One Day Stay: Miami, Florida

miami

If you know much about Lola, you certainly know that Miami is one of my favorite places to visit. Why? It is easy to get to from practically anywhere. Certainly from chilly Boston but this visit I actually flew direct from Barcelona. How about that? Then there’s the whole great food, great cocktails, great hotels, great beaches – the list goes on! Finally, since I love international travel, Miami is a perfect place for me with so many people from all over the world visiting and living there. Here’s my ‘One Day Stay’ round up of Lola’s visit this time to Miami.

DROP YOUR BAG

the-james-royal-palm-miami-south-beach_meetings_l

Newcomer on the Miami South Beach scene, The James Royal Palm debuted in November 2012. This luxury boutique hotel originally built in 1939, has 179 guest rooms and 211 studios and suites, most with ocean views. Tres bon! A totally prime location being steps off the beach and world-famous Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, The James Royal Palm hasΒ two swimming pools, a poolside bar, a fun lobby lounge and a full-service spa. The hotel serves as a modern tribute to the Royal Palm’s rich history keeping the European-influenced Art Deco style and playing up the style’s vertical elements and horizontal lines meant to denote movement and fluidity. Also, on property are two fabulous signature restaurants – Florida Cookery and CATCH. Yummy!Β The James brand has 2 other properties – one in New York and one in Chicago. I look forward to checking out these locations as well as this hipster hotel is completely ‘Lola Approved’.

DO

Delano Cabana Day

This isn’t new Lola Miami news. When I get to South Beach, I cannot resist a cabana day at Delano. Everything is always “just right” at this posh destination. It’s the way to chill & play amongst the cool set. You can rent a cabana for the day and enjoy all the perks the guests of Delano have but at a fraction of the cost. How does little hourly treats from the gorgeous staff sound? What about complimentary neck or foot massages? YES…I thought you’d like that. Plus, the crowd is always fun and friendly. I’ve truly been hard pressed to find a better day long pool scene. TRUST ME ON THIS!

DRINK

ultimate gin & tonic at SLS Miami

As you know I’m not one to shy away from a good cocktail. During my most recent visit to Miami, I had a few that I could carry on about. Every drink at Delano during my annual cabana day tasted amazing for starters but, then again, don’t most poolside cocktails?! Β Nevertheless, my favorite cocktail of this adventure was the ultimate Gin & Tonic at SLS South Beach. It tastes delicious but the presentation is so pretty, it’s a drink you hope lasts all evening!

DINE

Khong River House

Khong River House is one of the newer hot spots to try in Miami. Serving fabulous Thai-inspired food, the best loved dishes are theΒ Burmese Noodle Wraps, Roast Chicken, Crispy Shrimp and Coconut Cake. Also known for their yummy cocktail list and attentive staff, Khong River House is a hip and trendy place without any of the attitude. HOW DELICIOUS!

PS – an honorable mention goes to Florida Cookery at The James Royal Palm. Your experience here is meant to be innovative and fluid, serving globally influenced seafood. All I can say is my server, Ashley, was one of the most knowledgable I’ve ever had and after describing all her favorite dishes, that is what I promptly ordered. AMAZING!

 

51 Comments

Filed under florida, hipster hotels, miami, one day stay, travel

51 Responses to One Day Stay: Miami, Florida

  1. Esther

    Love. Love. Love.

  2. Richard Calvin via Facebook

    Have you been to the tennis Lola?

  3. tennis in Miami Richard no. i didn’t do that πŸ˜‰

  4. Richard Calvin via Facebook

    Are you still in Miami? have some old tennis friends like Alessandro Cinelli who might be there. You two guys who would get on like a house on fire! πŸ˜‰

  5. no, sadly, i went directly from BCN and returned last Wednesday. it was a QUICK trip. never enough time though there. going back in may πŸ™‚ drat about Alessandro – love making new friends!!

