Arrival/Check-In: I arrived late in the evening at the National Hotel in Miami. I was warned the property was going through the final phases of a major refresh, but no evidence of this was obvious at first glance. The large lobby featured rich hardwood floors, plush seating and vintage-style fixtures, which complement the hotel’s almost 75 years of history. There was no line for checkin, so I had my key and was on my way to my room within minutes.

Guest Quarters: I noticed the beautiful hardwood floors continued throughout the hotel as I was shown to my room on the 10th floor. The room was smaller than others I’ve experienced in the South Beach area but was new top to bottom, including carpets, furniture and bedding. Nice details for business travelers included convenient outlets, blackout shades and free WiFi for all devices. I used the shades only for sleep as I didn’t want to miss the view of the long infinity pool and the beautiful beach.

In the bathroom, a line of National-branded bath products was available for hotel guests, along with plush bath towels. Though there was no bathtub, the shower featured both a rain shower and removable showerhead. The soft robes provided were perfect for unwinding after a long day.

Services/Amenities: A buffet breakfast is served in the restaurant at the National Hotel every morning. Both days of my stay the staff was quick to seat me outside with the best view available. The fitness room is located on the bottom floor and is open 24 hours a day. It is rather small, but the equipment is new. With the South Beach running path right outside, I would imagine most opt for an outdoor workout instead.

The very large infinity pool looks just divine, and though I did not go for a swim, I enjoyed the view both from my room and my breakfast table. I did not get to take advantage of the on-site spa treatments or to visit the Aqua Bar & Grill or the Blues Bar, though I heard good things about both.

The Experience: The National Hotel is ideally located on South Beach in Miami. Its efforts to modernize while preserving its heritage will inevitably make this hotel a “must-stay” in the area.

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 National Hotel Miami Beach

1677 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel 305-532-2311
nationalhotel.com