Conrad hotels and resorts are named after Hilton founder, Conrad Hilton, and are part of the brand’s luxury collection of properties. Once the flagship properties of the Hilton brand, Conrad hotels are now second only to the Waldorf Astoria resorts. Conrad hotels offer an upscale experience in a resort setting and the Conrad Miami is no exception to that rule. The Conrad Miami is my favorite hotel to stay at in Miami. If you’re looking for a property in Miami Beach (South Beach), then I recommend the Hilton Bentley.
The Conrad Miami is located is the financial district of downtown Miami. There are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby to keep you entertained and fed. Though it’s a little south of all the major attractions, there’s a MetroMover station across the street from the hotel. If you have never been to Miami, imagine the MetroMover as a free Disneyland type monorail that shuttles you throughout downtown Miami with stops along all the major attractions including the American Airlines Arena, Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center, Bayside, Klipsch Bayfront Park Amphitheater and other attractions. So once you’re parked at the hotel, you can take the MetroMover everywhere else.
The beauty of the Conrad Miami hits you immediately as you pull into the valet area. Take the elevators to the lobby located on the 25th floor and enjoy the magnificent views of the bay behind the reception desk as you check in. The entire staff of the Conrad Miami, from the valet attendants to the front desk personnel, are all extremely pleasant and professional. Everyone addresses you by name and with a smile. Can’t ask for anything more than that.
Hotel amenities include a rooftop pool, tennis court, fitness center and a Spa facility. The rooftop pool is amazing with near 360 degree views of the bay and city. The fitness center is actually pretty decent for a hotel gym with state of the art equipment and again, amazing views of the bay. The Spa is located on the 24th floor and offers a menu of targeted wellness and beauty treatments from pedicures to massages. And of course, the Spa relaxation lounge offers more views of the bay as you sip on your complimentary light refreshment drink.
The rooms are beautiful and nicely appointed. You can go for the standard deluxe room with views of the bay or city or splurge for the 1,300 square foot, two-bedroom residence, complete with full kitchen, living room, two separate bathrooms and views of both the bay and the city. The beds are extremely comfortable and the bathrooms are large with separate showers and tubs. Bathroom amenities include bathrobes, slippers and Shanghai Tang products.
Note for those driving to the hotel, the self-park rate is $28/day but there is NO in/out privileges. The valet rate is $38 per day but does have in/out privileges. But note, there is a parking tax of $5 and they charge you sales tax on top of all that. So basically, you’re paying $45 to park your car there every night. It’s a classy hotel and ridiculous parking rates are to be expected. It’s not the end of the world but definitely worth noting. Parking rates aside, this is still my favorite place to stay in downtown Miami and I would recommend it to everyone.
