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Mandarin Oriental, Miami, offers three house cars to accommodate the needs of guests. We are happy to offer our house cars for short trips around the city.

Interior décor by Atlanta-based designer Jan Clausen showcases a harmonious balance between colors, texture and materials. The design theme for guestrooms and common areas captures the energy found in the vibrancy of Miami, blending that with the restful atmospheres of a luxury residence.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami, has a beautiful infinity-edge pool overlooking Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. There's no better place to enjoy a refreshing cocktail at sunset.

You can find beach clubs, upscale restaurants and concierge desks at just about any Miami hotel, but what sets the Four-Star Mandarin Oriental, Miami apart from the competition is its wide array of amenities. Here are five of the best:

1. Although it�s a separate entity in itself (and also the recipient of a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating), the Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami is at your disposal as a guest of the hotel. That means you�ll have access to the spacious locker room and gym without having to schedule any sort of treatment. Then again, if you�ve got the time, there�s no reason not to treat yourself.

2. There�s nothing quite like relaxing on the daybeds at the Oasis Beach Club; to make the experience even better, order lunch and enjoy it on the hotel�s private white-sand beach overlooking Biscayne Bay. Try the blue crab maki roll, so loaded with fresh, buttery crabmeat that the single roll is a meal in itself) .

3. While you�re lounging on the beach, you can jam out or chill out - depending on your disposition - with the complimentary iPods available poolside and on the beach, which come pre-loaded with music.

4. You can keep in shape without putting a pounding on your joints while you stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami with a selection of yoga, pilates, tai chi and belly dancing classes available from $20. Even if you�re on vacation, it can�t hurt to squeeze in a little workout to make sure you keep that beach body toned.

5. If you�re traveling with your pet, your furry friend can get its own plush bed, bowls, treats and a Mandarin Oriental trademark fan tag for its collar. Plus, dog-walking services are offered once daily, free of charge.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami has an infinity-edge pool that's the hub of activity for this urban resort. An open-air sushi bar is adjacent to the pool, and it serves cocktails and a range of sushi, ceviche, salad and tapas. Burgers, grilled cheese sandwiches and chicken fingers are also available for children. Additional pool amenities are offered throughout the day, including Evian water spritzers, cold towels, chilled fruit and Pina Colada samples for the grown-ups. You can even book an outdoor massage if you splurge on one of the VIP cabanas.

On Sundays, Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s pool and beach host a beach party open to guests and local residents. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. and brings a DJ, spa ‘taster’ treatments and beach games like badminton to the standard pool and beachside offerings. Be sure to check out the 20,000-square-foot beach complex during your stay at Mandarin Oriental, Miami; it offers the best of both worlds in Miami, with a beautiful beachfront and enough privacy to make you feel like you’ve really gotten away from the world.

Whether you have a suit that needs to be pressed for an important meeting, or a beach cover-up that’s seen a bit too much sand, you can have it taken care of through the Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s laundry service. Prices depend on the item and how quickly you need it; just leave your garments for the housekeeping staff or call them to come collect the pieces, and they’ll be returned to your room fresh, pressed and ready to wear. You can find instructions in your rooms on how to get started.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami offers a small range of special packages throughout the year. These might include a package that adds a $50 spa or dining credit to your room or, in the summer, a stay two nights and receive your third night free promotion. One perennially favorite package is the bed and breakfast offer, which includes — you guessed it — a full breakfast served in the privacy of your room (the balcony’s petite chairs and table come in handy here) or in the resort’s restaurant.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami has some great planned activities. Our favorite is the weekly Sunday beach party at Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s Oasis Beach Club. It’s popular with hotel guests and local residents. The event is held from noon to 6 p.m. on the hotel’s man-made beach overlooking Biscayne Bay and includes tunes from a live DJ, beach games and the opportunity to sample mini spa treatments.

 

The Four-Star hotel also hosts holiday activities throughout the calendar year, such as tea and hot cocoa with Santa and a beach barbecue for Father’s Day. Every Friday, Café Sambal also hosts the Happiest of Hours from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This end-of-the-work-week event features live jazz, specially priced cocktails and a tapas menu.

The festivities at Mandarin Oriental, Miami are in high gear practically all year long. The Four-Star hotel hosts a series of wintertime holiday events for its guests (usually on the calendar by fall) that includes tea and hot chocolate with Santa, a blowout New Year’s Eve bash in the hotel lobby and a slew of events to celebrate Chinese New Year. Beach barbecues are de rigueur for Fathers Day and the Fourth of July, and there’s a special egg hunt on Easter weekend for children. Special limited-edition food and cocktail menus are created for holidays throughout the year. 

