Miami's Hidden Gem: Colonnade Coral Gables Luxury Awaits!
Colonnade Coral Gables: My Love/Hate (Mostly Love!) Letter to a Miami Gem
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Okay, let's be real, writing a review feels a bit…intimidating. Especially when you're supposed to cover EVERYTHING. But here goes! My recent stay at the Colonnade Coral Gables? Whew, it was a TRIP. Let's dive in, shall we? And, buckle up, because it’s gonna be a stream of consciousness, not some perfectly polished brochure.
Accessibility & Safety: Feeling Safe, But OMG, Those Elevators!
First things first: Accessibility. They mostly nail it. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I appreciated the clearly marked accessible routes and ramps. Elevators though… they could be a whole thing. Sometimes, you'd wait, like, a lifetime. (Okay, maybe not a lifetime, but long enough to start mentally planning your escape). But, once you’re in, you're good. CCTV in common areas and outside the property? Always a plus. Makes me feel safe, especially since I'm a bit of a nervous Nellie. Plus, the Doorman is always on point.
And the COVID stuff? They take it seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked and trained, and the anti-viral cleaning products were practically radiating freshness. I even saw a dude with a hazmat suit cleaning some of the stuff. Okay, maybe not a hazmat suit, but close! Seriously, though, it's reassuring. Room sanitization opt-out is a nice touch, too. Because come on, who wants to not feel like their room is sterile after spending the day sweating in Miami’s eternal humidity?
The Cashless payment service was a breeze, and they had all the Hygiene certifications up. I was slightly bummed they didn't have a doctor/nurse on call, but hey, you can’t have everything. The First aid kit was present though.
Rooms: Ooh La La (Except for That One Blunder)
Alright, the rooms. Gorgeous. Just. Gorgeous. Air conditioning that actually works (a must in Miami). Blackout curtains (bless them!). Super comfy bed with a reading light (crucial for late-night novel binges). And the bathroom? Think spa-like, with a bathtub and separate shower. Bathrobes and slippers are a must for that ultra-luxe feel.
I was lucky enough to get a room on a high floor, which meant killer views of the neighborhood. The In-room safe box was great for my passport and the Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver for my morning fuel. Free Wi-Fi in the rooms (and everywhere else!) is also a HUGE win. Free bottled water? Yes, please!
But, and it's a small but significant but, on the first night, something was off. The shower water pressure was pathetic! Like, a trickle of lukewarm disappointment. I called, they fixed it…mostly. It still wasn’t perfect, but hey, perfection is boring, right?
Things to Do (or, How I Spent My Days):
The Swimming pool [outdoor] with that Pool with a view is a total showstopper. I spent hours just floating there, staring at the skyline. The Poolside bar is dangerous, but in the best way possible. I mean, who can resist a frozen daiquiri while lounging poolside?
Things to relax? Oh, yes, they have that. The Spa is fantastic. I got a Massage – absolute bliss. They had a Sauna, a Steamroom, and even a Foot bath (which, FYI, is a game-changer after a day of pounding the pavement). I didn't manage a Body scrub or Body wrap (too much relaxation), but I’m definitely putting it on the list for next time.
The Fitness center/Gym… I tried to go. Once. Let's just say my enthusiasm for exercise waned after seeing the equipment. I’m more of a “lounging by the pool” kind of girl, you know?
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: My Waistline Says "No", But My Taste Buds Say "Yes!"
Oh boy, the food. Prepare to loosen your belt. The Breakfast [buffet] is legendary! (And they have the Asian breakfast available too). Seriously, everything – think waffles, omelets, fruit, pastries… it’s a carb-lover's dream. They also had breakfast takeaway service. The restaurants offer a range of options, from Western cuisine to International cuisine. I tried a dish that had a suspiciously appealing amount of truffle in it. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
The Happy hour at the bar is a must. They have a cute Coffee shop for a pick-me-up. There’s a Snack bar for those mid-day cravings. They also offer Room service [24-hour], which is both a blessing and a curse. (My bank account might disagree with me.)
Things I Really Liked (and a Couple of Gripes):
- The Location: Prime Coral Gables location. Close to everything, yet feels secluded. Walks around the surrounding areas? A definite win.
- The staff! Always friendly, helpful, and ready with a smile.
- The overall ambiance: Elegant, yet not stuffy.
- The elevator situation (yes, I know, I keep complaining). I got stuck in one time, no biggie, but they got right to it and got me out.
The "Meh" Moments:
- The Price: It's a luxury hotel, so, yeah, it's not cheap.
- The Internet [LAN]: I didn't need to use the internet [LAN], but I thought it was a bit antiquated in this day and age, which is why I gave it a slight ding.
- Babysitting service: I didn't use it, but I thought it was a shame they didn't have Kids facilities to go along with it.
- Car power charging station: Could have been a little more obvious to find.
Services, Conveniences & Other Stuff:
They have Business facilities, including a Xerox/fax in business center (retro!). Currency exchange is convenient, especially if you're coming from outside the US. Concierge service rocks. The Dry cleaning, Laundry service, and Ironing service are a godsend. They also offer Food delivery and have a small Convenience store. Doorman service is awesome to help with bags, etc.
