Marriott Autograph Collection hotels have my attention lately. Out of curiosity, I recently counted the specific number of Autograph Collection hotels where I’ve stayed. Turns out, I’ve checked into 13 different hotel destinations across five states (a far cry from the more than 300 Autograph Collection locations around the world).

Within the past couple of months, I was able to steal away at two in Florida: Beaux Arts Hotel Miami and The Ben in West Palm.

Hotel Beaux Arts
Sleek and minimalistic with only 44 rooms, Hotel Beaux Arts sits atop the JW Marriott in Miami. The hotels feels exclusive and private with a separate check-in on the 39th floor and spectacular views of the city or Biscayne Bay. The amenities are unique and private as well: a 10,000-square-foot, NBA-approved basketball court named JW Arena; a world-renowned Mariano Bartolome Golf School including golf simulators, a putting green and personal instruction; and a 4,500-square-foot, state-of-the-art fitness center with eco-friendly Technogym equipment, free weights and a yoga studio.

My king-sized corner suite on the 39th floor felt like a junior penthouse, full of everything I’d need for a getaway weekend in Miami. I enjoyed the modern décor, oversized master bathroom and floor-to-ceiling windows at nearly every turn. Situated in Miami’s financial district, there are plenty of eating options within walking distance in addition to Met Café and Bar, Intermezzo and Boulud Sud, all on site. With dark woods, elegant furnishings and quality at every turn, Beaux Arts captures the attention of those with a discerning eye looking for privacy and luxury.

The Ben
In West Palm, The Ben garners a different kind of attention. Upon entry, you feel as if the hotel is designed by an anthropologist who just finished trekking through the Amazon. The lobby and my king-sized suite were both outfitted with hanging chairs, books and chess boards, not to mention a multitude of textures and teak throughout. The professorial vibe continued with golden statues of a large dog on each floor. Rather than feeling exclusive and private, The Ben feels refined and worldly, with a touch of ‘high brow’ for good measure.

I enjoyed late afternoon snacks by the rooftop pool and breakfast at The Ben. My chia pudding with raspberry coulie, coconut flakes and fruit stole the show. But the overall sense a real-life Indiana Jones character could come trapsing through the hotel at any moment was an adventurous consideration I won’t soon forget.

Both hotels were very masculine in nature — including a purposeful “musky man” scent inside at The Ben. Additionally, both hotels also mirrored their respective locations quite well; Miami with a contemporary-high-rise, modern touch and West Palm with a laid-back, international yachting vibe.

I look forward to experiencing my next Autograph Collection hotel in the near future. No doubt, it will capture my attention and produce additional curious and memorable stories to share.

— Carrie Cox, account executive