Mandarin Oriental, Miami
Downtown
COST: $$$$$
Besides the Mandarin's trademark luxury Asian touches, the reason to stay here is the view of the downtown Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. Of course, those views come with a carefully modulated elegance, evident in the design of the curvy white building and the cream-colored marble baths that open onto generous balconies. The Mandarin is located on Brickell Key, a small residential island that has fairly pedestrian condos. Still, it's within walking distance of downtown for business travelers, and has all the advantages of a waterfront resort (making it ideal for singles too). In fact, only in Miami would a Mandarin have a private man-made beach and a weekly Friday night party that rivals the social fray of South Beach. The next day, celebrants can work it all out in the soothing Asian-inspired spa.
Tip: Shop at the new Shanghai Tang outpost in the lobby. It's good for items on the order of silk scarves with jewel-tone flower prints and Chinese fortune sticks, which come inlaid with good-luck charms and packaged in a lacquer box.
Room to Book: A Spa Lifestyle room on the sixth floor, ideal for the stressed, with air-purification systems, yoga mats for in-room meditation and yoga classes, spa cuisine menus, and dumbbell racks.
As Featured In...
From Travel + Leisure, Jun 2008
“Miami’s best hotels may be able to get you into the buzziest restaurants...” MORE>>
From Travel + Leisure, Dec 2007
“This elegant hotel, the centerpiece of the residential Brickell Key, is all about stunning views of...” MORE>>
From the T+L 500
Fan-shaped high-rise with contemporary décor, on an island near the business district.
- Stats:
- 326 rooms; 2 restaurants; 3 bars.
- Competitive Edge:
- The luxury perks: a 3-level spa, private beach, and privileges at Casa Casuarina, the exclusive club in Versace's former manse.
- Rooms to Book:
- Those ending in 25 or 26 have the biggest balconies.
- Don't Miss:
- A yoga session in the fitness studio, which has stunning bay views.
lastArticle = 12/2008 and lastAward = 01/2008
