Murray On Travel

The Fontainebleau Resort Hotel & Spa has been on my "must stay" list for years.  I knew if I ever did 7 Hotels In 7 Days: Miami Beach, this place would be one of my seven.  Normally wouldn't visit such a big mega resort, but I wanted to do the Fontainebleau anyway.  And with its recent renovation and improvements, I had very high expectations.  

The hotel reception desk is far from the beautiful main lobby area.  This is a huge hotel property with 1504 guestrooms, and the front desk was understaffed when I arrived.  There was a long line; while waiting I noticed large numbers of guests wearing expo/meeting badges around their necks.  This indicated that the Fontainebleau is more than just a popular vacation spot.

Room #832 is in the original curved Chateau Tower.  An Ocean View King.  Cool colors with light fabrics and blond colored furniture.   A very comfortable pillow top style mattress.   Nice soft and smooth sheets.  Heavy weight comforter.  Plenty of pillows.  Room had plenty of lighting.  Simple but nice artwork on the walls. 

The nice desk with a Apple iMac computer was the final confirmation that this is definitely more of a business meeting/convention hotel than it is a resort hotel.  The desk was comfortable.  Power and hardwired internet plugs were on the desktop.  WiFi was very slow at 1.7Mbps Down & 4.3 Up.

Beside the desk was a dresser with a safe and plenty of drawer space.  The bedside tables also have additional drawers.  I found personal lubricant from the previous guests in a bed side drawer.  I didn't need to be reminded of the prior night's activities in the bed  I would soon be sleeping in.  Above the drawer unit was a nice HDTV with an HD cable feed.  

Closet provided plenty of full length hanging space.  Two very nice bathrobes.  Extra pillow and blanket.  Iron & ironing board.  The room's air conditioner was a bit noisy -- not what I expected in such a nice room.  A well stocked mini-bar refrigerator & snack tray are located in a bar area just inside the entrance door.  No coffee maker. 

The marble bathroom was lovely and functional.  Excellent lighting and large shower, no tub. Plenty of high quality towels.  Magnified, illuminated makeup mirror.  The non-HD tv was a little out of place in such a modern bathroom.  Plenty of toiletries from Molton Brown. 

The view from my room was excellent, meeting all expectations for the Fontainebleau Hotel and Miami Beach.  The large knee to ceiling window was great, after cleaning off the oily hand and face prints!  These were so obvious that I knew no one had even looked at the window during the last room cleaning.  Curtains were a heavy blackout and a thin sheer.

The property has six pools.  The central bow tie shaped pool is the main one, with the nearby kids pool and water slide a popular spot for the kids.  Personal daybeds ($150-300),  and cabanas ($250-1500) are available.

This little coffee/bakery/gelato shop was beautiful.  A casual cafe is located on the pool level. 

Several bars are located around the resort.  This one in the Chinese restaurant was especially beautiful.  Note:  My stay at this property was thanks to my sponsors/supporters.  I received no free services from this property.

Off the main lobby is a major Miami Beach night club, LIV.  Locals told me that it wasn't the hippest place in town at that time.  Popularity of dance venues change over time based on DJ's and promoters. 

The focus of the spacious lobby of the Fontainebleau are the three massive crystal chandeliers that dominate the space.  Several comfortable seating areas are provided, but it is the central path for what is now a massive resort.  It should be noted that for some guests, the only way to access the pool area is via the main lobby.  A swimwear cover-up is advised. 

The lobby opens up into the Bleau Bar with it's colorful lighting.  Action here picks up after 10 pm with a DJ and high cost bottle service. 

The Fontainebleau is more of a convention hotel than a resort hotel.  Yes it has beautiful pools and a nice beach.  But at every turn I was reminded of the attached convention center facilities.  I don't want to feel like I'm at a convention when I'm on vacation.  You could use this hotel for the main Miami Convention Center but it would be about a 10 minute drive.  It also takes the edge off the romance.

Checkout is 11 am.  The Fontainebleau was the only hotel of the seven that I reviewed during my 7 Hotels In 7 Days: Miami Beach that was unable to give me a late checkout.  Had to wait in a line for checkout.   This was the one property I was really looking forward to the most, but it ended up being the biggest and only disappointment.  It was dramatically over-priced, and as a guest I didn't feel like I was on vacation.  Check out my other Miami Beach reviews for better alternatives.  