Business travelers will have no trouble setting up for business while staying at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The Four-Star hotel has a staffed business center that can take care of printing and copying needs. Located next to the hotel’s meeting and conference rooms, the business center is comfortably furnished and has desktop computers; Dell laptops can also be loaned out upon request.
 
If you’re hosting a conference or event, the hotel’s creative catering staff can accommodate any kind of affair. Set menus for breakfast, lunch, dinner, refreshment breaks and receptions are available, and the kitchen can customize menus to clients’ needs, whether it’s a holiday menu or a lobster feast set up on the hotel’s private beach.
 
Guest rooms are spacious and have comfortable desks with fax and data ports. High-speed Internet access is available for a fee ($12 a day, both wired and wireless.)

Children (and their parents) will love Mandarin Oriental, Miami. A slew of great amenities make it a great spot for families. The five things we like best:
 
1. The family suites. These provide ample space and privacy for kids and parents to spread out comfortably.
 
2. The holiday events. From tea and hot cocoa with Santa to an all-out Easter egg hunt, the hotel plans special activities just for kids year round.
 
3. The little yoga classes. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami has special yoga classes for kids ages 5 to 11. Children can try simple animal poses such as the butterfly, bird and monkey.
 
4. The iPads. Arm your teen with a tablet. The hotel’s iPads are available to use upon request (first come, first serve) by the pool and are included with any cabana rental.
 
5. The spa treatments. Teenagers can book appointments for manicures and pedicures tailored for children at the Five-Star Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami.

If you’re traveling with the kids, the staff at Mandarin Oriental, Miami offers babysitting services so you can squeeze in a date night or two while you’re on your family vacation. All babysitters are hired from a trusted local agency and are fully accredited. Give the concierge a call at least 24 hours ahead of time and they’ll arrange it.  

If you’re considering hosting your wedding at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, you’re one lucky couple. The hotel’s location, just minutes from downtown on beautiful Brickell Key, serves as an extraordinary spot for weddings. Indoor ceremony and reception sites at the Four-Star hotel include the Grand Ballroom (a popular choice thanks to its 18-foot ceilings, silk wall coverings and grand chandeliers), which holds up to 600 for a full dinner. The hotel also has more intimate spaces for smaller affairs. Of course, you can also choose to host your big event outdoors on the hotel’s private beach or south lawn, which accommodates up to 600 for a sit-down banquet dinner.

A wedding at the Four-Star Mandarin Oriental, Miami is an extravagant affair. The cost per plate starts at $250 per person for the standard wedding package. This includes five hours of continuous bar service, Mandarin Oriental wine service with dinner, a celebratory toast, a selection of six butler-passed hors d’oeuvres and a four-course meal including a wedding cake prepared by the hotel’s award-winning pastry chef. The hotel’s staff will work with you to customize your preferences throughout the planning process —and these experts don’t miss a beat. If you choose to have a beach wedding, for example, shoe attendants are available to help guests slip out of their heels and into their flip-flops.

All members of your family are welcome at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, including your pets (at least those weighing no more than 30 pounds). The hotel asks that you not bring pets to the pool, the beach, or to the restaurants, bars and spa. However, complimentary dog walking is available once a day, and you can also walk your dog around the 1.3-mile fitness path that circles beautiful Brickell Key. A pet bed, bowls, and treats are provided in-room, and grooming and other services are available upon request through the concierge. There is a $200 deposit required for all pet reservations. If there’s no damage, half of the deposit will be refunded to you. The other $100 is used to cover deep cleaning after you’ve checked out. 

Pets get the total VIP treatment at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. Upon arrival, they each receive a golden collar tag in the shape of Mandarin Oriental’s signature fan logo. In the room, they’ll have their own plush pet bed—with traditional turndown—plus a water bowl and special treats. In-room dining is available—chefs can create a protein-rich pet dish free of added sugar, artificial colors and flavors. Complimentary dog walking is offered once a day and the concierge can arrange for grooming, pet play dates and training sessions. 

You can expect the mini-bar in your room at the Four-Star Mandarin Oriental, Miami to be fully stocked with a slew of drinks and snacks. Spirits in small bottles range from Chivas Regal and Grand Mariner to Jack Daniels and sake. Traditional mixers (apple, cranberry and orange juices) and soft drinks (Coca-cola, Sprite, Diet Coke) are all available, as are various drinks including vitamin- and energy-infused waters. Snacks include items like M&Ms, Oreos and trail mix. And if you’re looking to toast a special occasion, full-sized bottles of champagne, red and white wine are available too.

