Earlier this month, Stephanie and I set out on a mad dash to see some of our favorite properties on the South Atlantic Coast of Florida into the Keys in a 4 night, 13 hotel “shopping spree.” By Day 4 (honestly by Day 2!), we were exhausted, but we learned so much– and isn’t that the point of using a Travel Advisor? So many people can tell you a great place that they have been, or sometimes more importantly– where not to go, but a great Advisor can point out the differences between the best properties, telling you why you should choose one property over another. When you are looking for the perfect place to celebrate a milestone, school break, or just a hard earned getaway– make sure you have an advisor on your side who is helping to guide you to the best property for YOU! Anyways, here are a few of the properties we visited on our “Travel Spree!”
Eau Palm Beach
We started our “Travel Spree” in Palm Beach, staying the night and touring Eau Palm Beach.
Why Stay Here? Spa lovers and Decor enthusiasts will rejoice in this property! Honestly, I don’t know if I have seen a more “fun” spa than Eau Palm Beach– take time to enjoy the amenities of the common spaces before and after treatments. I also love the decor of the rooms, they are so perfectly tasteful, feeling very “Palm Beach” with splashes of color and Mid-Century Modern. Families will also love their great kids club!
Pro Tip: Book an Oceanfront Lanai Terrace Suite and have access to all of the amenities of a Pool Cabana right out your Suite Door!
The Shameless Tourist Perks:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Breakfast for two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
The Breakers, Palm Beach
Why Stay Here? There is really no better word than “iconic” for the Breakers Palm Beach. This resort is steeped in history and very much put South Florida on the Tourism Map for the United States. It is truly a history buff’s (like me) dream, having evolved so many times over the past 100+ years it has been in place. The amazing thing about this hotel is that it is still family owned and operated after all of these years! To put the icing on the cake, the family takes no money from the hotel each year, placing all of the profits back into the hotel for renovations, expansion, and employee benefits. Anyone wanting a historic property or a place to go with lots to do on site (with still impeccable service), will love the Breakers.
Pro Tip: If you want the best of the best service, book a Flager Club Room!
The Shameless Tourist Perks:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Signature breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom served in The Circle or The Beach Club Restaurant
- $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach
Why Stay Here? Looking to stay close to Miami but still out of the South Beach area? If you want some of the largest rooms and a resort atmosphere, Acqualina might be right for you! With their iconic Red and White outdoor decor, you are bound to have a glamorous South Florida Getaway at Acqualina!
Pro Tip: If you are looking for the Ultimate in Privacy, Acqualina has very small floors (sometimes with only 4 rooms per floor). If you have a larger group, it is easy to book an entire floor to yourself!
The Shameless Tourist Perks:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily a La Carte Breakfast for two adults, per bedroom
- $100 USD Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-F
Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club
Why Stay Here? Stephanie says I have a love affair with Four Seasons Hotels– she isn’t wrong. I’m completely smitten with the Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club. It perfectly combines my love of history, modern elegance, and luxury all in one beautiful property. Being a Luxury Travel Advisor, I always look at hotels with a discerning eye– how crowded is it? How is the vibe? What is unique about this property? Location? Room quality? And finally, what is the price point for all of these factors? While this hotel is certainly on the high end of the spectrum for price point, it was one of the only hotels we saw over spring break that was almost completely booked up and did not feel extremely busy, which to me, speaks volumes. This hotel is also an icon North of Miami and it has been graced by the presence of greats such as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Winston Churchill, and more.
Pro Tip: Book a room in the Cabana Tower for a Room with a Private Cabana attached! Or if you can’t swing a stay here, make sure you at least take time to visit their famous Champagne Bar, you won’t regret it!
The Shameless Tourist Perks:
- Daily full breakfast for two people per bedroom, served in a hotel restaurant or through In-Room Dining
- Hotel/Resort Credit* (based on room category booked):
• Guest Rooms: USD 100 credit per stay
• Suites and Specialty Suites: USD 200 credit per stay
• Private Retreats: USD 200 credit per bedroom per stay - Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in
- Complimentary standard Internet in all guest rooms and premium Internet in all suites
1 Hotel South Beach
Why Stay Here? Are you looking for an Oasis in the middle of South Beach? Close to everything but the feeling that you are a million miles from the hustle and bustle? The 1 Hotel might be the right choice for you. With some of the largest and most beautiful rooms in the city, a rooftop bar and pool, multiple restaurants, a beach club, and a focus on wellness and your “day life” (as opposed to your “night life”), the 1 Hotel certainly made us feel right at home for our one night stay during our journey.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the gym here! It’s the largest hotel gym in North America.
