The problem with planning a trip to Miami is not finding a hotel, it’s trying to decide on which one, as there are over 15 Virtuoso properties in the Miami area!  So during my 3 night trip in January, I was thrilled to visit several, so that I could understand how to match the right property to my client.

To the beach!

My home hotel was the Faena, centrally located on Miami Beach. If you like technology, then you’ll love this hotel, which doesn’t even have buttons in the elevator.  You enter your floor number and then a private elevator arrives to whisk you nonstop to your destination.Rooms have high tech toilets and central control panels for lighting.  My spacious junior suite could really be called a 1 bedroom as it had a door separating the living area.

The ‘wow’ factor:  a $16M gold-plated woolly mammoth on prominent display in the garden.

No guessing which hotel this is!

The Miami Beach EDITION, a Ritz-Carlton hotel, was a just a few minutes down the beach walk.  The rooms have a minimalist style, perfect for the beach.   Rooms in the bungalow section overlook the retro pool, and include bi-level loft suites with over 1500 sq ft of space for families.

My clients will enjoy their complimentary breakfast here.

I loved the lush grounds which offered plenty of shade, a lovely deck overlooking the main pool, an outdoor poolside bar, and sandy play area for kids.  The fun continues inside with a bowling alley and the smallest ice rink I have ever seen!  A great option for families with kids of all ages.

Parents will strike it big when the kids see this.

When you enter The Setai, you’ll want to stay here even before seeing the rooms, as the lobby lounge and restaurant are stunning.

I could have stayed here all night.

No worries, though, as this all-suite hotel offers spacious luxury suites with kitchens (starting at 600 sq ft), plus 3 infinity pools, and the best views in Miami Beach, since it was built before height restrictions were put in place.

The worst suite you can get at The Setai.

And the best, the 40th floor Penthouse with gorgeous panoramic views.

Upgrade your stay by booking into the Ocean Suite Tower, and you’ll get a 45 min spa treatment, beverages replenished in your suite daily, and complimentary valet parking and car service.

For travelers seeking a quieter beach location, then Acqualina Resort is your dream come true, on Sunny Isles Beach about 30 minutes away from Miami Beach.   It’s just as fantastic, but it’s a residential area without a oceanside promenade, so guests practically have the beach to themselves.

Watch the kids without getting sand between your toes!

Acqualina features some of the largest residential style suites available in the area, in up to 4 bedroom configurations, so it’s perfect for an extended family. And on property amenities include a beachfront grill only available to guests, who can dine by the water or by the pool.

I’d say “home away from home” but my home doesn’t look anything like this.

Suite dreams!

All ages will be happy with amenities including 3 oceanfront pools, the 20,000 sq ft ESPA spa, and AcquaMarine, an innovative ( and complimentary)  marine biology-based children’s program.

If you need me, I’ll be here.

My clients receive the following Virtuoso amenities at these resorts (and sometimes more) when I book their stay:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests
  • $100 Hotel credit
  • Early check-in/late check-out,subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

My trip wasn’t all work and no play.  I got to enjoy an educational and yummy food tour…

When I saw this at the first stop on our food tour, I regretted having breakfast.

…then headed out to the Everglades with some Brownell Travel buddies to see alligators and ride an airboat.

You don’t have to tell me twice.

I highly recommend staying  long enough to enjoy some of the many fun activities Miami has to offer.  It’s important to book early, especially for peak periods like the holidays!

My 10 min of beach time at days’ end.