During the turndown service, which is completed from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the room attendant refreshes the room from the full service received during the morning. The bathroom is refreshed, and any linen and toiletries used are replenished. In the bedroom, we turn the bed down and arrange the pillows, and a card is left on the pillow quoting various ways to relax (a different card for each day). Complimentary bottled waters are left on the nightstand with glasses and a card noting the weather for the next day. The remote control with the guide is also neatly arranged on the nightstand. If the guest is reading a book that's left open, we place a Mandarin bookmark inside and close it.

Mats are laid next to the bed (one per double bed and one on each side if two guests are staying in a king) for the guests to rest their feet. When getting into bed, that side says "Good Night", and when the guest awakens, the appropriate side says "Good Morning". The ice bucket is taken out and filled with ice for the guest use. Any disorganized clothing or shoes are organized and paired neatly and any items for laundry are called in for pickup. We close the drapes in to meet the sheers and the television is turned to Channel 2 for the "Moments of Delight" music.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami offers all the technology you’ll need for a comfortable stay. Every room features flat-screen Sharp TVs, DVD players, iPod docking systems and, thanks to the 2010 room renovations, Bose surround sound built right into guest room walls. High-speed Internet access is available for a fee ($12 a day, both wired and wireless.) Fax, data port and an electrical outlet are located together in one panel, which you’ll find in an unobtrusive spot under the desk.

The first thing you notice about the rooms at Mandarin Oriental, Miami is their size. The modern structure has rooms built for today’s needs, starting with Superior Island View rooms (just under 400 square feet), and topping out with the sprawling proportions of the two Presidential Suites (at 2,000 square feet). With balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, all of the rooms here let the light in, whether you’re facing the Miami skyline or Biscayne Bay on the north side of the building. Cool, neutral tones dominate the walls and furnishings, while rich textures and Asian-influenced art add warmth. The chic, updated design and modern technology make the rooms feel like an urban retreat—one just a few steps from the beach.

Like the rest of the Four-Star luxury hotel, the beds at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami are supremely comfortable, practically guaranteeing a good night’s sleep. The double and king beds are covered in luxuriously soft Anichini bed linens and are topped with custom pillow shams. The crisp white linens are accented with plush throws in cool greens or warm earth shades. As if you needed anything more to encourage sweet slumber, evening turndown includes a card left on the pillow with a unique quote on how to relax.

There really isn’t a bad room at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The smallest room is 400 square feet, so you won’t feel cramped in even the standard room. Floor-to-ceiling windows make every room seem even bigger, plus all but a handful of rooms have terraces. Guests choose their view (Biscayne Bay for the sunrise, city skyline for the sunset). What type of room you get really depends on your price point and what your needs are. The Dynasty two-bedroom suites are a great choice for families. Business travelers will like the Mandarin Executive rooms, which are very spacious and have lots of desk space, large balconies so you can enjoy some of the beautiful weather and plenty of windows to let in the light. The Mandarin and Oriental suites are the hotel’s crown jewels—musicians love the piano in the opulent Oriental Suite, while A-list actresses are drawn to the tricked-out spa room in the Mandarin Suite. 

Special luxe amenities such as Red Flower bath products and sleek, all-in-one electrical panels are found throughout the rooms at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. Notes bearing relaxation mantras appear on your bed at turndown, and you’ll find a plush terry robe and slippers tucked in the closet. If you book a stay that includes your pet, you will find a special pet bed, food, water bowls and treats from the chef in your room. All but a few of the rooms have balconies and include a daily selection of local and international newspapers, an iPod dock and a well-stocked mini bar. 

The Four-Star Mandarin Oriental, Miami can claim something most waterfront hotels can’t: Every single room has a view of the Miami skyline or Biscayne Bay. The hotel’s unique location on Brickell Key, a tiny island just off downtown Miami, means every view is a water view. And since all but a handful of rooms have a balcony, you can spend time outside enjoying those vistas. Many guests choose their view by determining whether they’d prefer to see the sunrise (facing the Biscayne Bay) or sunset (facing the city skyline). If you have a preference, remember to ask for it when you book your stay.  

The last room renovation at the Four-Star Mandarin Oriental, Miami was completed in June 2010 for the luxury hotel’s 10th anniversary. Atlanta-based designer Jan Clausen was responsible for the large-scale makeover, creating restful rooms with contemporary furniture, vivid pops of color, unique touches such as Oriental lantern-inspired lamps and bamboo-textured marble bathrooms. Each room has the latest technology, including Bose surround sound and large flat-screen TVs. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for great views and plenty of light.  

