Arrival/Check-In: I arrived at The Setai in the late afternoon on a hot, humid day in Miami. The doorman greeted me before I even entered the lobby and directed me to the front desk. He asked that I take a seat and assured me the front desk attendant would be with me in a moment. He then presented me with a cold towel and a refreshing iced green tea, which was ideal considering the hot weather. While I sat, cooled off and enjoyed my beverage, the friendly front desk attendant checked me in within 10 minutes and then walked me to my room.

Guest Quarters: I had the pleasure of staying in an Art Deco studio suite. Upon entering the suite, I noticed it had a different feel from the typical hotel room. The Asian-inspired décor contributed to the calm, serene environment, almost like a spa. The use of space also stood out, mainly because the bed was the center of the room. Behind the bed sat a large desk with convenient power outlets and space to work. The bathroom had two large vanities which offered ideal storage space. The bathtub and shower were separate, with the tub positioned in front of the window, providing a nice view of the courtyard and pond. While I did not use the bathtub, I enjoyed the powerful rainfall shower. I appreciated the unique arrangement of the room, as it was spacious and, if needed, could comfortably accommodate more than one guest.

Services/Amenities: I had a wonderful dining experience at The Restaurant at The Setai. The Mediterranean-inspired cuisine was delicious, and I enjoyed watching the chefs cook the food in the open-kitchen area. Our server explained The Restaurant specializes in the Spanish cooking technique of grilling al la plancha. From appetizers to dessert, I had no complaints. The Restaurant staff was attentive and helpful in recommending dishes and wine pairings. Prior to dinner, we enjoyed a cocktail from The Bar & Courtyard, known for its unique cocktails with an Asian twist. While I was not able to experience them, the property has three pools, open year-round. The pools are kept at three different temperatures: 75 degrees, 85 degrees and 95 degrees. Private cabanas surround the pool area, with food and beverage services from the bar. Close to the pool area is a state-of-the-art fitness facility, which is quite spacious and offers every type of exercise equipment you could imagine.

The Experience: My stay at The Setai was a true luxury experience. From check-in to check-out, I couldn’t have been more pleased. The staff and service were impeccable. While I was traveling for business, it was refreshing to feel relaxed and de-stressed by the overall serenity and atmosphere of the hotel. I would gladly stay at The Setai again for any future business or leisure trips in Miami.

GT CHECKLIST

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

The Setai, Miami Beach

2001 Collins Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
tel 888 625 7500
thesetaihotel.com