The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami
"How did it strike you on arrival?Key Biscayne may only be located 15 miles from South Beach, but it may as well be its very own country. The picturesque barrier island is home to miles of pristine beachfront and two state parks, but only one hotel—and what a hotel it is. The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne has all the five-star amenities you’d expect from the high-end hotel chain, but also embraces the laid-back, beachy vibe of its neighborhood. In a way, it’s the place you’d want to go to escape Miami. What’s the crowd like?Though Ritz-Carlton devotees like to remain true to their brand, they have a handful of options—and hotel personalities—to choose from in the area, including outposts in South Beach, Bal Harbour, and Coconut Grove. The Key Biscayne crowd can be heavily weighted toward the family side, or couples who would rather not be in the heart of the city. Importantly: Tell us about your room.In order to take advantage of the hotel’s slightly out-of-the-way location, we booked an Ocean View Studio, mainly because of its residential features, which make it feel more like your own little apartment than a stuffy hotel room. With 420 square feet of space, it’s a good size without being too big. And its clever layout allows for a kitchenette and other home-away-from-home features. The room is pretty—lots of light blues and beiges, plus light wood furniture and accessories replicate the colors of the sea—even if there’s no real statement piece or “wow” element. Even so, one could be perfectly content calling it home for even an extended stay. The balcony makes a pleasant addition, especially as a place to enjoy an evening cocktail or morning coffee. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The vast majority of the main floor space is taken up by the king-sized bed, which is topped with a luxurious feather comforter. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that worth a mention?Our main reason for opting for the Ocean View Studio was the added bonus of a kitchenette, which was well-equipped with a stove, stovetop, microwave and mini-fridge. It’s options like this that make the resort a popular choice for families, so that you’re not left dragging a sun-soaked and exhausted kid from one restaurant to the next. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.While not huge, the marble bathroom feels luxurious, not only because of its separate tub and shower, but because of its super plush towels, robes, and slippers, and the gorgeous mother-of-pearl wall covering near the vanity. We all need some good Wi-Fi. What’s the word on that?Wi-Fi is complimentary, and strong enough that I was able to download a couple of massive files without shutting the whole resort down (at least, not that I know of). Did anyone on staff make an impression?The Ritz-Carlton is known for employing all sorts of unique butlers and very specific concierges, and here you’ll find a Photography Concierge—a hospitality professional whose job it is to arrange (complimentary) 45-minute beach photo shoots with guests. It’s a lot of work, and there was a long line of people wanting to get in on that. Anything stand out about other services and features?Beach or pool? It’s a decision made even more difficult here, as the resort is home to a pair of pools—one of them a more family-oriented type (complete with waterfall), the other adults-only. If the resort didn’t already remind you of the last place you stayed in Cabo, Cantina Beach—its gorgeous, thatched palapa-roofed Mexican eatery—might get those memories back. Tiki torches and fire pits only add to the beachfront charm, and a dedicated tequilier—the tequila version of a sommelier—can help you choose the perfect tequila to match your meal for a night you won’t soon forget. The restaurant, which stocks more than 110 varieties of tequila, also hosts complimentary tastings at 6 p.m. nightly. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?The Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne is unique in that it lets you enjoy all the benefits and privacy of staying at a secluded resort, yet you’re always just a quick drive to the heart of South Beach—and just as close to the airport. Bottom line: worth it?While Miami is full of Instagram-worthy beaches and backdrops, Key Biscayne’s version of it is just a little less tainted by urban sprawl. Its proximity to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, home to one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches, puts you that much closer to yet another activity to check off your Miami bucket list." - Jennifer M. Wood