Good News!  The Surfcomber in Miami/South Beach is run by Kimpton Hotel & Restaurant Group.  What does that mean?  For me it means I will enjoy my stay.  And that was the case here.  I've stayed at Kimpton hotels nationwide, and have always enjoyed their unique boutique style hotels.  The Surfcomber (not Surfrider) is a youthful, casually hip beachfront resort hotel for couples and families.  This is #4 in my "7 Hotels In 7 Days: Miami Beach" review tour.

The modern eclectic theme of The Surfcomber starts at the large lobby with plenty of room to relax and lounge around.  Check-in was fast and efficient.  Valet parking.  The hotel is in a lively neighborhood of hotels, restaurants, and shops.  Five minute walk to a CVS drug store, and a 15 minute walk to the historic South Beach area. 

Room #235 is a Standard King Room with a whimsical decor that reminds you that this isn't a normal chain hotel.  Was surprised they didn't provide a suitcase stand.  Had to use a bench intended for seating.  Bed was comfortable.  Sheets were average with a lightweight comforter.  Pillows were lacking.   

A comfortable desk for those who want to get some work done.  If so, the WiFi was strong and fast at 24Mbps Down / 27Mbps Up.   Plenty of lighting.  A handy power strip mounted on the side of the desk is a good home for gadget chargers.  Room's AC unit was average. 

As you can see the casual, yet stylish decor of the hotel is obvious.  Not just the crazy, casino-like carpeting, but what is that tied up on the wall? :-)   Smaller HDTV.  FM clock radio beside the bed with iPhone/iPod doc with 30pin connector.  Includes input cable for connecting other audio devices.  Stocked Mini-Bar, key required.

The closet was very small.  But four very large drawers in room made up for this lack of space.  The Surfcomber Hotel provided very comfortable robes, a yoga mat, and a large safe.  A large 6ft mirror beside entry door.  No coffee maker, but you can request one.  The hotel provides a large coffee service in the lobby each morning. 

The bathroom was small, but usable and efficient.  Nice rain shower style head in shower.  Nice amenities from Bigelow Apothecaries.  Excellent lighting at mirror.  Did you forget something at home?  Don't worry -- a card in the bathroom describes a long list of items that the Surfcomber provides at no charge.  Includes: Cell phone charger, coffee maker, make-up mirror, toothbrush & toothpaste, tweezers and much more.  Very Nice!  But typical of a Kimpton Hotel. 

 Window looked out over the courtyard that separates the two buildings that make up the hotel.  The majority of guest rooms have views like this.  The windows opened to let in a little fresh sea air.  Curtains were a set of beach inspired, louvered blinds with a full blackout curtain behind it. 

Is that a cow in the courtyard of the hotel?  Well Yes!  Not really... 

Time to get down to business because this is Miami Beach!  The Surfcomber has a very long pool with staff offering bar and food service.   Open during daylight hours, but I saw many guests enjoying a swim after dark.

Plenty of private cabana like hide-a-ways on two levels.  A small multi-purpose room for events/meetings is available.  Not really an ideal wedding location. 

Hey, it's that cow again, doing a little early morning trimming of grass near the pool bar.  He is headed over to the large beach sand pit with lounge chairs and pillows. 

 It is just a short walk from the hotel over to the beach.  

The Surfcomber Hotel offers beach attendants and services on the sand.  Chair rental is included with your resort fee.  Note: This property provided one night of complimentary accommodations.

A fun spot for the kids. 

Not a bad way to pass the time while on vaca... 

Very small gym near the pool with minimal equipment.  But they do have hula-hoops!  No spa, but cabana/poolside massage and body treatments are available. 

A small bar & dining area are located just off the main lobby.  In-room dining is available.   See the hotel's website for more information.   Additional dining options are located nearby.

 The Surfcomber provides an excellent "Complimentary Wine Hour" each day from 5-6 pm in the main lobby.  Excellent selection of wines.  

Another quiet spot located just off of the hotel lobby.  Since you are so close to the historic South Beach area you might want to take a walking tour.

My busy "7 Hotels In 7 Days: Miami Beach" schedule didn't give me enough time for a dip in the pool, but I was very tempted.

Check out time is 11 am.  Call The Surfcomber front desk if you need more time.  If they can give you some extra time, they will.  But if they are busy, your chances are slim.  This is not a shiny, new towering luxury hotel, but it is a very friendly spot in a good location.  A short walk to South Beach and shopping.

Known worldwide as a top ranked spa, the Canyon Ranch Hotel & Spa on Miami Beach, Florida met all expectations.  From the all-suite accommodations to its beachfront location and the expansive spa and fitness facilities, it provides guests with its own unique Canyon Ranch experience.  This is an upscale, exclusive health-focused retreat with a modern mix of tropical and Asian vibes.

