Next month, Pete and I are heading stateside again for a bit of relaxation. We’re going to Florida, home of the snow birds and heading for some poolside chillout time at a villa with our friends via Orlando and some theme park fun, then rounding off the trip with a bit of grown up time in Miami.
I’ve wanted to visit Miami for a while now, to see the Deco architecture and enjoy the ocean views teamed with city life, although I’m not sure if I might find it a bit Vegas-esque. You don’t know until you have been though, so off we go.
This is going to be the only part of the holiday when Pete and I will be alone and we’re planning a bit of luxury so I thought I would share a selection of Miami hotels that have caught my eye to offer options for every budget and style, and ask you guys if you had been to any, or if you had any recommendations.
First up, The Standard Spa. How could you not want to visit there when faced with those views?
That said, I’m always a little wary of a spa hotel. Given that we rarely make use of the spa facilities (due to often extortionate pricing,) it seems a bit of a waste. The website also doesn’t really try to sell the rooms, instead focusing on the spa areas and that’s always a big factor for me when I’m going away.
The Mondrian looks pretty incredible, with the decor we’ve come to associate with the Morgans Hotel group. We stayed at The Hudson in New York so know it’s a great vibe.
Designed by Marcel Wanders (did you see his collection with Marks and Spencer?) the decor is glamourous, over the top and tongue in cheek. It’s gone straight to the top of my wish list.
The Betsy is more of a classic colonial style hotel with luxurious touches. I’m put off by the courtyard pool but everything else about it’s quietly refined and elegant as you would expect from a landmark hotel.
Lastly, Townhouse Miami looks like a fun budget hotel option. There’s no pool but the decor is fresh and bright and there’s a decked rooftop if you can’t manage the very short walk to the beach. We could have stayed there for just over £400 for three nights which is great value, particularly if you don’t plan to spend much time in the room anyway.
So, have you got anywhere else I should look or can you recommend one of these options?
Love,
Rebecca
xo
ooooooooh, I LOVE Miami! I am SO jealous! We stayed at the Four Seasons when we went back in 2007 because I was working for Lehman Brothers and one of the perks was seriously discounted rates on all the business hotels for personal travel. I tried to book the Shore Club but it was fully booked.
Miami is one of those places that looks, feels, smells and sounds EXACTLY like the scenes you imagine in your head on the plane.
The only recommendation I have is do your research on the location of the hotel if you’re planning to go out a lot. When I say it’s just like you imagine, that means the “vice” in Miami Vice is quite real!
Also – order small – the portions are the hugest I’ve ever eaten in all my visits to the States. We had to cancel our mains at one restaurant as the starters were so huge both mine and hubby’s rather large appetites were beaten by a single sharing starter!
P.S. I missed the point of this whole post in my excitement – The Four Seasons was lovely but was in the CBD and so quite far away from Ocean Drive etc and required a taxi to and from the area after dark!
These all look lovely, I hope you have a lovely holiday – £400 for 3 nights isn’t my idea of “budget” though!
I have been to Miami for precisely 9 hours on a work trip back in 2007 and i have been wanting to go back ever since. In those short hours I managed to check out the gorgeous beach, eat sushi at a gorgeous restaurant and do some shopping! I really liked the vibe. We are actually thinking about going next year (depending on funds!) Oh and I remember seeing dogs being pushed around in prams with sunglasses on – yes really!!! Have a fab time! xxx
Ah Miami… Where the heat is ON! I have a love hate relationship with the city in that I work for a US company who’s head office is there. I’ve been there on numerous occasions but only twice for a holiday.. And once was only for the night before we headed off on a cruise (not our usual choice of hol but a work perk we couldn’t turn down!).
Of the hotels on your list, The Standard is amazing. Smack bang in the middle of Miami Beach (you definately want to stay at the beach and not Bayside or in the CBD) it’s perfect for nightlife and strolling Collins and Lincoln Avenue in the day.
I love the Delano. Another Morgans group hotel, the vibe is great as is the pool (and the Mojitos). You must try and eat at Mr Chows… Some of the best Chinese food I’ve ever had.
The city itself is a little Meh for me (perhaps its because its SO Hispanic I felt like an outsider) but… I loved using it as a base to explore more of Florida (Sanibel island, Clearwater, St Petes, Ft Lauderdale and The Keys) its definately worth passing your own judgement on though as you say.
It is great that you are taking in the Orlando parks and a Villa too. The perfect Florida getaway!
The other place to go is Joe’s Stone Crab (there was one in Vegad in Caesars but its better to go to the real deal).
Hope this helps a little! So jealous of some sun. Wonder if I can persuade Hubbie that its a GOOD idea to take a 12-week old on a 9 hour flight. Maybe not…!
Erin x
Omigod…*swoon*
I’m mega jealous!! How exciting!!
I won’t be far behind you travelling state side – I’m off to NYC for Christmas! Can’t wait to read all about this when you’re back!
Have a great time.
Ax