Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at the newly opened James Royal Palm late in the evening following a cross-country flight from Los Angeles. At that late hour, other guests were enjoying cocktails at the James Club, the lobby lounge, as I admired the interior design created by Lauren Rottet of Rottet Studio. The décor maintained historical touches including the original green glass reception desk, now used as a coffee bar, and porthole windows. Before I could take it all in, I was quickly assisted and directed to my room.

Guest Quarters: As I arrived on my floor, I knew I was in for a real treat. I had my camera in hand starting in the hallway, snapping shots of the whitewashed, wood-paneled walls and mismatched block room numbers. Inside my room, the fresh design continued with décor featuring the blue, green and white colors of the sea. A driftwood-style headboard framed the deluxe king-sized bed. A small seating area featured pillows with the words “Ctrl, Alt, Del.” We all know what that means, and that is exactly what you feel like doing when entering this space.

The balcony facing the beach leads one to believe there is no chance this room could be a productive workspace, but the separate seating area, complimentary WiFi, water and the sounds of the sea made for an inspiring work environment.

Services/Amenities: Though it is located in a prime position on Miami Beach between nightlife and shopping, with two swimming pools and a beautiful beachfront, this property does not cater just to leisure travelers. The next day, I entered the lobby at 8 a.m. and was surprised to find swarms of “suits” catching breakfast at the Florida Cookery before attending a conference in the 2,500-square-foot Great Room.

On site, guests can also dine at Catch Miami, a seafood restaurant from the EMM Group out of New York, and enjoy nightlife indoors at SL Miami or outside at South Shore. The welcoming environment continues with Lil’ James, a space for Miami Beach’s smallest visitors.

Though I did put in some time at the gym, I missed out on a salt-infused treatment at Renew the Spa that I heard was invigorating.

The Experience: Beyond the manmade pleasures The James has to offer, the prestigious location allows guests to reconnect with nature. The environmental consciousness of the property is obvious throughout without ever taking away from the luxury of the experience.

GT CHECKLIST

• Doorman/valet
• Less than 10 minutes for check-in
• Separate tub and shower
• Large vanity
• High-quality towels
• Powerful, unattached hair dryer
• High-quality bed linens
• Large, flat-screen television
• Large desk with convenient outlets
• Large, complimentary laptop safe
• Complimentary in-room WiFi
• Complimentary bottled water
• Stocked minibar
• Ample lighting
• In-room coffeemaker
• Iron and ironing board
• On-site restaurant and bar
• 24-hour room service
• State-of-the-art fitness center

The James Royal Palm Miami

1545 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel 305 604 5700
jameshotels.com