ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Having stayed in South Beach before, I was eager to experience The Palms Hotel & Spa in Mid Beach. Mid Beach sits a little north of Miami’s more hectic southern stretch and offers a calmer, upscale atmosphere with a number of luxury hotels and resorts.
I drove in from Sarasota, handed my car to the valet who was already waiting, and was courteously escorted into the resort for check-in. Every staff member I met demonstrated a clear commitment to hospitality—friendly smiles, helpful guidance and genuine engagement made the arrival pleasant. While waiting behind guests who needed a bit more time to finalize their room, the concierge offered to assist with my check-in. Although I arrived early, my room was ready and I was assigned a sixth-floor ocean-view corner suite.
© The Palms Hotel & Spa
GUEST QUARTERS: The Palms features 251 rooms across multiple towers. My king-sized corner room faced the ocean and matched the online photos: comfortable coastal décor, two bathrooms, a king bed with a full-size sofa bed, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and roughly 400 square feet of space. Oceanfront suites include balconies, while standard rooms offer pleasant city or garden views.
I spent quiet moments on the outdoor lounge terrace both day and night. Overlooking a gazebo, the terrace felt reminiscent of relaxed family gatherings—board games, casual seating and a gentle breeze moving through the trees created an inviting, home-like environment.
© Carrie Cox
SERVICES/AMENITIES: The Palms delivers oceanfront calm and many on-site offerings that make it easy to linger. Soon after arrival I visited The Palms Aveda Spa for a 50-minute treatment. I chose the Zen Ayurvedic Massage, which blends warm oils, aromatherapy and pindas to soothe the body and mind. The signature massage left a long-lasting sense of relaxation that I would willingly return for.
After the treatment I relaxed in the spa lounge, sipping flavored water and enjoying soft music while my body settled. Dining options include the Essencia restaurant terrace for lunch and the Essencia Bar for cocktails and appetizers. The menus emphasize farm-to-table ingredients, and each dish was attractively plated and flavorful.
Guest access to the ocean is a short walk through the property, but the resort itself offers plenty to enjoy: a large pool, tiki bar, cabanas, Zen garden, hammocks and a meditation circle set within 1.5 acres of tropical foliage. Between the lush landscaping and the range of amenities, it’s easy to spend the entire stay on the property without wanting to leave.
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- The Palms feels like an intimate private club with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Family-owned and operated by the current owners since 1992.
- The hotel emphasizes sustainability and regularly receives recognition for its green practices.
THE PALMS HOTEL & SPA
3025 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33140
tel 305 534 0505