All but a handful of the guest rooms at Mandarin Oriental, Miami have an outdoor space, ranging from well-appointed balconies to full-on terraces. Whether you book a Superior Island View room or one of the opulent suites on the 19th and 20th floors of the Four-Star luxury hotel, you’ll be able to step outside and take in Miami’s skyline or the wide blue expanse of the Biscayne Bay. It’s pretty easy to determine which rooms have which views: the Deluxe Skyline View rooms obviously showcase the city, while the Deluxe Bay View rooms allow you to watch the sunset. 

Mandarin Oriental, Miami has a number of rooms and suites that can be connected to accommodate families and groups. Dynasty two-bedroom suites connect a king-bed suite with an additional double bed guest room. Rice paper sliding doors between the living room and bedroom of the suite add to the personal space options and offer a bit of peace and quiet. Maximum occupancy for these connected suites is five people. (Another guest room can also be connected to a Dynasty Suite to create a three-bedroom suite.) The Biscayne two-bedroom suites offer a king bed and two double beds; the master bath has a standalone tub, rainforest shower and walkout balcony.

The lobby of Mandarin Oriental, Miami, is very Zen-like and expansive, with high ceilings and Oriental-style rice paper lanterns. The floor-to-ceiling windows overlook Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Comfortable couches and lounge chairs are scattered throughout the lobby. The colors are relaxing with deep reds, blues and greens.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami's curved architecture reflects the company's signature fan logo. The arc of public spaces—the lobby, Lobby Lounge, M-Bar, the spa, fitness center and pool—is oriented to the view of Miami and Biscayne Bay. As guests travel over the bridge to Brickell Key and enter the hotel, they are greeted with a vibrant, freestanding copper-clad restaurant designed by Tony Chi and Associates of New York. After passing through the portal created by the bridge linking the main hotel with the ballroom and banquet facilities, guests pass into the entry court where they are greeted with the soothing view of lush landscaping and a coy fish pond.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami, a Four-Star hotel, is located on Brickell Key, a small, man-made island connected by bridge to Miami’s Brickell neighborhood and adjacent downtown district. Surrounded by Biscayne Bay, the hotel’s location on this charming island gives it the unique feel of both a city hotel (skyline views can be seen from just about every direction) and a secluded beach resort (there’s a man-made white sand beach for Mandarin Oriental guests). The island is filled with condo towers, public parks, boutiques and cafes, and is encircled by a waterfront-jogging path. Guests of the hotel can take a short cab ride or walk to the newly trendy Brickell neighborhood and access shops, restaurants, offices and Miami’s Metromover, a free elevated monorail that runs through Brickell and Miami’s downtown.

Room rates at Mandarin Oriental, Miami average around $350 a night. During the low season in summer months, you can often find a superior or deluxe room for $250 per night plus taxes. Junior suites at this time of year average around $500 a night, and one-bedroom Biscayne suites run around $1,200 a night. During holidays and peak business times, including Art Basel in early December, rates, as you would expect, are significantly higher, with rooms around $500 a night, junior suites at $800 a night, and Biscayne suites starting at $2,300 a night. Be sure to check the Mandarin Oriental, Miami page regularly to find out about the most current room prices and packages.

Unlike some beach hotels and resorts in South Florida, Mandarin Oriental, Miami does not charge a resort fee for use of the pool or beach access. Most of the room amenities are provided free of charge, as is the hotel’s house car, for short drives near the hotel and based on availability. You will encounter charges for additional services, such as laundry service, and both wired and wireless Internet access costs $12 a day. If you bring your pet, you’ll be charged a $200 deposit; of that deposit, $100 is refundable at the end of your stay, while the remaining $100 is used for deep cleaning of the room. Otherwise, you won’t have to worry about any unexpected fees showing up on your bill when you stay at Mandarin Oriental, Miami.

Cancellations at Mandarin Oriental, Miami must be made before 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time the day prior to your scheduled arrival to avoid a cancellation charge of one night; date changes, however, are allowed within the 24-hour cancellation window. No advance deposits are required, although you must provide a valid credit card number to guarantee your reservation.

During holidays and peak periods, such as New Year’s Eve, the cancellation policy at Mandarin Oriental, Miami is 14 days prior to arrival. For these stays, which usually involve a minimum stay of two or more nights, a two-night room deposit is required when you book. That deposit is refundable only if you cancel a minimum of 14 days in advance. Deposits are also forfeited in the case of no-shows, early departures or reduced stays at Mandarin Oriental, Miami.

