?
Not in the way you could back in the day. Some nearby units are now condos, but it’s not a hotel with check-in desks and daily housekeeping anymore.
👉 Where should I stay instead?
Your best bet is the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort, one of the most affordable yet family-friendly beachside hotels in Florida right on Collins Avenue.
Skip the confusion—stay at the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort, one of the most affordable hotels in Sunny Isles Miami.
Plan Your Sunny Isles Beach Getaway
While the Sahara Motel may live on in memory (and in those iconic camel statues), your vacation deserves more than nostalgia you deserve comfort, service, and ocean views you can count on.
Stay with us at Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort, one of the top-rated resorts in Sunny Isles Beach Florida, and enjoy all the action just minutes away.
👉 Book Now & Save
Book your stay at the Ramada Plaza Marco Polo Beach Resort and enjoy oceanfront comfort, family-friendly amenities, and a beachside location designed for easy, stress-free travel.
👉 Miami & Sunny Isles Travel Guide / Things to Do