  6. That drink sounds and looks lovely!
    Miret recently posted…Tour Eiffel – j’adoreMy Profile

  7. Direct flights to Barcelona from Miami make me wish I still lived there. Other than that not so much.
    Jeff @ Go Travelzing recently posted…Flagstaff Arizona Visitor GuideMy Profile

    • πŸ™ that’s too bad Jeff. it is interesting though. Miami has a lot of directs from Euroland. that’s one of the reasons it’s such a fun international destination πŸ˜‰

  8. I will make this trip next year. This post solidifies it.
    Leah Travels recently posted…#FriFotos: 10 Dishes I AdoreMy Profile

  9. I love love love MIA.
    Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted…Cayman Islands: Day 3My Profile

  10. Next time you go to Miami, please pack me in your bag!
    Yishyeeeene recently posted…Iceland – Seeing The Northern Lights!My Profile

  11. I’ve only driven through Miami a couple times on the way to the Keys. Looks like a cool place!
    Erik recently posted…New Zealand- Epilogue: Best Trip EverMy Profile

  12. Oh PLEASE let me come wit you next time!!!!! I need a cabana day!!!!!
    Bethaney recently posted…Unique New Zealand: Aoraki Mount Cook by HelicopterMy Profile

  13. OMG Lola – looks beyond amazing! A cabana day would certainly be what the doctor ordered! Who needs an apple a day with a massage and cocktails??!!!
    Anita Mac recently posted…Stepping into Old World Charm at the Nottoway PlantationMy Profile

  14. I need to go back to Miami! Love it πŸ™‚ and would love to go with you πŸ™‚ dangerous!!!
    @mrsoaroundworld recently posted…Martinborough, New Zealand – a wine sensationMy Profile

    • that will definitely be in the cards Mrs. O. i can’t wait to share Miami time with you. i dare say, it will probably be my favorite of all time visit!

  15. Glad you got some Miami in on your way back from Barcelona! And as always, you lived it up!!
    Raul (@ilivetotravel in Twitter) recently posted…Kilimanjaro Hike: Day 4 – The Barranco Wall and Its Challenges – Before and AfterMy Profile

    • yes Raul but it was kind of a wicked tease. i was only there for 2 full days and i was so goofed up from the jet lag. i’m happy to tell you that i will be back for a longer visit in May πŸ™‚

  16. alright, lola. consider this an official request for you to take us to miami!
    the lazy travelers recently posted…everything but the kayak with kayak kauaiMy Profile

  17. Love this article! I live in Miami and there’s never a shortage of new things to do or places to explore. Thanks for a great post! πŸ™‚
    Kara Franker recently posted…Escape to luxury in the Florida KeysMy Profile

    • thank you for your comment. i agree with you. since i do frequent Miami a fair amount i like to try some new things every time i go be it different restos or a new hotel. i’m always looking for the best & fun to report back on! πŸ™‚

  18. Ugh, I don’t know what’s keeping me but I’ve never been to Miami. But I should, it sounds totally up my alley. One day..
    Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted…Weekend Getaways: Sonoma Wine CountryMy Profile

  19. Have never been to Miami or Florida for that matter but The James Royal Palm sounds like it would be a stunning introduction Lola!
    Fiona recently posted…Behind the Scenes at Camp NouMy Profile

  20. I actually have never been to Miami but will definitely get there one day. With all the Brazilians in my family, there’s probably no way I won’t get there!
    Jenna recently posted…My Favorite DishesMy Profile

  21. This idea of a cabana day at a lower cost than staying as a guest at the hotel sounds good to me!
    Kate @30Traveler recently posted…Veggie Grill – Vegan Fast Food Near LAX (Los Angeles Airport)My Profile

  22. Clearly, Francesca needs to spend more time with Lola. Sign me up for a Delano Day!!
    Francesca recently posted…Explaining my absence (including an announcement!)My Profile

  23. If there is one thing I am capable of doing it is doing, drinking, and dining (wait that is three things), in Miami or anywhere, but you sold me on South Florida.
    Traveling Ted recently posted…Brule River kayaking in Wisconsin photo essayMy Profile

  24. South Beach and Lola seems like a perfect match to me. Thanks for the tips… I usually find myself there once a year. I know who to ask for recommendations before my next journey.

    stay adventurous, Craig
    Craig Zabransky recently posted…the Five Photos of Glasgow, ScotlandMy Profile

  25. SLS is a nice place to spend the night πŸ™‚

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