The Verdict: Go (But Be Prepared to Splurge!)
The Colonnade Coral Gables is, without a doubt, a special place. It's luxurious, well-located, and generally, the service is top-notch. Yes, it's pricey, and the elevator situation can be a tad frustrating, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. If you’re looking to treat yourself, or celebrate something special, this is a fantastic hotel. Would I go back? Heck yes. I'm already dreaming of that pool with a view! Now, who's hiring a personal masseuse?
Lexington's Hidden Gem: Courtyard Hamburg Place - Unbeatable Rates!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a Miami adventure at the Hotel Colonnade in Coral Gables. This isn't your perfectly-curated Instagram feed, folks. This is the real, slightly-sticky, occasionally-meltdown-inducing, and ultimately wonderful trip. Let's get messy!
Hotel Colonnade Coral Gables: A Miami Meander (Emphasis on the Mander)
Day 1: "Bienvenidos a Miami… and My Luggage is MIA."
- 12:00 PM: Arrival & Arrival Anxiety at MIA: So the flight was… a flight. You know how it is. Turbulence that made my stomach do the cha-cha, the screaming toddler three rows back (who was definitely judging my choice of in-flight movie – romantic comedy, judge me if you must!), and the perpetual fear that the plane was going to become a giant metal pancake. But hey! We made it! Now for the real fun: Baggage claim. Yep, you guessed it, my suitcase is probably vacationing in Iceland. Wonderful start. Off to rental car. (Insert a sigh of resignation here).
- 1:30 PM: Rental Car Rampage: Okay, so I thought I reserved a compact. Turns out, "compact" in Miami means "a vehicle that could comfortably house a family of five AND their luggage." I'm pretty sure I got a tiny SUV. Dealing with the aggressive rental car salesperson was a near-death experience. Negotiating Miami traffic with this beast felt like herding cats. GPS is my new religion.
- 3:00 PM: Hotel Colonnade Check-In: Champagne & Chaos: Finally! The Colonnade. Gorgeous. Marble floors, that signature Miami air of effortless chic. The front desk staff? Sweet as pie. Until they told me about the lost luggage situation. (Cue another internal moan). But, a complimentary glass of champagne softened the blow a little. Maybe this trip would get better. Checked into the room: a beautiful suite. Balcony overlooking the pool. This is going to be amazing… or so I thought….
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Poolside Purgatory (and Pizza): My inner sun goddess was screaming, so I spent some time by the pool. The pool itself was beautiful. The problem? Finding a chair. It's like finding a parking spot in New York City, but underwater. Eventually, I staked my claim. Ordered a pizza (because lost baggage, remember? Hangry levels are REAL), then promptly spilled half of it down my front. Grace? Not a fan, apparently.
- 7:00 PM: Late Night Dine-In Now that I'm settled, I decided to try dining at the own restaurant. The food was delicious, but I was too tired and disoriented to enjoy it.
- 9:00 PM: Asleep at 9:00 PM The time has finally come. No more struggles. The hotel room is dark, and now I'm asleep.
Day 2: "Coral Gables Charm & Cheesecake Dreams"
- 8:00 AM: The (Desperate) Search for Coffee: My wake-up call? Not the alarm clock. It was the primal urge for caffeine. Found a lovely little café near the hotel. The coffee: strong. The pastries: divine. The people-watching: even better. Miami is full of characters, and I am here for it.
- 9:00 AM: Exploring Coral Gables – The Architecture Whisperer: Okay, so I'm no architecture buff, but the buildings here are just… stunning. Massive arches, intricate details, and that general feeling of being transported to some romantic European village. I did a self-guided walking tour, and totally pretended I knew more than I did (I googled "what is a classical revival?")
- 11:00 AM: Shopping Spree (and Self-Control Failure): Wandered down Miracle Mile. A shopping paradise. Then I saw it. That adorable linen dress with the perfect summer vibes. My credit card wept silently. (I may have also bought a ridiculously oversized sun hat, and a pair of shoes I definitely don't need.)
- 1:00 PM: Lunch Blunder: Tried a trendy Cuban spot. The food was… okay. The service? Slower than molasses in January. Learned a valuable lesson: Always read Yelp reviews, and maybe also carry a snack.
- 2:00 PM: Another Poolside Stint with a Twist! I didn't repeat yesterday's actions. Instead, I tried to blend in with others. I made friends, and we even shared a drink for a few hours.
- 5:00 PM: Cheesecake Factory This is the best I have experienced! Not only the food is delicious, but the services too!
- 7:00 PM: Sunset drinks I had an evening by the bar with some of the new friends I made.
- 9:00 PM: Asleep at 9:30 PM The time has finally come. No more struggles. The hotel room is dark, and now I'm asleep.
Day 3: "Art Deco Adventures & Farewell Fiascos"
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast - The Battle for the Buffet: The hotel breakfast buffet. A beautiful disaster. The food was acceptable. The crowds… wild. Almost got into a full-blown territorial dispute over the last croissant. (I won, by the way).
