So I’m turning 30 in the middle of February and I want to take a trip someplace warm: Miami and do it up right. I want to stay in an awesome, pampering, no-holds-bared hotel. I’d prefer something that wasn’t over the top pretentious (think Mandarin Oriental not SOHO Grand if you feel me). I’d been thinking the Four Seasons (they have a nice promotion going on too…) but it is the “business district” and I wondered if maybe we want to stay someplace where we wouldn’t have to get in a car to go out to dinner/explore/ect.
So dearest readers, I turn to you: where should we stay?
LOVE,
Abbey
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
The past few times I’ve planned a getaway, I’ve picked hotels based on Travel and Leisure’s website. It’s worked really well so far…
http://www.travelandleisure.com/cityguides/miami
I haven’t been to Miami in a couple of years, so I’m no help. But, I bet anywhere would be better than where I am right now on a rainy night!
I live in South Florida. I would suggest the Delano.
http://www.delano-hotel.com/
Enjoy.
We live in Coconut Grove, and it’s a fun, laid-back area. The Mayfair is in the heart of the Grove and I hear that it’s pretty good. There are tons of great restaurants (all walkable) like Petit Paris and Mr. Moes. South Beach is also amazing and a great tourist destination. Lots of beach action. (The Grove has no beaches of its own, but it is only 15 mins drive to Biscayne Bay and 20 minutes to South Beach.) Have fun! Today was 75 degrees and gorgeous!
I went to Miami over Halloween and ended up staying at The Raleigh. I liked the hotel, it’s nice without being pretentious. The pool is amazing. I will say, however, to stay far far away from the sister hotel, The Standard. We went to the spa and had a great facial, but the service was atrocious.
I also spent some time in Palm Beach antiquing and had so much fun. I actually think next time I will stay there on the beach because of the proximity to such great shops.
Have fun!
oh! SO jealous! that’s my birthday too, and i’m wishing there was a little vacation in my future! i don’t know a place to say, but i DID just read this post at seesaw designs…in case you feel like scouting on your bday!
http://seesawdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/305.html
Definitely the Delano. I didn’t get to stay there but we went for dinner. Wow! Here are some pics…
http://alittledabble.blogspot.com/2008/07/back-from-miami.html
definitely go ritz carlton if you want no holds barred pampering. i was just at the rc in palm beach and had an amazing time. there’s one right in south beach, too!
i stayed at the standard hotel. i got the spa package which was great. they have turkish bath and hydrotheraphy lab. The rooms are very private and relaxing.
My one and only recommendation is The Raleigh. Gorgeous, fun, deco, on the beach, and the most beautiful pool on the planet! Loved everything about it. http://www.raleighhotel.com/
We stayed at the Four Seasons in November for a wedding and it is a really nice hotel for business travelers, but not for a fun/relaxing vacation. It’s at least a 1/2 hour to South Beach from there and you are smack in the middle of the business district.
If you must do the Four Seasons, then stay at the one in Palm Beach. Palm Beach is much nicer than South Beach anyways.
the standard!!! yahoo! they have a bunch of pools and baths and rain showers you can use, as a hotel guest. so cool.
this is what T&L says:
Affordable Style
Hotel: Great Value—The Standard, Miami, 40 Island Ave., Miami Beach; 305/673-1717; doubles from $260
Overview: A pared-down Scandinavian-inspired spa hotel amid the stylistic exuberance of South Beach—one of André Balazs’s most unusual efforts.
Pros: Peace and quiet: the hotel hugs the calm waters of Biscayne Bay’s Venetian Causeway and has a phenomenal spa.
Cons: A bit off the beaten track for those craving the excitement of South Beach after dark.
ps. you can get cheaper rooms that $260 through kayak.com and other sites, fyi xoxo
When we went we stayed right on Ocean Drive, it was great. I would also recommend taking a day to go down to the Keys.
Stay at the Delano–great design. The Sagamore is also fun and the resturant is amazing!
Sagamore: http://www.sagamorehotel.com/index.php?page=socialMiami.php
http://www.mondriansouthbeach.com/
Since no one mentioned it.
Marcel Wanders – flawless design… I could look at it all day.
Use this link for more detailed pics.
Best!
ooh, funny. we’re going to miami in mid-february too! which happens to be my birthday also, but we’re not really going for my birthday. just kind of worked out. we’re staying at the Standard, which i think should be kind of fun. though we’re mainly staying there because it’s NOT in the no-holds-barred price range.
but we looked at this place… kind of mandarin oriental-ish no?
http://www.setai.com/
it’s our first time in Miami too… so what i’m really wondering is WHERE DO WE EAT??
Oh, mamacita! I would stay at The Setai if I were to return. I’ve heard good things. But we stayed at Gansevoort South and really loved it. It’s hard to avoid the “scene”, if you know what I mean, but this hotel is gorge and the rooftop pool is GREAT for people watching. Check it: http://www.thelilbee.com/2008/07/trip-to-miami-aka-weekend-i-starred-in.html
I live in Miami, the Standard or the new Fontainbleau.
Thank you thank you thank you for all the ideas! I’ll let you know what we end up going with!
xoxoxoxo Abbey
The Standard is fabulous, but I would cautiont that it is not in walking distance to Miami eateries, sights, etc. However, if you want to lay by the pool all day, get spa treatments and don’t mind the occiasional cab, it’s for you.
Well, hi there! You might’ve already settled on something, but I just wanted to put in my 2 cents to say that the Raleigh is stunning. I would definitely try to book there. The Delano is beautiful, but the Philippe Starck interior feels dated at this point – go for drinks or something. Also, The Hotel (formerly The Tiffany) is a little jewel and has a great roof deck. Ask for a room facing the garden if you go! xoxox
??????? ????, ?? ???? ?? ???????? ? ??????? ?? ?????. ??-????? ?? ??????? ?????
????, ??????? – ??? ?? ??? ???? 
{ 1 trackback }