Miami is loud. It's neon, it's traffic, and honestly, it's exhausting if you’re staying right on the beach for more than forty-eight hours. But if you head about twenty miles inland, you hit Miami Lakes, a spot that feels nothing like the South Beach chaos. Right in the heart of this planned community sits Shula's Hotel & Golf Club, a place that basically functions as a monument to the late, great Don Shula and a very specific kind of Florida luxury that doesn't feel the need to shout.
It’s a vibe.
You’ve got the 16-time winner of the PGA's "Best Renovated Course" nearby, a massive athletic club, and a steakhouse that people still travel across county lines for. But people get things wrong about this place. They think it's just a "sports hotel" or a shrine to the 1972 Dolphins. While the 17-0 perfect season is definitely baked into the DNA here, the actual experience is more about quiet palms, lush greens, and a level of service that feels weirdly personal for a resort this size.
The Senator Course: Not Your Average Resort Golf
Most "resort" golf courses are designed to be easy so the tourists don't lose all their balls and go home crying. The Senator Course at Shula’s Golf Club is different. Originally designed by Bill Watts in 1962 and later given a massive overhaul by Kipp Schulties in 2013, it’s a par-72 championship layout that actually makes you think.
They have over 500 tree-lined acres. It's green. Really green.
The classic Florida layout means you’re dealing with water—lots of it—and bunkers that seem to migrate toward your ball. If you’re playing here, you have to respect the history. This isn't just a place where locals whack balls on a Sunday; it's hosted qualifiers for the USGA and various professional tours. The fairways are manicured Bermuda grass, and the greens are usually fast enough to ruin your afternoon if your touch is off.
One thing people overlook is the practice facility. They have a full driving range, chipping areas, and putting greens that are actually representative of the course conditions. It’s a serious golfer’s spot. If you’re just looking to ride around in a cart and drink beer, you can do that, but you’ll probably card a 110 and leave feeling a bit humbled by the depth of the rough.
Staying at Shula's Hotel & Golf Club: What to Expect
The hotel itself isn't a high-rise. Thank god. It’s a boutique-style property with about 200 rooms, and they recently went through a refresh to keep things from feeling like a 1980s time capsule.
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The rooms are clean, modern, and lean into that "Florida chic" aesthetic—whites, grays, and wood tones. You’re not getting the gold-plated faucets of a Versace mansion, but you are getting a bed that actually lets you sleep and a balcony that probably overlooks a courtyard or the pool. The courtyard is the soul of the hotel. It’s got that Mediterranean-meets-tropical feel where you can actually hear the birds instead of sirens.
- The Athletic Club: This isn't a "hotel gym" with two broken treadmills and a rusty dumbbell. It’s a 45,000-square-foot facility.
- The Pool: It’s a lagoon-style setup. Very chill. Perfect for when the Miami humidity starts to feel like a wet blanket.
- Proximity: You’re walking distance to Main Street in Miami Lakes.
Main Street is sort of a hidden gem. It’s got a movie theater, a bunch of shops, and enough dining options that you don't feel trapped in the resort. It’s safe, walkable, and feels like a small town that somehow survived inside the sprawling mess of South Florida.
The Steakhouse Factor
We have to talk about the food because, honestly, the Shula name is synonymous with beef. Shula’s Steak House is located on-site and it is one of the few places left that does the "classic American steakhouse" thing without it feeling like a parody.
They serve Shula Cut steaks. This isn't just a marketing gimmick. It’s a specific spec of Black Angus beef that has to meet a certain aging and marbling criteria. The 48-ounce Porterhouse is the stuff of legends—if you finish it, you join the "48-Ounce Club." There are thousands of members, including famous athletes and people who just really, really like protein.
The interior is exactly what you want: dark wood, leather booths, and photos of the 1972 Dolphins. It’s masculine but sophisticated. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, the bar is a great spot for a martini and some appetizers. The service is "old school" in the best way possible—waiters who know the menu backward and don't need to write down your order.
Why Location Matters More Than You Think
People see "Miami Lakes" on a map and worry they’re too far from the action.
That’s actually the point.
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If you want to go to a Dolphins game at Hard Rock Stadium, you’re about 15 minutes away. If you want to head to the airport (MIA), it’s a straight shot down the Palmetto. You’re positioned perfectly between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. This makes Shula's Hotel & Golf Club a strategic base of operations for business travelers who have meetings in both counties but don't want to live out of a suitcase in a bland airport Marriott.
The "Lakes" part of Miami Lakes isn't a lie, either. The area is dotted with dozens of man-made lakes, which keeps the temperature a fraction cooler than the concrete jungle of downtown and gives the whole neighborhood a breezy, open feel. It’s one of the few places in Miami where you can actually go for a jog at 7:00 AM without feeling like you’re running through a car exhaust pipe.
Addressing the "Old" Reputation
Let’s be real for a second. For a while, Shula’s had a reputation for being a bit dated. It was the place your grandfather went to talk about the "good old days" of football.
But they’ve fought hard to change that.
The management has leaned into the "wellness" angle. By integrating the Shula’s Athletic Club—which is a legitimate community hub with yoga, spinning, and CrossFit—they’ve attracted a much younger, more active crowd. It’s no longer just a golf retreat; it’s a fitness destination. You’ll see people in their 20s training for triathlons right next to retirees working on their short game. This mix of ages gives the property a life that many static resorts lack.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
If you’re planning a trip, don't just book a random room and hope for the best.
First, check the Dolphins' schedule. If there’s a home game, the hotel will be packed and the energy will be electric, but prices will spike. If you aren't a football fan, avoid these weekends. If you are a fan, there’s no better place to be.
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Second, book your tee times well in advance. The Senator Course is popular with locals, and Saturday mornings are usually a wash if you aren't on the books weeks out.
Third, take advantage of the spa. The Spa at Shula's is surprisingly high-end. They do a lot of sports-focused massages which, after eighteen holes or a heavy lifting session at the athletic club, are basically a biological necessity.
Lastly, try the "Shula Burger" at the more casual dining spots if you aren't in the mood for a $60 steak. It’s the same quality meat but in a format that won't require a nap immediately afterward.
The Reality of the Shula Experience
Is it the flashiest hotel in Florida? No.
Is it trying to be the Fontainbleau? Absolutely not.
Shula's Hotel & Golf Club succeeds because it knows exactly what it is: a high-quality, sports-centric sanctuary for people who value privacy, good food, and a challenging round of golf. It’s for the traveler who wants the Miami weather and the Miami food but doesn't want the Miami "scene."
It’s a legacy property that has managed to modernize without losing the soul of the man whose name is on the front door. Whether you're there to shave two strokes off your handicap or just to eat a world-class ribeye in a booth that feels like a hug, it delivers.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the "Senator Course" Aerification Schedule: Before booking a golf-centric trip, call the pro shop to ensure the greens haven't been recently punched. Nothing ruins a golf vacation like putting on sand.
- Join the Graham Hospitality Rewards: If you plan on staying or eating at Shula's properties often, their loyalty program actually offers decent perks for frequent guests in the Miami Lakes area.
- Plan Your Transport: While the hotel is walkable to Main Street, you will need a car or ride-share to get anywhere else in Miami. Don't rely on public transit in this part of town; it's virtually non-existent for tourists.
- Explore the "Secret" Menu: Ask the bartenders at the steakhouse about any seasonal cuts or limited-run bourbons. They often have high-end bottles that aren't prominently displayed on the main menu.
- Look for Package Deals: The hotel almost always has "Stay and Play" packages that bundle golf, breakfast, and room rates. These are significantly cheaper than booking each component individually.