Most guests take a taxi from Miami International Airport to Mandarin Oriental, Miami, which takes about 30 minutes and costs a flat rate of $24. If you prefer to arrive with more flair, the hotel can organize a limousine to pick you up from the airport; on average, that costs $160, although the price varies based on the model of vehicle you choose. Rental cars are available at the airport, and local shuttle bus companies such as SuperShuttle run from the airport to the city. Staff at Mandarin Oriental, Miami can also arrange shuttle bus transportation upon request if you’re traveling and staying in groups.

The Eighth Street Metromover Station is the closest transit station to Mandarin Oriental, Miami. This stop, part of the city’s Metromover light rail system, is located at 59 SE Eighth Street, three blocks away from the hotel once you walk over the bridge from Brickell Key to the mainland. The Metromover is free, and runs in short loops around downtown Miami, with stops at Bayfront Park, the Freedom Tower (near the American Airlines Arena), Government Center and the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center. To transfer to the Metrorail train system, you can take the Metromover two stops south to the Brickell Station, at SW First Avenue and SW 11th Street. The Metrorail fare is $2 and the train services Hialeah to the north and Coconut Grove and Dadeland to the south.

There are plenty of amenities and services to fall in love with when you stay at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. We narrowed our favorites down to these five:

1. The award winning Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami brings a level of luxury to the hotel complex that’s tough to match anywhere in Florida. From the Kohler experience shower (try the simulated sunrise setting in this multi-jet shower room, which will bathe the space in warm light and play a chirping bird soundtrack) to the herbal tea you’re greeted with at check-in. In fact, it’s the only Five-Star spa in Florida.

2. Chef Joel Huff at the hotel’s Azul restaurant creates a consistently great menu filled with flavorful, clean and light dishes. The Four-Star restaurant serves a blend of Mediterranean dishes with Asian influences, such as a sake-marinated black cod with cedar wood ham hock dashi, Japanese hot pot and pickled mushrooms.

3. The hotel’s private beach, the Oasis Beach Club, includes a 20,000 square-foot white sand beach overlooking Biscayne Bay. Comfortable day beds, lounge chairs, an infinity-edge swimming pool and a pool bar make this private beach the perfect way to see the surf without having to fight the crowds.

4. Large and comfortable guestrooms at Mandarin Oriental, Miami offer views of the Miami skyline and Biscayne Bay, giving you a postcard-worthy vista of the beachside city. The oversized tubs are perfect for soaking after a day in the sun.

5. Aside from having pristine facilities, this hotel earned its Four-Star rating based on the outstanding service delivered by its friendly, cosmopolitan staff. From the on-point concierge staff to the bartenders at M-Bar, who can create from memory dozens of signature martinis, you’ll be pampered and welcomed as if you’re coming home.

If you’re considering a stay at the Four-Star Mandarin Oriental, Miami, arm yourself with some information that will help make a visit here superlative. Here’s our short list of the most important things to know about this sophisticated city hotel:

1. While Mandarin Oriental, Miami recently marked its tenth anniversary, it always feels fresh and up-to-date. The hotel underwent complete room renovations in June 2010, which refreshed the tropics-meets-Asia style.

2. The hotel includes a small man-made beach overlooking Biscayne Bay, but don’t confuse that with the wide swathes of sand and Atlantic Ocean over on South Beach, a 10-minute drive away. If you’re looking for a beach (and in Miami, who isn’t?), this one will satisfy with its attentive beach service and comfortable cabanas, but you won’t be able to access the water. For that, you’ll need to ask the concierge to arrange a trip to South Beach or one of the secluded city-owned beaches on nearby Key Biscayne.

3. While Mandarin Oriental, Miami is located just minutes from the Brickell neighborhood and downtown Miami, this is not much of a walking town. Likewise, public transit is limited and not frequented by locals. So take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary car service, available for quick jaunts into Brickell or downtown.

4. Miami’s major shopping districts, including Dadeland and Aventura malls, the Bal Harbour Shops and Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road all require at least a 10-minute drive; often, you’ll be in the car closer to 30 minutes before you reach your destination. Not to worry; Mandarin Oriental, Miami offers half-day shopping tours that include town car service and an insider escort. Or take it to another level and add on a valet and tailor for an additional charge. If shopping’s not your thing, the hotel staff will arrange for a stylist to go do it for you, and deliver everything directly to your room.