The lobby greets you with an overload of expansive space filled with a huge mangrove sculpture, lots of teakwood and coral, and a delightful staff.   Check-in is done at individual desks.  Sounds of a distant exercise classes can be heard from the fitness facilities several stories above, reminding you that this isn't just a posh beachfront resort.  This is a world class mind and body experience.  This is my 3rd hotel of 7 Hotels In 7 Days:  Miami Beach.

All accommodations are suites.  In my One Bedroom King Suite, the first room had a kitchenette and living room area.  The rooms were bright and comfortable.  Large windows let in lots of natural light. 

Kitchenette was very well stocked with equipment and utensils, but no food items were provided beyond coffee.  A Publix market is just across the street.   The room didn't have a normal desk, so I set up my laptop on the kitchenette's island table.  It had power outlets good for charging gadgets.  WiFi was 3.7Mbps Down and 3.8Mbps Up.  I seemed to have occasional bandwidth issues even with a very strong WiFi connection.  Didn't have a chance to see if WiFi was available on the beach.  

A large HDTV with an HD cable signal feed.  Large pillows are provided for relaxing on the floor.  A very well designed space with lovely art accents. 

The bedroom was also beautifully done.  The pillow top mattress was soft, but offered just the right amount of support.  Bed linens were very fine, as were the pillows.  An extra blanket was tucked away in the closet.  A Bose radio filled the room with music.  Suggest you bring a few CDs or an input cord for your smartphone.   The air conditioning kept the large rooms comfortable, but was just a bit louder than I expected for such a luxurious property. 

It is often the little things that make you feel like you are in a special hotel that is focused on your comforts.  I loved having these small reading lights on the beds.  This room did not have a balcony.  Others at the Canyon Ranch Hotel do.  

The bedroom also had its own TV.  Two large drawers were provided along with an average sized closet for storage.  Just didn't seem like enough space for two guests with several days of clothing.   Safe, iron with board, and a drawer in the closet.

The bathroom was luxurious and beautifully appointed.  Plentiful bath amenities from Lather.com.  I especially enjoyed the deep soaking tub.  Bathrobes are provided.

An amazing tile mosaic in the bathroom floor caught the light and sparkled like a jewel.  Very impressive. 

Separate toilet room and makeup table.  Note that if your bathroom seems a bit like a hospital facility, you have been placed in a wheelchair accessible room.  Ask for a change to a regular suite.  

Plenty of areas to enjoy this romantic resort after dark.  The ocean breezes are especially nice after a hot, humid Florida day.  Note:   My stay at this property was thanks to my sponsors/supporters.  I received no free services from this property. 

This view from the windows was a bit plain, and the windows could have been cleaner.  The windows appeared that they might open, but I couldn't figure it out.  Didn't ask for help. 

Several seating areas look out over the ocean.  On a bright sunny day, this wonderful Miami weather can be a bit intense. 

Early on, I found this delightful little hideaway overlooking the beach.  Protected from the sun, it allowed me to get some work done on my laptop.  I was able to get a WiFi connection.

Hotel attendants provide food and beverage services on the beach.  Very comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas make for a great day on the sand.  

It is a narrow beach and only a few steps from the hotel.  When you return, a cool bubbling fountain awaits your sandy feet.  NOTE: I did see some families here.  TripAdvisor suggests some things for tourists to do in the area.

Several pools are available on the property.  I was able to visit three.  One was closed for maintenance.  Depending on the time of day, these various pools are in full sun or shade. 

The spa and fitness facilities at Canyon Ranch are some of the best in the world.  For more information about the spa visit the hotel's website.  I've personally experienced Canyon Ranch facilities while aboard the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner several times, and found them excellent.  I didn't have time to try them here.

The equipment room contains a wide variety of gear facing out toward a beautiful view of the ocean.   

Looking to stretch your abilities?  How about a rock wall climbing class!  The options at Canyon Ranch are plentiful.  

A note about the food.  I wasn't able to try the hotel's restaurant.  My schedule didn't permit it.   The health-conscious menu at the Canyon Ranch Grill looked interesting.   A cozy little bar is located just off the restaurant.  Two blocks north of the hotel are a variety of local Miami restaurants.

When covering 7 Hotels In 7 Days, I can almost always experience enough of a hotel to give readers a good idea of a property's qualities.  Canyon Ranch was one of the few where I didn't have enough time to cover the property completely.  It has so much to offer!