How did it strike you on arrival?
Ian Schrager has a knack for being on the bleeding edge of what people want. He proved this back in the late ‘70s when, with Steve Rubell, he created New York City’s iconic Studio 54 nightclub. And he did it again in the mid-1990s, when he revamped the classic Delano hotel and helped turn South Beach into one of the world’s favorite beach destinations. For his latest trick, Schrager created a micro-city in the Edition Miami Beach, where every amenity a person could want (or even know was possible) is there for the taking—ice skating rink included.
What’s the crowd like?
Style begets style at the Edition Miami Beach, which has become a playground for fashion-forward types the world over. Drake threw a party for Rihanna here once, and Leonardo DiCaprio hosted three parties in a row for hundreds of his closest friends and strangers during one particularly celebratory edition of Art Basel.
Importantly: Tell us about your room.
There’s something irresistible about the word “bungalow,” so booking one at the Edition Miami Beach was a no-brainer. While there are seven varieties from which to choose, including a two-story ocean view penthouse bungalow with a private elevator and plunge pool (which rents for $10,000-plus a night), we went with the Bungalow Poolview King. It may not have had its own plunge pool, but it did offer an extra layer of privacy—not to mention separate sleeping, dining, and sitting areas, plus a spacious balcony. The bungalow’s light oak-paneled walls have a nature-inspired feel that complements the oceanfront setting.
We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?
There’s no detail in these rooms that hasn't been scrutinized in an attempt to exceed guests’ every expectation, and the heavenly, low-slung bed—which sits atop a light oak frame that blends in with the walls, and is topped with a down comforter and pillows—is no exception.
How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?
The Edition delivered on an in-room Nespresso machine. Other nice touches include daily complimentary bottled water, a well-stocked minibar full of locally-sourced products, and twice-daily housekeeping services.
Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.
You can keep your fancy heated floors and robo-toilets: give me a rainforest shower in my bathroom and I’m a happy guest—particularly when that shower is fully enclosed and just another cool part of a sleek, all-marble space. Le Labo bath products are customized with their very own (and very pleasant) Edition scent.
We all need some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that?
Miami’s big on the whole “resort fee” thing, and the Edition Miami Beach is no exception. In this case, it’s $68 per night, but part of what you’re paying for is “free” Wi-Fi. Go figure. That said, you’re not getting out of paying that resort fee, so at least the Wi-Fi is strong.
Room service: Worth it?
With five fabulous restaurants and bars, I only made use of its in-room dining menu once, when I ordered up a plate of rich and buttery pancakes with lavender ($15) just before heading back to the airport.
Did anything stand out about the staff?
As the majority of my time at The Edition was spent by the pool, I got to know several of the servers and bar staff at Tropicale, the charming, al fresco café that handles all the beach and poolside food and drink deliveries. Even though the place was packed, they did a wonderful job of making it feel like you were their only customer.
Anything we missed?
Whether you’re craving a juicy cheeseburger with mole and pickled chili or grilled cobia with habanero-lime sauce, Matador Room— Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s innovative Latin fusion restaurant—offers unexpected flavors in plush surroundings. Cocktails are sublime; order one (or three) with dinner, or make it a liquid meal by foregoing the restaurant altogether and just heading to Matador Bar. The hotel’s most talked-about amenity might very well be BASEMENT, a subterranean entertainment space that is home to what it deems a “micro-club,” a nightclub that’s reminiscent of Studio 54. Which is all well and good, but where it gets really bananas (in a good way) is at the bowling alley and ice skating rink—two nighttime activities you probably never thought you needed, but will hope for in every hotel after this one.
Bottom line: Is it worth it?
As Edition is part of the Marriott family, booking a room here is much simpler than at other boutique hotels of its ilk (note: Marriott Rewards can’t be used for the Bungalows). The hotel is totally self-contained, with everything you might need right at your fingertips.
2901 Collins Ave., Miami, Florida 33140
United States
http://www.editionhotels.com/miami-beach
(786) 257-4500