I felt about one million nerves run wild through my body as I slammed on the brakes of my car and pounded on the horn. My heart was racing, palms sweating, and I was lost because I couldn’t quite pay attention to the Google Map directions on my iPhone. It is mid-afternoon on a Monday and downtown Miami’s traffic is, as usual, giving me anxiety. When I think about going to a quiet, private, and relaxing place to clear my mind, downtown Miami is certainly not the place I’d ever consider. However, I made it to my destination in one piece, the JW Marriott Marquis, and decided, why not give this place a try? I pulled into an exquisite entrance with gold revolving doors, wall fountains, statues, marble tiles, and a welcoming staff. The only twist is, I wasn’t staying at the JW Marriott Marquis, and this is where my story began.
As a typical Marquis guest, when you enter the lobby you are immediately greeted by a friendly staff member at the front desk. You check in and make your way to your room. The only difference in my stay was that I was greeted by a staff member who was waiting for my arrival and escorted me to the 39th floor for a separate check in. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting into, but I went with it. As the elevator doors opened to the 39th floor I walked towards a private reception desk with two signs on each side of the walls that read, “Hotel Beaux Arts.” I immediately noticed the modern and art inspired décor of the quaint reception area that had a chic and sophisticated European flair. I came to realize that, not only was I about to spend two and a half days in downtown Miami, but I was in an exclusive and brand new luxury “hotel-within-a-hotel.”
Located on the 38th, 39th, and 40th floors of the JW Marriott Marquis, the Hotel Beaux Arts is, in fact, an exclusive and ultra-modern private hotel created to inspire and awe. Upon my check in and my “Welcome” glass of champagne, I was escorted to my 38th floor suite by two staff members who mentioned that this procedure is routine for new guests. After guests check in, they are escorted to their room to by a staff member who will demonstrate and explain all of the room amenities and cater to their questions, needs, and/or concerns to ensure that they are as comfortable as possible.
Walking into my room was like walking into a contemporary and technologically savvy oasis. From the endless city and bay views, to the ceiling-to-floor windows, to the motorized window drapery, to the Ban & Olufsen 55 inch LED flat-screen television, the remote controlled video and sound system installed in the room and much more that I was yet to discover. No wonder they provide a personal escort to show guests all of the goodies in this state of the art “smart room.” Each of the exclusive guestrooms and suites are designed with rich, dark hard wood floors, contemporary art embellishments, luxurious bedding, and my personal favorite, an illy white YI espresso machine (or in other words, illy Aritisto del Gusto Café). The bathrooms are spacious with imported Italian marble baths, a television embedded in bathroom mirror for TV watching while getting ready or taking a bath, and an abundance of Molton Brown bath amenities. Sound like hotel heaven? It definitely was, and beyond!
The hook of this boutique hotel that you will rarely find in any other is the iPad. Each room is provided with an iPad that has a specific Hotel Beaux Arts app for guests to use for any and all of their requests. Not only can you surf the web (which is complimentary and unlimited) but you have the option to order room service, make dinner reservations, ring up house keeping, check out all local attractions, restaurants and directions, browse through the salon and spa’s menu of services, and much more. My favorite part was the room service function which allows you to “see” the food before you order it, so you know exactly what you’re getting. An amenity that is both convenient and innovative makes for a very satisfied guest.
With so many exclusive features to the Hotel Beaux Arts, including it’s very own private lounge and dining enclave, this hidden getaway spot is the perfect place to escape the chaos of downtown Miami. As a matter of fact, I never really found a reason to escape the hotel, nor did I want to. The Hotel Beaux Arts shares 50,000 square feet of pure entertainment and recreation with the JW Marriott Marquis. Located on the 19th and 20th floors is where you will find endless activities that will keep you busy from day to night. So much that NBA teams and professional tennis players from around the country stay here for the 10,000 square foot NBA approved basketball arena that also transforms into a full tennis court. Just when I thought there couldn’t be anymore to this hotel, I turned the corner to find the Jim McLean Golf School that offers personal instruction, golf simulators, putting greens and Pro Shop, a virtual bowling alley, 3D Media Room, Rik Rak Salon & Spa, and a 4,500 square foot fitness center with all top-of-the-line equipment. I was amazed at all this hotel had to offer and that doesn’t include the pool, restaurants, and shops.
All of this excitement makes for a very hungry guest, so the first evening of my stay I decided to dine at the hotel’s very own restaurant, “db Bistro Moderne,” an authentic French bistro located right near the JW Marriott Marquis lobby. The db Bistro Moderne offers a traditional French bistro menu with infused with contemporary American flavors prepared by Chef Jarrod Verbiak. The interior design of the restaurant reminded me of a fresh and modern New York City style bistro in a South Beach setting. With all of the delicious menu items, I had to go with the Tuna TarTare that consisted of poached egg dressing, pommes gaufrettes, and watercress. It was so good I needed another one, but I moved on to the next dish, the “Ricotta Cavatelli” with porcini confit, pecorino, speck ham and walnuts, and some warm sugar-dusted madaleines with a cappuccino to end the night.
With exceptional service, innovative technology, privacy, state-of-the-art room and hotel amenities, and minutes from Brickell, gorgeous south Florida beaches, malls and night clubs, there is nothing that the Hotel Beaux Arts was missing to make the stay exquisite. Not only was the stay above and beyond in every aspect but the experience is one that is unforgettable. The Hotel Beaux Arts isn’t just another Miami hotel. It is an exclusive lifestyle experience and world-class hotel destination that is unique in everyway. The luxurious lifestyle and welcoming hotel staff are ready and willing to make you their number one priority. The Hotel Beaux Arts awaits you.
For reservations: 1-888-236-2427
255 Biscayne Blvd Way
Miami, FL 33131
www.Marriott.com/hotels/travel/miabx-hotel-beaux-arts-miami/