Arrival/Check-In: I traveled to Miami for a meeting with my former colleague, Olivia Falcione. After an early flight from Philadelphia, we arrived at Royal Palm South Beach Miami well before the official check-in time. The hotel, the first property announced as part of Starwood’s Tribute Portfolio, has a history that dates back to 1939 when it opened as a four-story resort and was expanded two years later.
Because our arrival coincided with the hotel’s check-out period, the front desk was busy and our room wasn’t quite ready. We passed the time with lunch at the outdoor Florida Cookery and wished we could relax by the pool before heading to our meetings. Although delayed, our room ultimately proved well worth the wait.
Guest Quarters: Our two-bedroom suite on an upper floor was simply stunning. The suite opened into a foyer that led to a living area framed by a wall of windows showcasing an exceptional ocean view. The living room offered several seating options and a desk, and the décor felt refined while maintaining a relaxed, beach-inspired atmosphere. Each bedroom was located on either side of the entry and included its own bathroom; both rooms were comparable in size to many full hotel rooms I’ve stayed in.
Services/Amenities: The hotel provides a wide range of services and amenities. We used valet repeatedly during our stay for trips to meetings, and each time our car was returned promptly. On-site facilities include two swimming pools, a poolside bar, a lobby lounge, a coffee bar, a full-service spa, a retail shop, two restaurants, and more than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.
The lobby offered plentiful spots to work, and one afternoon we settled in to tackle emails. During that time a disgruntled guest voiced complaints loudly, and hotel management handled the situation professionally and with composure.
Olivia and I enjoyed the hotel’s convenient location near other South Beach destinations and took an early morning walk along the beach path directly outside the property.
TOP TAKEAWAYS
◆ The two-bedroom suite offered one of the best hotel-room views I’ve experienced.
◆ The spacious suite worked well for two colleagues traveling together, providing two private bedrooms and bathrooms plus a shared living area.
◆ We had a package delivered to the hotel and had to retrieve it from the concierge. The concierge desk was not staffed continuously, so we missed the attendant on several occasions, which was disappointing.
Royal Palm South Beach Miami, a Tribute Portfolio Resort
1545 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel 305 604 5700
royalpalmsouthbeach.com