ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: There are two things I love upon hotel check-in: a pleasing scent wafting through the lobby, not too strong, but just enough to warmly embrace you, and a guestroom being ready when you arrive ahead of check-in time. Loews Coral Gables delivered on both fronts.

A short line formed at the one check-in desk that was open when we arrived; but before it had a chance to grow longer, another member of the attentive staff quickly hopped on a second computer to assist. Overall, it was an easy process, and I was off to my room in just a few minutes’ time. Guestroom key cards are needed to operate the elevators.

GUEST QUARTERS: As I made my way down the corridor to my guestroom, I noted how spacious the hallways were. It felt like there was plenty of room for groups of people to walk, even with lots of luggage in tow.

Pops of blue stood out to me immediately upon entering my room, from the blue back of the desk chair to the blue chair and ottoman in the corner to the blue accent wall behind the bathroom sink. To the right of the door was the bathroom with a single sink and counter, a separate water closet and a spacious shower. Closets stood to the left of the entrance. As I entered the room from the foyer, built-in cabinets housed a fridge.

Into the bedroom, nightstands flanked the king-sized bed, which sat across from a built-in entertainment console/desk hybrid. The TV was mounted, and floor- to-ceiling windows offered a city view.

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Upon arrival and settling into my guestroom, I decided to order a quick lunch to my room so I could eat while catching up on emails and getting ready for our evening event. My chicken Caesar salad arrived quickly — in fact, it might have been the fastest I’ve ever received a room service order. When finished getting ready, I headed to the lobby to meet some colleagues for a libation at Americana Bar, which was busy and buzzy during our visit. The following morning I made a quick stop at Miami Joe Coffee Co., right off the lobby, for a croissant and coffee before strolling Coral Gables. The hotel also offers Americana Kitchen for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Phineas, a ninth-floor rooftop restaurant next to the pool; and Celosa Café & Lounge, outdoors and serving espresso, light fare and craft cocktails.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Excellent location in The Plaza Coral Gables — set off in its own exclusive little area but with so much nearby and what feels like all of Coral Gables, including its popular Miracle Mile, within easy walking distance
• As our visit fell in December, the hotel lobby was adorned for the holidays, which always adds an extra-special touch to any visit, and the holiday decorations were festive and fun but also sophisticated and elegant, in line with the hotel.
• A subtle, thoughtful touch that was much appreciated was the corner shelf in the shower adjusted to a height so it could be used as a footrest when shaving legs.

LOEWS CORAL GABLES HOTEL
2950 Coconut Grove Drive Coral Gables, FL 33134
tel 786 772 7600
loewshotels.com