Approaching the Metropolitan by COMO  located on Collins Avenue, where most of the best hotels are in Miami. I took in my surroundings, the perfectly manicured hedges and the Palm Trees as I pulled up the drive way in my taxi from Miami International Airport, which was only 25 minutes away and cost a flat rate of $35.

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On entry into the hotel, the elegant hallway with high ceiling, the soothing colours of the interior and the circular furniture around these gorgeous enormous pillars, all made for a calming and welcoming ambience. I arrived at the Metropolitan at eleven in the morning. Thoughts of going to the gym, relaxing on the beach or going to Ocean Drive for an eyeful of people watching while sipping on a cocktail were running through my mind, as I considered how to spend my time before check in at four in the afternoon.

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 I made my way to the reception desk to check in and to my delight, I was informed by Michael that my room was ready and it will be OK to Check In early. This was music to my ears, as I could have a shower, relax after a long flight, then decide on what to do next. I took the lift to the sixth floor and opened the door to a spacious, simple and elegant room. A beautiful blank canvas with no distractions, I thought. The walls reflected the rippling effect of the turquoise waves of the ocean outside. The complementary white bed and upholstery brought images of the white sand on the beach to mind, which was only a stone throw away. The bed looked comfortable and inviting. The decor was a clever way of bringing the calming feeling of the ocean into the bedroom. I was already feeling relaxed and blissful:)

I settled in, unpacked and made my way to the bathroom for a quick shower. The calming ambience continued in the bathroom with its dim lighting, white and chrome decor. Nothing beats standing under a ceiling mounted overhead shower in a wet room, with plush white tiles and water dripping down every part of your body onto the wet marble floor. This was so refreshing.

 

After my shower, I wrapped myself in the luxurious bathrobe and put on the complementary flip flops provided and started to feel right at home.

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Bikini ready and sunglasses on, I made my way to the pool area downstairs walking through the Traymore restaurant and bar.

 

Poolside, I was greeted by the reflection of the sun dazzling across the pool. I could not wait to plunge right in.

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After a relaxing swim, I headed for the deck chairs and laid down for some much needed Vitamin D and felt the rays of the sun kissing my skin.

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Around the pool area were these lovely four poster poolside beds with towels beautifully folded into swans. The pool area had a bar and it was not busy at all. The staff were available to meet all your poolside needs.

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There were more four poster beds in a shaded area with palm trees, just by the gate access to the beach.

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While relaxing by the pool, I started feeling a little peckish. So I decided to feed my taste buds with these tasty grilled jumbo prawns, which were absolutely DIVINE.

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Contemplating on what part of my itinerary to start first, I went back to my room and got dressed headed downstairs, where the front desk organised a taxi for a spot of shopping on Lincoln Road Mall, which was about 5 minutes away. While I was out, I decided to have a late lunch (details covered in my experience in Miami post). On my return to the hotel, I was struggling to keep my eyes open as jet lag was setting in. It was still early in the evening, so I persevered and relaxed in the outside area. I ordered a cocktail topped with coconut cream from the bar before going to bed. DELICIOUS.

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Bright and early the next morning, I made my way to the gym on the 8th floor. When on holiday, I like to give my fitness regime a boast, so a gym facility is paramount for my holiday. The gym was on the small size, but it was sufficiently equipped with aerobic machines and weights.

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After my gym session, I went for a shower and made my way to the Hydrotherapy pool on the Roof top. The views were breath taking and it was splendid to see and capture the pool area below from such an amazing height. The water and bubbles in the Hydrotherapy pool massaged all my aches away from my earlier gym session. Relaxing in the Hydrotherapy pool, was one of the best parts of my trip. There was also a steam room in the Hydrotherapy area.

Still in the mode of rest and relaxation, I made an appointment to have a Restorative Deep Tissue Full body Massage at the COMO Shambhala Spa on the 8th floor. The spa offers a range of  60 – 90 minutes massages, detoxifying body and facial treatments for your wellbeing and it worked a trick.

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The Spa was an oasis of tranquillity and my massage was firm and relaxing, I nodded off a few times as the masseuse massaged the tensions out my muscles. It was so good, I contemplated booking another session before my departure.

The spa changing area was luxurious and the showers were powerful. I love my showers, as you might have figured by now:)

The spa also had a relaxing terrace area, with complementary views of the ocean and the city. What’s not to love about this place:)

 

After my treatment, I decided to order some room service as I was getting ready to explore Miami some more. I selected one of the fish of the day, which was Salmon, it was fresh and scrumptious.

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I made my way to Wynwood, the renown art district in Miami for some cultural consumption, which was a 20min drive from the hotel and cost $35. Early the next morning, which was my last day at the hotel. I decided to go for a run on the popular board walk and beach walk,  which was parallel to the beach and all the way to Ocean Drive. It was nice running outside, a breath of fresh air and hearing the waves of the ocean as I ran along.

 

Ninety minutes later, I could not resist one last dip into the Hydrotheraphy pool. After which I  treated myself to some nourishing breakfast in  the Traymore restaurant. There was a wide variety to choose from, ranging from a selection of freshly baked muffins, croissant and other very tempting pastries. A range of cereals and succulent slices of fruit. There was lots to satisfy any palate and you could order something different from the breakfast menu.

 

I opted to have some fruit and an omelette with spinach, ham, cheddar cheese with a splash of tabasco sauce and it was delicious and spicy, just how I like it.

 

After breakfast, I headed to the beach, which was a few foot steps away from the pool area of the hotel. There I laid until it was time to check out at noon.

 

I left my luggage with the front desk and walked to the Bass Museum, which was about 10 minutes walk for some more culture. Situated close to the Bass Museum is the Miami City Ballet Centre, after an eyeful of art, I returned to pick up luggage to experience another exciting establishment in Miami. The Vintro Hotel and Kitchen, where I stayed for 3 nights. You and read about my experience here.  You can find out more about my 5 day break in Miami, with interesting things to do, by clicking on the link.

 

My 2 night stay in the King Room at the Metropolitan Hotel was a calming and blissful experience and lived up to the definition of Shambhala , which was just what I needed. The hotel met all my expectation and more. The staff were pleasant and helpful. The hotel is tucked away nicely from the constant liveliness of Ocean drive. It is within close proximity of shops, museums and the night life Miami has to offer.

 

The Metropolitan by COMO hotel is a luxurious 5 star Art Deco hotel with 74 rooms and suites overlooking the Atlantic Ocean on Miami beach. The gorgeous interior was designed by renown Italian designer, Paola Navone. The Metropolitan by COMO is part of the COMO hotel group with luxurious hotels around the world.

 

At the time of booking, my two night stay at The Metropolitan by COMO hotel cost £564 for a King Room, which was booked via booking.com. This excludes taxes and resort fees. Visit The Metropolitan by COMO hotel website for current rates and offers. The Restorative Deep Tissue Full body Massage at the COMO Shambhala Spa cost $150 for 60mins and it was worth it:)

 

Address: Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach 2445 Collins Avenue Miami Beach FL 33140 Contact Details: Tel: 1-305-695-3600 Fax: 1-305-695-3601 US Toll Free: 1-855-316-2666 Email: met.mia@comohotels.com

 

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my experience at this hotel and perhaps you may decide to stay at one of the COMO’s fine establishment in the future. Have you stayed at the Metropolitan by COMO? Please comment and share your thoughts:)

 

 

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2015-11-30T17:42:25+00:00