Mandarin Oriental, Miami — Hotel Review Rating: 4.5 Pearls

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The Infinity Pool at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Oyster Review Summary

Oyster Hotel Photos

Dynasty Suite (11)

Restaurants and Bars (13)

Amenities (21)

Deluxe Skyline View Room (33)

Infinity pool (20)

The Hotel (29)

Oyster Hotel Review

Reporter: Dipayan G.
Updated: August 27, 2009

 Service

The desk staff

A boisterous bevy of bellboys helped me out of my cab and chatted with me about the weather back in New York.

Everyone I encountered throughout my stay was polite and helpful. Though, in an incredibly rare Oyster gesture, I will make a special shout-out to the waiters at Azul who carefully steered me through the complicated menu and shared their recommendations without a hint of attitude.

 Room

View from The Deluxe Skyline View Room

My Deluxe Skyline Room was large and perhaps the most inventive I've been in.

The furniture in the bedroom was simply shaped but painted in rich, vibrant colors. Against the cream walls, it was just enough of a punch of life without being overwhelming.

No complaints about the bed -- I slept fabulously in high-count linen sheets.

There was a door to the bathroom, but a huge rectangle was cut out from the wall looking into the bathroom. I eventually discovered a shade that could be pulled down for privacy.

It was disappointing to find an old TV and wired Internet in a room this sleek. Later in my stay, I was told that Wi-Fi would soon be available throughout the hotel. Still, it's surprising that a hotel of this class -- and at this price -- didn't already have wireless service.

I was also annoyed by my balcony. The chairs barely fit! Fortunately, I was able to squeeze by the sizable gap in the screen separating my balcony from the neighboring terrace to marvel at the astonishing view from high up on Brickell Key.

 Features

The pool

The Mandarin has a beautiful spa on the ground floor, but finding it was a hassle. The main elevator goes to a floor with a long, empty corridor. Without any signs to point me in the right direction, I wandered aimlessly until I realized I needed to make a left at the elevator doors. Besides offering a full range of services, the sitting room has fruit, tea, water and nuts in abundance.

The spa looks out over the Mandarin's tiny pool. The pool is good for a dip, but that's it. There's a sushi bar at the poolside café, but I'd recommend against it -- overpriced and not that great.

The gym is above the spa. It's packed with mint-condition weight-training and cardio machines overlooking the water. Yoga classes are available in the morning, but the Mandarin also has a team of personal trainers to help with any other workout.

 Location

View on a Larger Map

The Mandarin is on Brickell Key, a tiny island separated from downtown Miami by a short bridge. It is home to Miami's richest of the rich, most likely because the island is flat-out gorgeous.

With 360-degree views of downtown, South Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, it felt like the whole island was a resort. The soaring modern towers are separated by simple green lawns littered with beatific children and their elegant parents. It was like something from an idyllic sci-fi movie.

There's also a jogging path that wraps all around Brickell Key and goes over the bridge on a loop through downtown. With several alternative paths posted along the route, it was an easy way to get some exercise and check out the view.

But there's no beach nearby.

 Food

Azul restaurant

Cafe Sambal on the ground floor didn't do much beyond denting my wallet.

But Azul ... oh, Azul. Yes, it's expensive, but the decor is modern and classy and the food was simply amazing. Mint-yogurt marinated swordfish? Delicious!

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 Bottom Line

Located on beautiful Brickell Key, this beachless island resort offers serenity by way of warm, creative design, a phenomenal spa, a first-rate gym and invigorating (though pricey) cuisine. Drawing business travelers, honeymooners and celebrities-in-hiding, it is not the place to party.