Miami's downtown is no longer just the financial district. Visitors looking for a high-rolling, shopaholic's dreamland should anchor their stay at the W Miami in the Brickell neighborhood, where haute fashion and top-notch cuisine are just steps away.
Inside the lobby, two check-in stations are located to the left, but it's impossible to decide where to look first. The large sculptures, wall murals and statement furniture all beg for your attention. Wherever you decide to look, there's something that catches the eye.
On the right, Miami-based specialty coffee counter Panther Coffee (which also has locations in Wynwood, Coconut Grove and Miami Beach) occupies a bar space in the brand's Living Room, outfitted with black leather sofas and offering plenty of reading material. The coffee bar is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and also serves pastries for a perfect morning pick-me-up before hitting the stores.
Each of the hotel's guestrooms and suites (rates start at $229 per night) are outfitted with private balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows revealing the stunning Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay. As guests of the hotel, we were treated to the 580-square-foot, city-facing Cool Corner room (starting at $395 per night). The Asian-themed decor in shades of mint and emerald was stunning, but the star of the space is the bathroom, which gleams in chrome and black-and-white marble and features the same wall of windows for a lovely view from the shower or separate soaking tub.
A seven-minute walk from the hotel is the new Brickell City Centre, where Miami's well-high-heeled are seen flitting from boutique to boutique in the practice of retail self-care. The shopping and mixed-use project is spread over four levels and three city blocks (so far) and comprises dining, entertainment and shopping venues, including a flagship 107,000-square-foot Saks Fifth Avenue department store. The complex also includes the CMX luxury movie theater so guests can take in a flick while their credit card recovers.
For a little extra relaxation, book an experience at the 28,000-square-foot IconBrickell Spa back on the 14th floor of the hotel. Spend as much time as you like in the Turkish bath-style area the hotel calls the Water Lounge, decked out in white marble and plush white furniture.
After some spa time, float up to the 15th floor for drinks and dinner at Addikt, the fine dining Latin-Asian fusion restaurant by chef Christian Quinones. Book a table on the terrace around sunset for glowing, near-360-degree views of the city, the bay, the Miami River and Brickell Key. I enjoyed charred octopus with white beans, yellowtail snapper with malanga and coconut cream and a strawberry tartlet with coconut sorbet.
After dinner, hop in an Uber and head to South Beach (it's still party central) or retire to that plush Cool Corner room upstairs. Call ahead and ask the "Whatever, Whenever" staff to fill the bathtub with lemon-scented bubbles from organic cosmetic company, Bliss. Open those curtains and watch the city lights twinkle. You're in the Magic City now.