TRIED AND TESTED HOTEL
W South Beach Miami
BACKGROUND
The W brand is one of the marques Marriott International inherited in the Starwood merger, and they’ve been expanding the footprint ever since. W Hotels’ unique concoction of fashion, music, party vibe and relaxation is on full display at this Miami hotspot.
WHERE IS IT?
Only fifteen minutes from the airport and an even shorter drive to many of Miami’s main attractions, great shopping and dining in Miami Beach, this beachfront resort overlooks the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
The moment you walk in, you know you’re at the W South Beach. From the dim lighting and partystyle music to the dapper staff attire and private artwork collection which fills the hallways and public areas, this is what people flock to South Beach to experience. The W South Beach does not disappoint.
ROOMS
The rooms are enormous and bear the standard W category names like Wonderful and Marvelous. All feature furnished balconies with great views of the pool or Atlantic Ocean. In the distance, Miami’s skyline looks especially colorful at night. My suite featured a separate living area and spacious king bedroom, dining table, a full kitchen with appliances and Nespresso machine. My bathroom was coated in marble with separate whirlpool soaking tub and rainfall shower, all complemented by W’s new Davines toiletries.
FOOD AND DRINK
The Restaurant at W South Beach (RWSB for short) handles all-day dining with both indoor and al fresco seating, bringing in just as many locals as hotel guests. The dinner tasting menu combines a creative array of flavors. Connected to the lobby is an outpost of Mr. Chow’s, but it’s not part of the hotel, so you can’t charge one of the tastiest meals in the neighborhood to your room. As at most W properties, DJs often enliven the Living Room Lounge, and another bar at Irma’s outside offers beach breezes, while WET Bar and Grille serves an all-day menu (including breakfast) poolside.
LEISURE FACILITIES
The recently opened spa reflects W’s newest spa designs focusing on detoxifying practices and energizing treatments. A substantial fitness center is kept spotlessly clean throughout the day and there’s seventh-floor tennis court and basketball court for sporty types. In addition to the large infinity pool, guests can organize chairs on the beach complete with towel service and a menu of drinks and food available to order.
BUSINESS AND MEETINGS FACILITIES
Meeting space here includes a variety of options with the latest audiovisual capabilities. Even more common are social functions that can organize receptions on one of the manicured lawns around the hotel.
VERDICT
W South Beach is everything you’d think it might be and more. It’s hardly overdone, however, striking just the right balance, where both privacy-seeking couples and partiers out for a night on the town can co-mingle and find just what they are looking for.