- 9:00 AM: Art Deco Exploration: Decided to go to South Beach to see the Art Deco buildings. Drove there but the parking situation was a NIGHTMARE. Ended up abandoning ship and just wandering around the neighborhood instead. Beautiful buildings, even under the Miami sun.
- 11:00 AM: Retail Therapy (Round Two): Back to the shops. Found a quirky little boutique. Bought something totally impractical (a sequined clutch, because why not?).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch - The Cuban Sandwich Quest: Determined to redeem my previous Cuban food failure, I went on a quest for the perfect Cuban sandwich. Found a hole-in-the-wall place that was amazing. The bread was perfectly crusty, the pork was tender, and the whole thing just… exploded with flavor. Worth the quest.
- 2:30 PM: Poolside Encore: One last dip in the pool. I just took in the moment of relaxation before I left.
- 5:00 PM: Packing Paralysis & Departure Dread: Tried to pack. Failed miserably. Things are everywhere. The realization I have to say goodbye to Miami dawned on me.
- 8:00 PM: Farewell dinner: One last meal at the hotel. Tried to be sophisticated. Spilled red wine on the white tablecloth. (I've given up on being graceful).
- 9:00 PM: Heading Home: Goodbye, Miami. You were messy, you were chaotic, you were occasionally frustrating, but you were also… unforgettable. I'll be back, hopefully with my luggage.
Colonnade Coral Gables: Hidden Gem? More Like a Sparkling Secret (Mostly)
Alright, so what *is* Colonnade supposed to be? Is it worth the hype? Well, it's like trying to nail jelly to the wall. Colonnade Coral Gables is more than a fancy hotel in, obviously, Coral Gables. It's an experience. And believe me, "experience" can mean *anything*, right? Think swanky Italian restaurant (more on that later... *shudder*), a pool scene that’s Instagram-worthy (unless you’re me, in which case, it’s a source of profound awkwardness), and rooms that are basically begging to be photographed. Hype? Oh, there's hype. Everyone whispers about it. "Oh, *la-di-da*, you're going to Colonnade? Such *class*." (Makes me wanna roll my eyes and eat a bag of chips, tbh). Worth it? Ugh, let's just say it depends on which version of *you* is going at the time, because there's a vast chasm of difference.
The rooms? Oh, the rooms are... glamorous. *Mostly*. Those photos aren't lying; the marble bathrooms? Sigh. You could film a whole movie in there. I genuinely considered moving in. But here's the thing: reality, as always, has a way of crashing the party. One night the air conditioning in my suite decided, "Nah, I'm good, thanks." So, picture this: you, me, the kind of suite that costs more than my car, and the ambient temperature of a Louisiana swamp. It's Miami, folks! Sweating like a pig in a luxury suite. It's moments like that that remind you... perfection is an illusion. It's just a *very* expensive illusion.
Deep breaths. The Italian restaurant? Okay, okay. Let's get this over with. The ambiance? Top-notch. Extremely romantic, candlelit, the whole shebang. Perfect for a date… until the food arrives. The food... now, this is where it gets tricky. It's like that friend who *always* tries to impress but occasionally botches it. My pasta? Arrived... cold. I kid you not. *Cold pasta*. In a super fancy Italian restaurant. The waiter, bless his overly enthusiastic heart, kept calling me "amore". Listen, I appreciate the effort, but "amore, would you like some lukewarm linguine?" Doesn't exactly sell it, does it? Thank god for a good bottle of wine. Seriously, *thank god*.
The pool scene? Oh, it's *a scene*. A very... well-groomed scene. Think: an Instagram filter come to life. You've got your beautiful people, meticulously applied makeup (yes, *in the pool*), expensive sunglasses that cost more than my rent, and a general air of "I'm infinitely better than you." I walked into the pool area, and immediately wanted to retreat back to my room and hide under the covers. I felt intensely awkward. I'm more of a "beach, messy hair, and a book" kind of gal. Still, the cocktails were strong, and the water was a genuinely beautiful shade of blue, so... maybe a win? Or maybe just a triumph of expensive cocktails.
Alright, let's get real. The price. Oh, the price. It's... up there. Like, *way* up there. It's pricey. *Really* pricey. But... if you're looking for a luxurious escape, a few days of pampering and you’re prepared to overlook a few... *quirks* (cold linguine, anyone?), then maybe. I'd save it for a special occasion. Or a mental health day when you just need to feel fancy, and like, you know, pretend for a few glorious hours that you're living the life of the rich and famous. It's Miami, everything is expensive. So, yeah, the Colonnade is expensive. But hey, at least the pool is pretty.
Hidden gems *within* the Colonnade? Hmm... Well, no secret speakeasies or anything clandestine like that, unfortunately. Unless you count the mini-bar in your room. Which, let's be honest, is only a gem if you've had a *really* rough day at the pool. And that, my friends, is a distinct possibility. There's theYour Stay Hub
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