Arrival/Check-in: Located in an office tower in the heart of downtown, the Conrad Miami offers an ideal base for both business and leisure. The hotel is easy to find and provides quick, convenient drive-through valet parking. Check-in is smooth on Level 25, the hotel’s elevated lobby that includes a restaurant and bar. From there I took the elevator down to my 17th-floor room. (29/30)
Guest Quarters: The suite unfolded into a wide entrance hallway that led to the living and work area and the bathroom. The living space included a work desk, a large flat-screen TV, a comfortable sofa and an elegant upholstered chair. Electric drapes revealed a west-facing view with sunset vistas over the city. The separate bedroom featured a king-size bed with plentiful pillows, a second, smaller TV, a Bose audio system, a chaise lounge and two closets. Situated on a corner, the bedroom offered expansive west and south views through tall windows. A second corridor led to a generous bathroom with both a large walk-in shower and a soaking tub. I appreciated the in-room coffeemaker and tea selection, the reliable high-speed wireless (which could be faster), and the Molton Brown bathroom amenities. The only small omission was a daily newspaper left at the door. (27/30)
Services/Amenities: The staff were genuinely welcoming and added an international feel to the stay. At the bar, Mikie from Jamaica introduced me to the “Conradtini,” a playful way to create a custom cocktail. The concierge ensured a package I was expecting arrived promptly. A regular guest from Jersey, U.K., mentioned he keeps returning for the location and the friendly team. Dining at The Bar was a highlight: the raw bar and shellfish selection were outstanding, featuring stone crabs, prawns (locally referred to as prawns rather than shrimp), oysters and fresh daily sushi. I also enjoyed an excellent dinner at Atrio, the hotel’s signature restaurant led by Chef Michael Gilligan, where the service was exceptional. For relaxation, I spent a couple of hours at Spa Chakra and enjoyed a series of treatments. (38/40)
The Experience: My stay combined business and leisure seamlessly. I took a day drive down to Key West for lunch, watched a master cigar roller at Cuba Tobacco Cigar Co., enjoyed a beachside meal at Rendezvous on the Beach in South Beach, and discovered the Coral Gables Art Festival—an unexpected and delightful find with art vendors, live performers and a stylish crowd on pedestrian-only streets. The hotel’s central location made it easy to experience a variety of Miami attractions in just a few days.
Total Score: (94/100)
Conrad Miami
Espiroto Santo Plaza
1395 Brickell Ave.
Miami, FL 33131
tel 305 503 6500
http://www.conradhotels.com