NATIONAL HOTEL MIAMI BEACH
ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: This newly renovated adults-only Miami oceanfront hotel dates back to the 1930s and is located right off Collins Avenue, a roaring place to be in South Beach. As you pull up to the hotel, hand over your keys to the trustworthy and kind valet service, step inside this tower and gaze in awe at an elegant Art Deco interior. It mixes history and contemporary décor rimmed with chocolate and ebony wood and complemented with modern art and a stunning grand piano. That is just the beginning of the enchantment. After checking in, head down the hall to find the Mareva 1939 bar and restaurant, and step through double doors to the sight of the spectacular infinity pool that outlines the entire hotel.
GUEST QUARTERS: The National Hotel offers comfortable, spacious rooms with individual balconies offering a pool view. Rooms include all the essentials needed for an extended stay such as a walk-in closet, in-room safe, free Wifi and a minibar. Decorations combine dark wood with white linen and vintage Bohemian animal prints. The bathroom offers an array of toiletries custom to the hotel in a closed glass shower. The room is clean and classy and sports just the right décor to make you feel at home while on a luxurious getaway.
SERVICES/AMENITIES: Stretching more than 205 feet in length, the infinity pool remains a famous landmark. Along its edges guests can relax at a series of comfy black-and-white-striped cabanas and tables. Two tiki bars make it easy to sit back and enjoy a beverage.
The hotel offers multiple dining options for any meal of the day and features traditional Spanish dishes. My favorite was breakfast at Mareva, where I enjoyed avocado toast with unique garnishes such as tomato, radishes, herbs and chili pepper.
Unfortunately, the gym was under renovation during my stay, but I heard it offers a variety of equipment both for cardio and strength, allowing guests to stay on track with their fitness goals. But don’t be upset if you can’t get in, as the hotel also offers free yoga classes for guests.
I had the pleasure of meeting the new general manager, Stephane Mercier, who shared a few words about the legendary property: “I believe that our positioning ‘adult only’ enhances the opportunity for us to deliver to our guests a timeless experience through an ideal location, a distinctive Art Deco environment, a predominant art collection, a unique infinity [pool] while the property is directly connected to the beach. The National Hotel opens its doors to the most glamorous era in history, which is probably a clear differentiator with many other properties.”