The Shameless Tourist Perks:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Full American Breakfast daily for two per bedroom
- $100 USD Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in is subject to availability
- Guaranteed 4pm late check-out for Premium Suites and Penthouses with all other room categories subject to availability
- VIP Welcome Amenity
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
The Miami Beach Edition
Why Stay Here? If you want a hotel that embodies everything Miami, The Edition Hotel is your place. From the Mid-Century Modern Decor (and even remnants of its history!), to the nightclub, glitzy lobby, bowling alley, and ice skating rink, the Edition certainly screams Miami in all the best ways.
Pro Tip: Book a Bungalow Room (are you seeing a Pro Tip Pattern for South Florida?!)
The Shameless Tourist Perks:
- Welcome Amenity
- Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily ($60/daily Value)
- $100 USD Hotel Credit
- Complimentary WiFi daily
- First priority on waitlists in sold-out situations
- Early Check-in/late Check-out, based on availability
- First priority for requested room category, bed type, rollaways and connecting rooms
- VIP status granted with in-person warm welcome
- Priority for complimentary room upgrade (based on availability upon arrival)
- Welcome note from General Manager (or Hotel Management)
The Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne
Why Stay Here? Looking for a Florida Keys vibe just 20 minutes from the Miami airport? Look no further than the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne. With a laid back ambience, great on-site shopping and dining, and plenty of water fun for all, this hotel fits the bill for many personalities.
Pro Tip: Book a Cabana at the pool during your stay! The elevated platforms and personal service are well worth it!
The Shameless Tourist Perks:
- Full Breakfast Buffet for two people daily in Lightkeepers Restaurant
- Welcome Amenity
- $100 USD Hotel Credit
- Complimentary WiFi daily
- First priority on waitlists in sold-out situations
- Early Check-in/late Check-out, based on availability
- First priority for requested room category, bed type, rollaways and connecting rooms
- VIP status granted with in-person warm welcome
- Priority for complimentary room upgrade (based on availability upon arrival)
- Welcome note from General Manager (or Hotel Management)
Baker’s Cay Resort
Why Stay Here? If you are looking for a VIP Experience in Key Largo, which is the closest true “key” to Miami, Baker’s Cay is definitely the spot for you. With a dedicated team to assist our clients in making sure they are welcome and feel at home here, you will have the personal attention to detail and service that really makes a difference in a getaway. This hotel was recently refurbished and was beautifully decorated in doing so!
Pro Tip: Wanting Peace and Quiet? Book a Hammock View Room. Want to be in the middle of all of the action and with the most breathtaking ocean views? Make sure to book a Waterfront Room!
The Shameless Tourist Perks:
- VIP Status
- Personalized Welcome Amenities
- Exclusive access to the onsite Guest Coordinator who can assist with just about anything!
Playa Largo Resort & Spa
Why Stay Here? If you are wanting a hotel with a large pool and lots of common amenities in Key Largo, Playa Largo might be the right choice for you! Personally, I feel like families will love this resort because of it’s common spaces and large beach area.
Pro Tip: Make sure to take part in their nightly Sunset Party at the beach!
The Shameless Tourist Perks:
- Welcome Amenity
- Complimentary Breakfast for Two Daily
- Complimentary WiFi daily
- Early Check-in/late Check-out, based on availability.
- VIP status granted
- Priority for complimentary room upgrade (based on availability upon arrival).
- Welcome note from General Manager (or Hotel Management)
Little Palm Island
Why Stay Here? Looking for the only true luxury property in the Keys? Look no further! Little Palm Island is about a 30 minute drive and a 10 minute boat ride north of Key West. It is truly a paradise on this tiny island where the room accommodations, common spaces, and restaurant are all pristine!
Pro Tip: Our Favorite Room Category is the Island Romance Suite which has a private outdoor soaking tub! Book early and through the Shameless Tourist to make sure your suite is assigned to the most private location and best view.
Ocean Key Resort
Why Stay Here? Looking for the resort with the best location on Key West? Ocean Key Resort is located just at the end of Duval Street, the most “happening street” on this small island! While the lobby is very pretty, the rooms do need a little bit of updating.
Casa Marina, a Waldorf Astoria Resort
Why Stay Here? If you are looking for a resort on Key West with a large pool and great places for the kids to run around, Casa Marina might be the spot for you! Again, it’s worthwhile to note that the rooms here are in need of updating but we found the common spaces at Casa Marina to be a bit more accommodating to families than Ocean Key.
Do you love South Florida and the Keys? Drop us your favorite tip below!
