Miami

So after a few fun filled, (too much fun, too many late nights for old ladies...) Steph, Michelle and I went to Miami for a night flying back to Boston at the crack of dawn.  We were exhausted.  We were longing for a quiet night at a hotel, lounging around the pool, watching a movie and hitting the hay early.  Reality was about to set in less than 24 hours later, and we needed to recharge.

Our friend Tanya suggested a fun hotel in Miami Beach.  She said if we could get a deal, we should stay there - we'd love it!  So, I booked a room at the Clevelander. 

We flew into Miami International, and went through customs.  Only, we went into the wrong line.  We waited in line with non US residents.  Clearly we weren't at our best.  And why, by the way, do I feel like I am always going to get in trouble in these situations?  They ask simple questions, where are you from?  Why were you in the Bahamas?  And then they throw a bizarre question totally out of context "What do you do for a living?"  Uhhh, Ummm, I am a Marketing, Marketer - yup, that was my brilliant answer.  A quick smirk from the immigration officer and off we went.

We took a cab to the Clevelander.  The driver was not at all fun like Edward of Eleuthera.  He drove like a maniac and gave 3 over-tired & anxious ladies a few small heart attacks on the road. 

We arrived at the Clevelander.  Took out our bags and stood staring at the mayhem that greeted us.  Many, many 20 somethings dancing to very loud music drinking frozen drinks, yelling to one another over the cacophony.  Wearing close to nothing mind you - because they can.  We looked at each other in terror.

We went to the front desk and were greeted by a very sweet Manager.  Michelle took over.  "Listen, is there a quiet room in this place?"  Ummm, not really, replied the Manager.  "Look, I don't care what I have to pay - can we get a suite?"  "Ma'am, you do not want a suite.  Our suites are ROCK STAR suites, louder than any other room".  Michelle replied, "Here's the deal, we just flew in from a wedding, we are tired and want a quiet place to relax and regroup - is there anything you can do?"  Seeing our looks of desperation, the nice Manger sent us over to their sister property, The Essex.  As we are checking in they bring us 3 complimentary pina coladas - YUM.

The rest of the evening consisted of us going to dinner, where every place was absolutely insane.  At this time in our lives, crowds and loud music are not something we enjoy.  We couldn't get back to the hotel quick enough.  All was good, once we got back and put on mindless TV.  Oh, and I did get some Cuban cigars for my husband - so that was a bonus.

Michelle and I couldn't be happier to get home Monday morning!

 Steph, however, went on to The Breakers in Palm Beach.....

....Very different vibe from Miami. This historic opulent establishment makes you feel like royalty. It sits on the Atlantic ocean, and there is not much of beach, but a few beautiful pools, a lush golf course, shopping on-site or a few blocks away, and plenty of things to do with the kids.

 In season, rates can be a little high, but this summer you can get a room for $249/night. If you haven't been, it is worth it, believe us!!!

By Tracy Coyne

Tracy Coyne is a marketing expert whose experience includes Vice President of marketing for Kessler Financial Services and business development manager for PowerPay in Portland, ME. She lives on the South Shore with her husband and their three kids. Contact info: dtcoyne@comcast.net