Arrival/Check-In: As you enter the lobby, you get a true sense you are in South Beach. People are dressed in white, lounge chairs and couches are arranged near the wall-to-wall windows as you gaze outside to Collins Avenue, in the heart of everything you want. A friendly front desk attendant provided my room key right away and quickly helped get my suitcase to the room with ease. I was invited to take a basket of locally grown fruit, and that’s exactly what I did as I walked toward the elevators and to my room on the third floor. On the way, I passed a small deli behind reception, which proved a good spot for midday snacks for my constantly hungry appetite.

Guest Quarters: The 650-square-foot room was indeed spacious compared to the Miami standards I was accustomed to. It even held a large, white couch with an exquisitely designed coffee table. The same luxury applied to everything in the room, from the desk and lightning to the bathroom with its large bathtub and separate shower. The room exuded an Art Deco feeling throughout, along with modern touches like salvaged driftwood walls and a glass terrarium. Although the room didn’t offer full ocean views, I could still take the wonderful sea breeze into my lungs from the private balcony with its combined views of ocean and city. Bathrobes and towels were all custom-made of organic materials exclusively for 1 Hotels.

Services/Amenities: 1 Hotel thought of every detail. My king-sized Keetsa bed consisted of a custom hemp-blend mattress and 100 percent organic sheets set on top of a rough-hewn oak platform. Bathroom products were also custom-made with all-natural products, and my favorite feature of the bathroom was its triple-filtered shower — simply heavenly! In-room amenities included a Nespresso machine, filtered water taps and my own yoga mat. I was all set.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

◆ Each room comes with its own smartphone guests can use to call the front desk or concierge, or even text a valet to have their car ready in less than 10 minutes. What a timesaver, especially when your day is filled with meetings morning to night.

◆ Make sure to enjoy a meal at the newly opened restaurant, Beachcraft, by five-time James Beard award winner and celebrity chef Tom Colicchio. Definitely try the seafood tower, faro salad and Wagyu steak. The restaurant’s impeccable wine list and deliciously crafted cocktails not only feed your taste buds but also your eyes.

◆ Free WiFi is provided in the guestrooms and the lobby.

◆ Don’t miss the fun cocktails at Watr at The 1 Rooftop (ages 21 and up), a great treat for happy hour or a girls’ night out.

1 Hotel South Beach

2341 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel 305 604 1000
1hotels.com