MIAMI — Downtown Miami is undergoing a renaissance. New energy is manifesting itself in boutiques, galleries, art and design studios, vibrant street life and cultural centers. The Marriott Miami Biscayne Bay, in the heart of the neighborhood, is infused with the spirit of this renewal.
Lobby/Photo: Andrea Poe
1. Mission Accomplished: Reno Complete
After two years and more than $30-million dollars, the Marriott Miami Biscayne Bay has unveiled its updated look. The 600-room hotel, which is nestled between the city’s performing arts and design districts, taps its downtown Miami location for style cues. The busy lobby with Wi-Fi has become a popular gathering spot and is a perfect perch for people watching.
2. Cruise Ship Sweet Spot
If you’re taking a cruise you won’t find a better place to bunk down for the night before and after departure. Ask for a view of the bay, where you can keep an eye on your ship from you room.
3. Culture Club
The cultural renaissance of Miami has been fueled largely by downtown Miami. This hotel is in prime territory for sampling Miami’s museums. Visit the nearby Miami Art Museum, which is known for its well-curated exhibits, like the current Robert Rauschenberg installation examining his myriad interpretive techniques and the Susan Rothenberg exhibit, which features her work from the 1970s until today. The museum’s eclectic permanent collection includes work by Christo, Chuck Close and Rosenquist.
4. Design Inspiration
When it comes to 20th century design, it doesn’t get hotter than Miami. For visitors keen to explore the city’s best design shops, showrooms and galleries, this Marriott is a good launching spot since it’s located at the edge of the Miami design district.
View of South Beach from guestroom/Photo: Andrea Poe
5. Culinary Catch
Situated on the marina, the hotel’s new restaurant Catch has a fun, inventive menu that’s full of small plates, like a fresh mahi ceviche and the crispy glazed shrimp, which is laced with a kick of hot pepper. Don’t miss the signature mini cocktail cupcakes, like the addictively moist mojito.
6. Good Value
The Marriott Miami Biscayne Bay offers all of the same top-of-the-line amenities as higher priced hotels, like MP3 docking stations, flat screen TVs and granite-tiled baths. The difference is unlike so many Miami properties, here you don’t have to pay your monthly mortgage for the privilege. Rooms start at $259.
7. Great Views
Book a corner room and you’ll be rewarded with views across Biscayne Bay to South Beach. All guests can soak in the view from the wrap-around deck outside Catch, a great place to grab a cocktail.
8. Pool Perch
Thanks to its location on the fifth floor the heated outdoor pool and whirlpool spa offers unparalleled view of Biscayne Bay. Lounge chairs and a poolside grill on the sundeck make it an ideal place to hang out for an afternoon.
9. Stage Might
The hotel is situated beside the Adrienne Arscht Center, Florida’s largest performing arts center. Home to several resident companies — The New World Symphony, the Concert Association of Florida, the Miami City Ballet and the Florida Grand Opera — it offers near nightly performances.
10. Service-centered Staff
Efficient and friendly. These two words are all too often missing from descriptions of many South Florida hotel properties. Not here. Attention is paid to the details, from a welcoming front desk to an accommodating housekeeping staff.
This article is the copyrighted property of the writer and Communities @ WashingtonTimes.com. Written permission must be obtained before reprint in online or print media. REPRINTING TWTC CONTENT WITHOUT PERMISSION AND/OR PAYMENT IS THEFT AND PUNISHABLE BY LAW.
