THE RITZ-CARLTON

SOUTH BEACH

B y i nna d esilva

The Art Deco building that houses The Ritz-Carlton, easily one of the best hotels in Miami’s South Beach, hugs the corner of Lincoln Road and the Atlantic Ocean. Inside this magnificent building you can find serenity and excitement under one roof. In February 2020, the hotel completed a $90 million, multi-year renovation. The lobby is incredibly chic and features a small jewel of a bar called Lapidus, which serves elegant cocktails like Little Havana and Hemingway Sour. The front desk is amazing and really does try to fulfill every wish of a hotel guest. The huge pool is the centerpiece of this property and is busy until evening with kids enjoying the invitingly warm water while their parents are enjoying fresh coconuts with rum.

My corner room had a bank of windows looking out to the front and side of the hotel. It was around 500 square feet and had a magnificent bathroom. I was addicted to lying in bed and watching the ocean’s waves. If you can book a room at the Club Level, do so because it’s worth it. Club Level includes amenities like a private oceanfront lounge; complimentary drinks and self-serve culinary presentations throughout the day: breakfast, lunch, light snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts; and a dedicated concierge. Because I eat a simple breakfast, I loved walking into the lounge without waiters or menus. I grabbed a tea and some smoked salmon, and I was on my way to spend the day at the beach.

The beach is beautiful and has full service, including daybeds and drinks. Lincoln Road shops and restaurants are only two blocks from the Ritz-Carlton, making it easy to wander around looking in boutiques and galleries and finding plenty of happy hour places. You can return to dine at the hotel’s restaurant, Fuego y Mar, which faces the pool and has excellent food, including my favorites: Key West ceviche and ahi tuna poke. Another option is the famous Bagatelle, which The Ritz-Carlton bought in January 2022. This international brand with locations worldwide is known for great food and a glamorous fun crowd. Enjoy lobster fettuccini or barbecued catch of the day.

The Ritz-Carlton South Beach is a wonderful place to spend a weekend or a week while enjoying the best of everything.

The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach ritzcarlton.com

1 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach

786.276.4000