Culottes: Lilly Pulitzer (old) but similar here, here, and I'm crushing on these // Top: Amazon // Shoes: Sam Edelman (old) but similar here // Sunglasses: Francesca's // Bracelet: Tory Burch (old) but similar here // Necklace: Kate Spade (old)
GETTING TO SOUTH BEACH
You have two options to get to Miami/South Beach: Ft. Lauderdale Airport (FLL) and Miami International Airport (MIA). MIA is the nicer airport, hands down. However, you'll need to check where you're flying from and which airline you're taking. MIA is a Delta hub, so that means my American flights from their hub in Philly to MIA can be very expensive (like $400+). However, flights into FLL are a lot cheaper and I typically spend around $250 for roundtrip.
You have a few options from the airport to your hotel. DO NOT use Supershuttle. DO NOT use a cab. I used the former a couple years ago not knowing how strict the airport is regarding Uber pick ups and it was AWFUL. Not to mention a waste of money. Do yourself a favor and spend the extra $10-$15 to save yourself what could be hours of sanity and more time on the beach. Cabs can get very expensive, very quickly. DO use Uber, Lyft, or your personal ride share of choice. It will be the cheapest. Uber from FLL to South Beach was around $50. If you are able to fly into MIA, a cab will be about $50 and an Uber will cost around $30. My best suggestion is to do your research before to get the best price - don't wing it.
THE RESORT
I had stayed at this hotel two years ago when it was a hotel and had an amazing time. The location is great: it's on Ocean Drive & 2nd Street away from the nightclubs if you're like me and want some quiet. It's next to a cute little park and has direct beach access. There is also a Starbucks on the property - talk about trifecta. Other dining options include a Sushi restaurant called Azabu South Beach and Lolo's Surf Cantina.
Swimsuit: Forever21 (currently out of stock) but similar here, here, and I love the cut of this one // Kimono: South Moon Under // Sunglasses: Francesca's // Hat: Amazon
However, since my last stay, the property changed to a resort. This came with several changes such as: eliminating the concierge lounge, adding a $28/day resort fee that includes beach chair use, bikes, and a welcome drink. Before the change, beach chairs were extra $$, there were no bikes, and no comp drinks.
I do have to say that the building is absolutely stunning. You arrive at the valet and walk up a grand staircase to the lobby that is decorated in a coastal beach theme. Also, the lobby smells really really good. When we checked in, I had expected a couple of glasses of champagne/mimosas to be thrust in our face while we're whisked away to our room. This did not happen. My mom, who was traveling with me, tried to not-so-slyly ask if they had any beverages to offer. The staff person gestured to the cucumber-infused water in the corner of the lobby.
But all was not lost. We were checked in by Sergio who was great - professional and hospitable. He upgraded us to a partial-ocean view which actually had a very generous view of the ocean and the park next door. He then explained that Marriott Gold Status either gave us complimentary breakfast at Starbucks everyday (Grande Drip Coffee and a pastry/breakfast sandwich) or 1,000 Marriott points each day of our stay. I chose the points.
Sergio also gave us vouchers for two frozen margaritas at their Mexican restaurant Lolo's (the welcome drink). Spoiler Alert: If you want a flavor (both guava and watermelon were superb) it will cost you $2. If you don't like frozen margaritas...well, you're out of luck because there are no swaps (not even for on-the-rocks). It's frozen margarita or bust.
I was a bit annoyed at this because I felt like it should have been a choice of wine, beer, or frozen margarita. The good news is that the frozen margaritas are actually quite good. They are homemade - not made from a mix.
The Rooms
There's no way to sugar coat this - the rooms are tiny. Like teeny tiny. They are probably around 200 sq ft. If you need more space, reserve a 1 Bedroom Suite because they are nice and roomy. I had that room during a previous stay. This time, we were in a Partial Ocean View Standard Room with two full beds. The view from the 9th floor was very nice and I loved waking up to the sun hitting the ocean. However, as you can see, the rooms are tight and I barely had room to put my luggage. Also, every other room had a balcony with two chairs, but our room just had a Juliet balcony.
The room also had a vacant fridge which I like because you can hit up the local Whole Foods and keep your wine and snacks in there. ☺
Unfortunately, the room also came with unpleasant aspects due to it's aging infrastructure. The most annoying thing was that the pipes whistled (the building, although renovated, is old) every time the person above us used the water. And when I say whistled, I'm talking the-water-is-boiling-in-the-kettle whistling. This at best lasted 30 seconds - at worst, over an hour!
Resort Activities
The Marriott Stanton South Beach has the following: Pool, Sundeck, Beach, and Fitness Center/Spa. I'll take you through each, so hold on to your hats.
Pool
The Pool is comprised of two medium sized pools with a hot tub in the middle. The view from the pool deck is beautiful - an unobstructed view of the blue ocean. I could have sworn the pools were salt water pools, but the pool hand insisted they were chlorinated. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ There is a large water cooler/dispenser located in the towel hut that is infused with fresh fruit that changes daily.
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| Right after this photo was taken, I legit lost my balance and almost fell into the pool! Don't let these photos fool you - grace is something that does not come naturally to me 😁 |
The decor is also really cute - pastel seagreen cushions and striped lounge beds follow the same coastal theme as the lobby. You do not have to pay, or reserve any chairs/beds ahead of time. The pool opens at sunrise, but by 8AM, there are already a handful of people there - so get there early.