5. Azul, the hotel’s fine-dining venue, is open only for dinner, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Monday to Saturday. The bar inside the restaurant opens at 6:30 p.m., if you’re interested in a pre-dinner cocktail. For lunch and dinners on Sundays, you can visit the more casual Café Sambal, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

The concierge at Mandarin Oriental, Miami can assist you with making reservations at local restaurants, securing tickets for arts performances or concerts held at Miami’s American Airlines Area, and in organizing fun outings and ways to spend your time while in Miami. For example, the concierge can set up tennis lessons or court time at the nearby Brickell Tennis Club (and arrange for your complimentary ride there) and can set up a tee time for you at the 18-hole Crandon Park Golf Course located on picturesque Key Biscayne. The concierge can also arrange babysitting services, assign a personal shopping expert to accompany you on a shopping spree at one of Miami’s premier malls, such as The Bal Harbour Shops, or recommend an afternoon of adventure — perhaps on an Everglades airboat or on a helicopter soaring over South Beach. To set something up through the concierge at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, all you have to do is ask.

The concierge team at Mandarin Oriental, Miami is a worldly bunch. Those arriving from international destinations will be able to converse with this well-versed team, which speaks a total of nine languages: English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Macedonian, Indonesian, Serbian, and Croatian.

We can sum up five reasons to choose this Four-Star hotel with five simple words: serene, elegant, modern, chic and comfortable. The property is serene thanks to its unique location in the middle of downtown Miami on secluded Brickell Key, a tiny man-made island next to downtown and the Brickell neighborhood. The design style of this hotel is both elegant and modern, with contemporary furnishings punched up with tropical hues, from the bright and airy lobby to the spacious guestrooms. The urban setting of this beach resort makes the vibe here chic (the ambient soundtrack that plays at the pool bar and beach punctuates that feeling), while the superlative service provided by the staff makes a stay here comfortable.

The Mandarin Oriental, Miami provides some great amenities, including luxe Red Flower bath products and comfy robes and slippers. Here’s what you might need to pack to make the most of your stay:
 
1. Beach gear. Even if you’re in town on a short business trip, consider bringing your swimsuit just in case. The Mandarin Oriental, Miami has a great pool and its own beach. Almost every room in the hotel also has a balcony so you can soak up the Florida sunshine from your deck. Bring a hat and sunglasses.
 
2. Running shoes. There’s a scenic 1.3-mile jogging path that circles the island of Brickell Key. The hotel also offers a variety of fitness classes and you won’t mind getting in a workout in the gym, which has floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the bay. You’ll also need sneakers if you’re planning to do some sightseeing (see #5).
 
3. Dinner clothes. The hotel’s Four-Star restaurant Azul attracts guests and locals alike for the seasonal cuisine, excellent wines and cocktails, and contemporary design with floor-to-ceiling views of the Miami skyline. It’s not the sort of place where jackets are required for guys, and some people are on the casual side, but you’ll want to put on something nice.
 
4. A camera. Depending on your choice of room, you can capture the sunrise or the sunset from your terrace. You’ll also want a camera on hand when viewing all the Art Deco architecture.
 
5. Breathable clothing. If you plan to tour Miami or nearby Everglades National Park on your visit to Florida, be sure to bring shorts or light cotton pants and a Tshirt. You’ll also need plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat if you’re visiting in the summer months. 

If you can pull yourself away from the pool and spa while staying at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, you’ll find plenty of other diversions nearby. Here are the five best things to see and do near the Four-Star hotel:
 
1. Shop. Miami certainly has great shopping, beginning with an outpost of Shanghai Tang right in the hotel’s lobby. The luxury Chinese boutique has colorful accessories and housewares you won’t be able to resist (think: cufflinks with the Chinese symbol for happiness and beautiful lacquer boxes). The famous Bal Harbour Shops are also just 15 minutes away. You’ll find a drool-worthy roster of upscale boutiques there, including Miu Miu, Oscar de la Renta and Yves Saint Laurent. Lincoln Road Mall, the pedestrian-only street mall in South Beach, is a quick drive away. It has more specialty shops, as well as big chains. Ask the concierge to arrange a shopping trip for you—you can use the hotel house car to reach your destination, or for a fee, have a personal shopper do all the work for you.
 
2. See South Beach. Located six miles from Mandarin Oriental, Miami, South Beach is a scene that must be taken in. The miles of prime beachfront brimming with beautiful—and eccentric—people is what makes Miami Miami. Take a quick taxi to South Beach to enjoy the beach scene, then head Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue to shop and eat.
 
3. Visit Vizcaya Museums and Gardens. This 1916 Italian Renaissance villa is filled with European art and antiques and gorgeous worth-the-trip-alone gardens. The historic site is just a seven-minute drive from the Mandarin Oriental, Miami.
 
