ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: Ascending to the lobby feels more like walking through an ornate, marble-floored corridor to an event than checking into a hotel. (I later understood why weddings are very popular here.) My stay aligned with the December holidays, meaning giant nutcrackers and towering Christmas trees adorned the entrances. Despite the size and many other businesses accessible from within (including a selection of elevated restaurants), clear signage pointed to the second-floor lobby, where a sleek check-in desk adjacent to an intimate bar and lounge stood. In other words, the lobby set the stage for what awaited within my guestroom.

© Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables, Autograph Collection

GUEST QUARTERS: My Aragon king room made the most of space (even though the room was already large enough) with half-tile, half-wood flooring to separate the entrance and bathroom from the bedroom and living area. The bed was particularly unique with its silver frame canopy design, a lovely contrast to the pops of vibrant orange, pink and blue in the pillows and walls. Tall windows covered with white curtains overlooked the city below, and a lengthy desk gave me more than enough room to work for a few hours. A plush couch with a coffee table, flat-screen television, Keurig coffee machine, and Latin-inspired artwork brought the entire room together. In the bathroom I enjoyed plenty of counter space and a walk-in shower, all set against a statement wall of bold orange.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Breakfast and lunch awaits at Aragon Café, serving everything from avocado toast to eggs Benedict and waffles for breakfast and burgers, pasta and steak for lunch. The lobby bar, which I first saw during check-in, embodies old-world luxury with its stained-glass window and chandeliers accompanied by handcrafted cocktails. Dinner is also available here. Because the common space of the hotel shares a grand corridor with other restaurants, you don’t even need to leave the building to dine at spots such as Morton’s Coral Gables, Baires Grill or Crema Gourmet Espresso Bar. Because I was visiting in winter, I didn’t swim, but the heated rooftop pool and hot tub beckon me to return come summer.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Endless dining and drink options, many upscale, under one roof and within easy reach
• In the heart of MiracleMile district
• Despite the property’s size and many goings-on downstairs, guestrooms are quiet and peaceful.

HOTEL COLONNADE CORAL GABLES, AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
180 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
tel 305 441 2600