When given the chance to leave a bleak, and often rainy, New York City winter and head to South Beach, one would be crazy not to jump at the opportunity. And so it is that Travel Agent can report back with confidence that
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A spacious, light-filled interior bedroom at The Tides South Beach |
We took our sojourn to the hotel this past January, while it was in the midst of completing a major renovation. On our drive to the property from the Miami airport, we soon felt a sense of calm as we gazed out the window and were surrounded by crystal blue waters, which in the distance met an even clearer sky.
When we turned on to lively Ocean Drive and drove up to the art deco, 45-room hotel, we were immediately impressed with the exterior.
The landscaped terrace draws guests into The Tides, which is adorned with a striking lobby created by interior designer Kelly Wearstler. (Read: 1930s glamour, layered textures, high-backed stone "Senator" chairs, crescent-shaped sofas and a chandelier that can only be described as an unraveling circle of ribbons.)
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The living room of an interior-bedroom suite is decorated with mixed motifs |
Room Options
Regardless of which room your client opts for, all offer ample space. The smallest suites start at 550 square feet. Also of note, guests don't have to necessarily be lounging on the beach to experience the opulent waters of the ocean—each room faces the turquoise Atlantic. Our particular room, 702, even had a glass-walled shower, so we could watch the awe-inspiring sunrise while preparing for our day of exploring South Beach.
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Mirrored walls and marble sinks adorn the interior bathrooms |
The seven 580-square-foot Premier Oceanfront Suites have oversized bathrooms and separate living areas. For more space, two Signature Suites grace the ninth floor of the hotel. The Amber Suite boasts 900 square feet of space, and the Coral Suite maxes out at 1,200 square feet. If your clients desire, they can connect these two rooms and spread out over the entire ninth floor.
For the most space and amazing views, tell clients about the two-bedroom penthouse suite, The Tides, on the top floor, which is 2,000 square feet and has 360-degree views of South Beach—as well as downtown Miami—and a 600-square-foot balcony.
For those guests who might be scared of heights or simply don't need to stay on the top floor to earn bragging rights with their friends, other premium options with wonderful views include the Corner Suites, which have more windows than most of the rooms.
Where To Dine
A highlight of the property is La Marea Restaurant, another design feat by Wearstler. The space features a dynamic mix of materials, textures and sunset colors and is outlined with a mix of faux antique tortoise shells on the walls. The menu is just as dynamic as the design. We feasted on such delicacies as Black Truffle Open Ravioli with Potato Cream, Taleggio Cheese and Soft Poached Organic Egg, as well as Colorado Lamb Chops.
Dining options also extend to the aforementioned terrace, where we enjoyed our morning coffee and an egg white omelet with goat cheese, ham and spinach while sitting on the area's plush white furniture.
Guests also may have their evening spirits at the somewhat hidden Coral Bar, an intimate space just off the lobby, where they can savor innovative cocktails and appetizers.
[PAGE-BREAK]A Few More Perks
Running errands isn't for everyone, and if your client is the type who might need something every now and then, the hotel has personal assistant service. Our personal assistant graciously brought us sunscreen (which we tried to make a point of not forgetting, to no avail), as well as an iron and ironing board.
If your client has larger requests on the agenda, the personal assistant can accomplish such feats as booking a trip to Jungle Island, where children can encounter animals and birds from all over the world, as well as visits to Everglades National Park.
Booking is recommended as far out as possible. Although guests may contact General Manager Shan Kanagasingham (
Miami has a festive social scene, and, more often than not, there is something happening in the area. So keep in mind that it is difficult to book rooms during such major Miami activities as the Winter Music Conference, South Beach Food & Wine Festival, Miami Boat Show and Art Basel, as well as holidays such as Memorial Day weekend and New Year's Eve.
Although we are now firmly planted back in NYC, we can't wait to go back. For the time being at least, we are overcome with a feeling of contentment when remembering our time at The Tides.