4. Explore Key Biscayne. This other well-known key is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, and is home to the Crandon Park Tennis Center (drop by to see where the Sony Ericsson Open is held each March). You can also hit the less-crowded beaches, or set off on a 12-mile guided bike trek through the key’s significant sites.
 
5. Explore Brickell. Miami’s downtown Brickell neighborhood (adjacent to Brickell Key) is booming, with plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars close enough to walk to from Mandarin Oriental, Miami. Stop at local favorite Perricone’s Marketplace, near the lively Mary Brickell Village shopping center, for a coffee or gelato—the palm-shaded outdoor patio is a prime spot for people watching.

There’s certainly no shortage of golf in South Florida. There are several great courses near the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The best option is the 18-hole Crandon Park Golf Course on Key Biscayne. Designed by Robert Von Hagge and Bruce Devlin, this gem is a beautiful but difficult par-72 course. The championship course is consistently rated as one of the top 10 courses in the United States. To set up a tee time, call the concierge, who can also arrange transportation. It’s about a 20-minute drive to Key Biscayne.  

You won’t be disappointed by the food offerings at the Miami Oriental, Miami. The hotel is home to one of the city’s best restaurants, Azul. It also has an excellent café, a pool bar and a great room service menu (which includes Azul). Our picks for the five best things to eat and drink at the Four-Star hotel:
 
1. The sushi. The super-fresh sushi here is some of the best we’ve sampled in Miami, and you can order it from both the beach menu or at Café Sambal. Try the California Style maki roll, a delicious take on a classic, with fresh blue crab both in the roll and loaded on top.
 
2. The Thai Omelet. This standout is on the breakfast menu at Café Sambal and includes stir-fried chicken, Thai dressing, peppers, onion, cucumber salad and jasmine rice.
 
3. The Lychee Saketini. It’s hard to beat a cool cocktail by the pool or at the Oasis Beach Club — this refreshing little number is a mix of sake, Chambord and lychee juice.
 
4. The Silver and Gold Egg. This outstanding starter served at Azul features caviar, quail egg and caramelized onions.
 
5. The 12 Hour Suckling Pig. This dish, served at Azul, is a clever and succulent blend of east and west, served with tempura duck egg, black truffle potato purée and red wine jus.                

Mandarin Oriental, Miami has two restaurants: The more casual Café Sambal and the Four-Star, fine-dining eatery Azul. Café Sambal is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Menu highlights include sushi, pad Thai and a crunchy cashew chicken salad. Breakfast includes continental, American and Asian-inspired dishes and is served from 7 to 11 a.m. every day. Lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and dinner is from 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Light bites are also available during the day from Oasis Beach Club, served poolside or on the beach.
 
In-the-know foodies flock to Azul for dinner. The cool white dining room features glittering views of the bay and Miami skyline, and the eclectic cuisine turned out by chef Joel Huff marries European and Asian flavors and features the freshest seasonal ingredients. 

You’re in the right place for cocktail hour at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. Order your drink poolside or visit one of the hotel’s two great bars. The lobby is home to M-Bar, where guests and local residents alike can be found lingering over the martinis and city views. There are a dizzying 250 martinis on the menu, organized in categories to guide your selection (sweet and tangy, naughty but nice). We like the Sunrise, made with Cuervo Gold tequila, Grand Marnier, grenadine and served with an orange twist.
 
The bar at Azul is another good spot, whether you’re dining at the Four-Star restaurant or popping in for a drink. Bartenders are knowledgeable about the extensive wine list, and will recommend signature cocktails such as Azul’s Manhattan 43, which blends bourbon with a Spanish liqueur and sweet vermouth. Champagne bottles stashed into built-in ice buckets on the bar add to the celebratory feel. You can order from the full menu at the bar.

M-Bar at Mandarin Oriental, Miami serves a staggering number of martinis—250 to be exact—which includes everything from a Cajun martini to the Coffee Lover’s martini to the martini of the night. But the signature drink is the Mandarin martini, a blend of Absolut Mandarin, orange liquor, sour mix and pineapple juice served with an orange slice. It’s the perfect cocktail for a hot Miami night. The bar inside the Four-Star Azul restaurant is best known for its huge selection of wines (more than 700), but the cocktail list is also strong. A standout is Azul’s Manhattan 43. This unique spin on the classic cocktail blends bourbon and sweet vermouth with Licor 43, a Spanish liqueur that gives the drink a spicy, tangy fruit taste.

