Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the newly opened James Royal Palm late in the evening after a cross-country flight from Los Angeles. The lobby was lively—guests enjoyed cocktails at the James Club while I took in the interiors by Lauren Rottet of Rottet Studio. The design blends contemporary touches with historical details, such as the original green glass reception desk repurposed as a coffee bar and distinctive porthole windows. Check-in was swift, and I was soon escorted to my room.
Guest Quarters: Stepping onto my floor, I immediately noticed thoughtful design elements: whitewashed, wood-paneled walls and charming, mismatched block room numbers. My room continued that fresh, coastal palette of blues, greens and whites. A driftwood-style headboard framed a deluxe king-sized bed, and a small seating nook featured playful pillows reading “Ctrl, Alt, Del,” a nod to resetting and relaxing—exactly the feeling the room inspires.
A balcony overlooking the beach suggests leisure first, yet the room also functions well as a workspace. A separate seating area, complimentary WiFi, bottled water and the rhythmic sound of the ocean made it easy to be productive when needed.
Services/Amenities: Situated on Miami Beach between lively nightlife and shopping, the hotel caters to both leisure and business guests. The following morning at 8 a.m., the lobby was busy with professionals grabbing breakfast at Florida Cookery before heading to a conference in the 2,500-square-foot Great Room.
Dining and entertainment options include Catch Miami, a seafood restaurant from the EMM Group, indoor nightlife at SL Miami and outdoor gatherings at South Shore. Families are welcomed too—Lil’ James provides a dedicated space for younger visitors.
I made time for the fitness center during my stay and noted a tempting spa menu; a salt-infused treatment at Renew the Spa stood out as a highly recommended option I didn’t get to try.
The Experience: Beyond the hotel’s amenities, its prime beachfront location encourages reconnection with the natural surroundings. The property demonstrates environmental awareness throughout while preserving a sense of polished comfort and luxury.
GT CHECKLIST
- Doorman/valet
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Separate tub and shower
- Large vanity
- High-quality towels
- Powerful, unattached hair dryer
- High-quality bed linens
- Large, flat-screen television
- Large desk with convenient outlets
- Large, complimentary laptop safe
- Complimentary in-room WiFi
- Complimentary bottled water
- Stocked minibar
- Ample lighting
- In-room coffeemaker
- Iron and ironing board
- On-site restaurant and bar
- 24-hour room service
- State-of-the-art fitness center
The James Royal Palm Miami
1545 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel 305 604 5700
jameshotels.com