There are cocktail waitstaff who take orders for Lolo's, and although it pains me to write this, the service is really awful. I might have seen a waiter/waitress perhaps 3 times the entire day, and if you think they come up to you to ask if you would like to order - forget it. You really need to flag these people down. The good news is that once you do catch their attention, they are very friendly - but don't expect them to educate you about the menu.
Also, don't even think about getting up and walking the 500 ft. to Lolo's yourself and ordering a To-Go order. If the cashier senses you are staying at the hotel property, they'll charge you a $5 service fee AND 18% gratuity for you to order and pick up your own food. If they sense you're coming from the beach, they won't charge these fees.
Instead, I suggest ordering take-out/Caviar and picking up right outside the pool. A lot of people did this and literally no one cared. Alcohol-wise, I personally ordered from Lolo's, but you would get better value making a Road Soda in your hotel room and bringing it down to the pool. I really wish this wasn't the case, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do and the service was really that bad. And also no one cares.
Sundeck
The Sundeck is located above the pool and has a series of lounge chairs and pergola with cabanas. There are also life-size games set up such as Chess, Jenga, Connect Four, and a Ping-Pong table.
Top: Vici (currently sold out) // Shorts: Forever21 (old) but similar here // Shoes: SAS // Bag: Amazon
Beach
The hotel has direct beach access which is super convenient. I spent most of my days between lounging at the pool and body surfing in the ocean. The hotel also has two wooden stations where they will give you beach towels and direct you toward chairs. They also have sunscreen (free of charge!) if you need it.
Pro-Tip: If you don't have a place to keep you keycard to allow you back in from the beach, bury it in the sand right outside the locked gate and mark it with a leaf. Then you don't have to worry about losing it in the ocean!
Dress: Good Night Macaroon // Sandals: Target
Fitness Center/Spa
OVERALL
Overall, as much as I loved this hotel the first time around (2 years ago), I was disappointed in the service and infrastructure of the property. All in all, I would not recommend unless you are able to get a killer deal (<$200/night). Instead, I suggest staying at the Marriott EDITION South Beach, the newly remodeled Kimpton Angler's Hotel, or the SLS Miami Beach Hotel.
SOUTH BEACH/MIAMI TRAVEL GUIDE
Let's move on from the resort and talk about some of my favorite places in Miami.
Dining/Cafes
1. Under the Mango Tree
Words cannot express how much I love this place. If you like Acai bowls - this is it. Don't bother looking for another cafe that sells them. Everything is made to order, while it does take some time if there is along line or large order, it is worth it. The rest of the shop is a super cute yogi/spiritual store. They sell handmade items from all over the world and the whole place smells like good incense. This is my happy place in Miami and where I spend my mornings.
Don't Miss: The Chocolate Acai Bowl, The Superfood Frapp
2. Pane e Vino
Want the best homemade Italian pasta in Miami? Look no further - this is it. Prices are very reasonable. Reservations are difficult, so if you're not able to snag one, show up at 5:30PM right when they open (there will be a line) and you'll be able to get a table. Did I mention that if you order a dish with mention of a cheese wheel, they will stir the pasta and sauce inside a giant cheese wheel while pipping hot so it gets covered in delicious Parmesan goodness? Also the bathrooms are decorated like someone's messy house, but it's really cute. Think bras and hose strewn about with stacks of books.
Don't Miss: Anything that involves the cheese wheel, Lasagna Emiliana.
3. Versailles
I know, this place is super touristy. But you also know what? I really don't care. The food is amazing, the service is spectacular, and it is not expensive. You will leave stuffed with spending $15-$20 per person. It's also a great place to bring people who might be afraid to try Cuban food or food outside their comfort zone. The space is very generous, so it's easy to score a table. The restaurant is also very old school with intricate frosted glass mirrors and waitstaff in sophisticated attire that would make you think you're at a high end steakhouse. There's also a bakery next to the restaurant - go there and proceed to buy 1 of everything. Or maybe just everything with guava. You won't be disappointed.
Don't Miss: The Versailles Combo appetizer, anything with Picadillo, Guava Turnover, Tarta de Santiago.
4. Shepard Artisan Coffee
If you're looking for a break from chain store coffee, Shepard is a great choice. Really cute seating and the coffee is solid. They also have a full bar if you want a mimosa with your coffee.
Don't Miss: The Iced Chai Latte.
5. OTL
Perhaps one of the most instagram-worthy places in Miami. If there were words to describe this place beyond 'cute' and 'chic', I would use them but this place really just leaves me speechless. Also, breakfast is served all day!
Don't Miss: Tortilla Esponola and Churro French Toast.
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| Interior of OTL via Hauteliving.com |
1. Hyde Beach at the SLS Hotel
Oh man, I love this place. This is a Las Vegas-like pool party during the day. A DJ spins club beats and periodically fog machines spew fog all over the pool when the beat drops. My favorite part was around 4PM when bartenders lined up along the pool with champagne, the fog machine started going, and the bartender's sprayed champagne all over the pool. Also, when I went, I found most of the other guests to be very nice and friendly. This is a great place to spend an afternoon with friends. The people watching is also spot on.
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| Pulled from my photo archives - there is a giant rubber ducky statute that sets the funky, beach vibe. |
A really fun way to tour Star Island and some of Miami's surrounding sites. Live out your own personal version of Bad Boys (sans guns) and you might also spot some dolphins.
3. Paddle Board for Breakfast @ The Standard Hotel
Disclaimer - I have not done this, but I really really want to. From what I've read, you get a paddleboard lesson and then you must paddleboard yourself over to a dock for Brunch. Sounds good to me!
Have you been to South Beach? What are some of your favorite places?
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