Excellent live jazz performances turn Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s M-Bar and Café Sambal into lively scenes on Friday and Saturday nights. The entertainment happens during dinner hours, as well as during Friday’s Happiest of Hours at Café Sambal from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Oasis Beach Club pool deck also hosts DJs for its weekly Sunday afternoon beach bash. The fun goes from noon to 6 p.m., with both hotel guests and locals joining in for the beach games and mini spa treatments.

You can have food sent up to your room any time of the day or night when staying at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The Four-Star luxury hotel offers 24-hour room service. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts, and a late-night snack menu from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. You can also order from Four-Star Azul’s menu during restaurant hours.

You’ll find a lot to choose from if you’re in the mood for room service while staying at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. The menu includes Asian specialties such as miso soup and shrimp tempura, along with a range of sushi and sashimi. You’ll also find standard fare such as salads, a club sandwich and a grilled Kobe beef burger. The late-night menu (served from 11:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.) features popular items such as Caesar salad, pizzas and a great omelet. You can even order from Four-Star restaurant Azul’s menu during dinner hours. But what we really love from room service (and haven’t seen anywhere else) are the Ready to Fly meals— breakfasts and sushi plates are packaged and ready to eat on your flight. It definitely beats the snack box offering on most flights.

You’ll find plenty of options for children on the room service menu while staying at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami. This includes favorites such as grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken fingers, pizza, pasta and burgers. But your choices aren’t limited to these items. The room service menu, available 24 hours a day, includes a wide selection of breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night items. You can even order from the hotels Four-Star restaurant, Azul, during their dinner hours. 

Café Sambal at Mandarin Oriental, Miami offers a great breakfast buffet every day of the week until 11 a.m. On holiday and traditionally busy weekends at the hotel, the brunch spread is often available until 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to traditional breakfast items on the buffet, you can order from an array of specialty dishes such as the Miami open-faced omelet (with avocado, sautéed mushrooms and crisp tortilla) and the smoked salmon Benedict served on English muffins with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. You can also order classic brunch cocktails, such as a Bloody Mary or a Mimosa. 

You won’t mind hitting the gym while staying at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. Located next to the hotel’s Five-Star spa, the gym is housed in a modern space with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of the hotel’s infinity-edge pool and Biscayne Bay from its treadmills and elliptical machines. The gym features new cardio and lifting equipment from Technogym, and cardio machines have integrated entertainment systems so you can listen to music or watch TV while you work out. Amenities include fresh fruit, bottled water, fresh and refrigerated towels and complimentary headphones. The hotel also offers an array of top-notch fitness classes from power walking to power yoga. We recommend hitting the excellent spa afterward for a full morning or afternoon of wellness.

Mandarin Oriental, Miami has a wide range of fitness classes that guests can take advantage of while staying at the Four-Star resort. Each class is $20 for guests of the hotel. Choose from various yoga classes (Vinyasa, Kundalini, Hatha), a guided power walking class, a Pilates mat class, tai chi, belly dancing and a meditation and visualization class. Personal training sessions can also be arranged (advance reservations are recommended). Your first session typically includes a 30-minute consultation covering nutrition, blood pressure and body-fat analysis. The following hour is dedicated to a workout routine customized to your needs and goals.

Hotel guests at Mandarin Oriental, Miami are fortunate enough to have access to the luxe locker rooms within The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Miami. These locker rooms were renovated, along with the rest of the spa, in 2010. The spaces are sleek and roomy, and have hairdryers, straightening irons and a range of personal toiletries. Both men’s and women’s locker rooms have their own sauna, steam room, and experiential showers that change colors and have a rainforest soundtrack and side jets to create your own lower-back massage. 

Be sure to pack your sneakers for a stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami—the resort has one of the city's most attractive jogging routes right outside its doors. The hotel is located on the tiny man-made island of Brickell Key, which is surrounded by a 1.3-mile jogging and walking path. The picturesque pathway circles the 44-acre island, offering some of the best waterfront and city views in town. The partly shaded and paved path is dotted with art, including a huge sculpture at the mouth of the Miami River and a freestanding sculpture garden. The Four-Star hotel leaves a map of the outdoor fitness route in every guest room, so you can grab it and go. 

People flock to the Mandarin Oriental, Miami in the winter months (December-February) to take advantage of the resort-like ambience in a downtown setting. Most people are looking to trade cold temperatures where they live for ideal highs during the day in the mid-70s. Spring and fall are also filled with sunny days and warm temperatures. Of course, summer is hot and humid and can bring sudden downpours.
 
Book early to avoid disappointment during the peak times of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and other holidays, when reservations go quickly. Miami is also buzzing during two big annual avents: Art Basel, which takes place in early December, and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in late February.