I was traveling to Miami for meetings. After an early-morning flight from Philadelphia, I arrived well before my check-in time at Royal Palm South Beach Miami, the first hotel announced as part of Starwood’s Tribute Portfolio. The property’s history dates to 1939, when it was built as a four-story resort before being expanded two years later.

Unfortunately, my arrival coincided with check-out time, which meant the front desks were busy and the room was not quite ready. I killed time enjoying lunch at the alfresco Florida Cookery and wishing I could lounge by the pool instead of heading to meetings.

As I was traveling with a colleague, we shared a two-bedroom suite on an upper floor that was, in one word, gorgeous. The room opened into a foyer facing an amazing view of the ocean through a wall of windows in the living room area, which boasted several places to sit as well as a desk. The décor was sophisticated without losing a beach-like feel. A bedroom flanked either side of the front door, each with its own bathroom and each about the size of other full-sized hotel rooms I’ve stayed in.

We valeted our rental car and needed it several times throughout our stay to head to meetings. Each time it was delivered quickly. Other on-site amenities include two swimming pools, a poolside bar, a lobby lounge, a coffee bar, a full-service spa, a retail outlet, two restaurants and more than 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.

Royal Palm South Beach Miami, a Tribute Portfolio Resort

1545 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel 305 604 5700
royalpalmsouthbeach.com