5 nights, 4 hotels - 4 GREAT upgrades
I spent the past week in Miami and did something I don’t usually like to do – and hotel hopped it for 5 nights. I have a large project here and will be back quite a bit. The rates in Miami and South Beach are low right now, so I decided to try a couple new hotels – although it ended up just being 1 new Marriott property.
Â
The 5 nights across hotels was also an opportunity to see what upgrades each property might offer. I will say I wasn’t disappointed in my rooms or upgrades.
Night 1: MIA Airport Marriott
I’ve stayed here a lot and my travel agent booked me a pretty specific room, so no upgrade here. I chose this location for my first night because my flight was arriving late, and I know that I can get a good meal at Cane Fire Grill in the Marriott, or Champions in the neighboring Courtyard.
This was a good stay – I’ve posted in more detail about my stays here before.
Night 2: Marriott Biscayne Bay
I stay here a lot when I am working on this project and do have a very good corporate rate here. I booked using my rate for a city view King room and was upgraded to room 2506 – a king room overlooking Biscayne Bay and the cruise terminal. Once again, another great upgrade here. I am always treated well here with room upgrades, and this stay was no different.
Â
I ate at the Gold Coast Restaurant/Bar – the menu has changed a little, and while small, does offer options for everyone. Isaac and Kris behind the bar are great at crafting drinks and know how a shaker is supposed to be used. I arrived late for evening service, but did have breakfast in the M Club. I was pleased to see that Fanny was still managing the M Club. She provides great service throughout the day.
Night 3: Royal Palms, Tribute Portfolio
This is one of our favorite, and go to locations when I can find a rate that works. I booked a basic King room using a corporate rate and was upgraded to room room 602 in the west tower. A corner room suite with balcony that overlooks the hotel entrance way and Collins Ave. This room did not have the extra large walk-in shower some of the other rooms do, but it did have a very large soaking tub that the other rooms do not have.
Â
The Compass Rose Bar in the lobby entrance was open during my stay. This is the 1st time since 2019 that I’ve stayed here that it’s been open. Some of the things we love about this hotel are the Art Deco design and the entrance and lobby really shine. I took advantage of a good Happy Hour drink and food menu. Angelica crafted a fantastic strawberry cocktail and the pork carnitas tacos she recommended were delicious.
Night 4: Winter Haven, Autograph Collection
I’ve wanted to stay here for a while, but can never hit the rate right. I booked a base King room on a member rate and was upgraded to room 502, a king room overlooking the park and south beach. I really loved this hotel, the South Beach vibe and the check in was FANTASTIC. A glass of champagne offered as you walked in, warm towel to clean up and refresh and an amazing front desk experience.
Â
The room, with a walk-in closet, was well sized, had a nice small seating area, coffee machine and reasonably priced mini bar. The bathroom, while elegant, is tiny and the 6×8 shower is very small. You don’t stay here for the shower – the water pressure was good and toiletries nice.
Â
I ate Dinner and breakfast at the hotel restaurant, Il Bolognese. Both meals were very good. Dinner included meatballs, homemade fettuccine bolognese and a delicious, decadent dessert. My server Bruno was fantastic. Offering great menu options and creating my table made Tiramisu.
Â
I’ve never had table made Tiramisu before and it was something you definitely should get when you visit.
Night 5: Marriott Biscayne Bay
I originally booked my 5th night at the goodtime hotel in South Beach – a hotel that was created by Pharrell. I LOVE the South Beach influence to it, but ultimately did not stay there and moved back to the Miami Marriott Biscayne Bay for night 5.
Once again booked using my corporate rate for a low floor king and was upgraded this time to 3110, top floor King overlooking Biscayne Bay.
5 nights, 4 hotels – 4 GREAT upgrades.
Once again, a good work trip with excellent service, rooms and food staying at Marriott properties.
