By Marcia Frost
The Doubletree Grand Hotel, Biscayne Bay, is a top-notch hotel that is on the water in
Miami but not near Miami
beach. It is located on the bay, where it is just a few minutes from the airport, the city, Key Biscayne and the Port of Miami. It is definitely on the luxury side, offering extras like marble bathrooms; a huge fitness center that offers aerobic and body sculpting classes; indoor and outdoor pools with whirlpools; a jogging track; and pillowtop mattresses. The hotel also offers large two-bedroom suites.
Wows and Woes
The hotel is beautifully maintained and the furniture is Florida-cozy. The views of Miami and Biscayne Bay from the balcony are incredible. Tony Chan's Waterclub restaurant has received a five-star award and is Zagat rated.
Be prepared for a lot of extras. By the time you are done with the parking, Internet and food charges, it adds up to quite a bit.
Insider Tips
Check on the hotel's website for packages that include breakfast or parking. They are sometimes offered at even less than the regular room price.
The restaurant's breakfast buffet is excellent with a lot of fresh fruit, bakery and omelet choices.
Ask for a room away from the elevator since this hotel can get a bit noisy.
Author's Most Memorable Moment
I stayed at the Doubletree Grand Hotel on Biscayne Bay the night before I was to receive an award for a story I wrote. Before we left for the ceremony, a friend and I had a champagne toast to my accomplishment on the balcony. We were able to watch a beautiful orange sunset fade over the Bay.
Bottom Line
This is not the place for a budget trip, but there is a great restaurant, incredible pools and ocean views.
About the Author:
Marcia Frost is a writer covering topics such as travel, health and fitness. With travel articles appearing in various online publications, she also writes for AirTran's "GO Magazine" and several tennis publications. Frost holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
