Highlights: Mandarin Oriental, Miami

•Each Mandarin Oriental Miami guest room offers spectacular views of either the Biscayne Bay and the glittering Miami skyline if facing west, or Miami Beach if facing east

•Situated on exclusive Brickell Key, its enviable location ensures security while providing easy access to Miami’s financial district just over the private island bridge

•Serenity and sensuality permeate this tranquil yet trendy oasis, from the authentic Asian accents to the sultry vibe of the beautiful people sipping champagne and martinis at M-Bar

•Stunning Mobil Four-Star tri-level spa fuses panoramic waterfront views with treatments that blend East and West elements

•Private beach setting with infinity-edge swimming pool, sushi bar, and iPod-bearing Beach Butlers

Amenities: Mandarin Oriental, Miami

• 326 rooms, 20 story. Pets accepted, some restrictions; fee. Check-in 3pm, check-out 1pm. High-speed Internet access, wireless Internet access. 3 restaurants, 4 bars. Fitness room, fitness classes available, spa. Beach. Outdoor pool, whirlpool. Airport transportation available. Business center. Credit cards accepted.

General Impressions: Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Located on exclusive Brickell Key Island, the Mandarin Oriental Miami is conveniently situated just over the bridge from Miami’s bustling Brickell Avenue financial district. A favorite of power bankers and CEOs, the hotel also lures luxury travelers of every persuasion with its secluded private island setting and aesthetically pleasing Asian décor. The Mobil Four-Star tri-level Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami is a favorite of celebrities and svelte pleasure seekers alike. Jet setters from around the world fly in to party along nearby South Beach before retiring to the serenity of this island sanctuary, where stunning waterfront views and sumptuous comfort surround them.

Business travelers are understandably fond of the privacy and proximity to the city that the hotel’s island setting provides, and there were several large groups staying at the property while I was there. It’s a solid choice for a business stay, with good service and a stunning setting. The sublime guest rooms and the sensuous spa captivate couples seeking a romantic stay. Hip singles gravitate toward M-Bar, where people-watching and Latin rhythms are served up alongside more than 250 different types of martinis divided into clever categories, such as sweet, tangy, and naughty but nice.

Although the Mandarin Oriental Miami is not specifically targeted to families, children are welcome. Younger guests are presented with an Official Kid’s Passport filled with fun activities and opportunities to win great prizes throughout their stay. Kids are made to feel at home with their own yoga classes on the beach, afternoon picnics, sandcastle making, and iPods for listening to their favorite tunes.

Those who have to work while they stay at this island retreat will be pleased to find in-room high-speed Internet access and a professional business center with a secretarial staff to help with projects or other business needs.

Understated luxury best describes the feel of the Mandarin Oriental Miami. Dramatic waterfront vistas take center stage while an authentic Asian atmosphere plays the supporting role. A 30-foot tropical black bamboo tree provides the focal point in the lobby, and dark woods combine with bold carpet colors in the meeting room spaces, reflecting Miami’s sultry, sexy attitude. Guest rooms all have waterfront views and satisfy guests with strikingly beautiful design and pampering amenities.

Opportunities for recreation and relaxation abound, with a magnificent spa, fitness center, and waterfront jogging trail, along with a private beach and tropical pool area. Guests also enjoy tennis privileges at the exclusive Brickell Tennis Club nearby.

(+) Stunning waterfront views, Mobil Four-Star spa, and serene Asian design
(-) Guests will need to leave the island to get to over-the-bridge attractions in Miami

Guest Services: Mandarin Oriental, Miami

The Mandarin Oriental Miami staff made me feel genuinely welcome, beginning with the reservation agent who was very polite, well spoken, and informed about the hotel when she booked my room. Bell staff greeted me curbside; they were friendly and focused on me, and baggage assistance was seamless. Although the hotel was quite busy, the front desk handled check-in smoothly.

The concierge provided directions to a store I asked about, but he was not as accessible as I would have liked and could have been a tad more helpful.

Housekeeping was very good, and when I asked for a pair of slippers, they promptly delivered two pairs to my room in anticipation of my companion’s need. I felt special throughout my stay, mainly because staff addressed me by name. When I checked out, the front desk staff thanked me for staying with them, and appeared truly appreciative and gracious.

(+) Hotel staff is warm and welcoming
(-) Concierge service wasn’t as responsive as expected of a Four-Star property

Guest Rooms: Mandarin Oriental, Miami

The Mandarin Oriental Miami has 327 guest rooms and 31 sumptuous suites. All have balconies overlooking Biscayne Bay, and many offer spectacular Miami skyline views. Among the most spacious guest rooms and suites in the city, its rooms exude the energy that defines Miami, while balancing that feeling with a restful atmosphere. Rooms offer 10-foot-tall ceilings, an ample sitting area and desk, and Bose Wave music system. Available services include 24-hour room service, laundry and dry cleaning, and nightly turndown.

My room was very serene, bright, and comfortable. Contemporary South Florida touches were combined with exotic Asian elements, creating a tranquil and relaxing refuge. Elegant dark wood furnishings and vivid artwork made my room distinctive, a reflection of the city’s cultural diversity. Bedding was plush and comfortable; soft beige and white Frette bed linens were accentuated with a decorative fabric square positioned atop the duvet.

Oversized bathrooms designed without an interior wall afford lavish views of the bay. Spanish marble floor tiles suggest a bamboo pattern, and the sink basin is suspended in a stunning yellow and black marble surround. Luxurious Aromatherapy Associates bath amenities are thoughtfully placed in a wooden box.

The hotel offers rooms in superior, deluxe, and executive categories, with the main difference being the size and appointments of the seating areas, both in-room and on the private balconies and verandas. Suites feature bamboo floors and lavish relaxation areas, indoors and out. The Oriental Suite has more than $100,000 in state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment in its theater-style media room.

(+) Guest room design and amenities are of the highest caliber, and every room features a water view

Facilities & Activities: Mandarin Oriental, Miami

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Miami is a Mobil Four-Star spa and is reason enough to visit the hotel. The 15,000-square-foot spa has 17 private treatment rooms that incorporate textures such as bamboo, rice paper, glass, and natural linens to achieve a soothing, harmonious design. On the top floor you’ll find spacious spa sanctuaries popular with celebrity clientele. Floor-to-ceiling windows in these exclusive split-level suites showcase spectacular views of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline, and en suite marble showers and relaxation areas ensure the utmost privacy. Although my spa treatment started a bit late, I found the staff to be exceptionally polite, warm, and welcoming, and my treatment was thoroughly relaxing. Spa treatments may also be enjoyed outdoors, inside a private beachfront cabana with a view of Miami’s shoreline.

A fully equipped fitness center features dramatic windows overlooking the pool area and the bay. I was impressed with the flat screen televisions at every piece of cardio equipment, including Stairmaster, treadmills, and recumbent bikes.

There’s a man-made private white sand beach at the hotel’s Oasis Beach Club, where you can relax beside the infinity-edge swimming pool, snack on sushi at the open-air sushi bar, or enjoy your favorite music on iPods delivered by Beach Butlers. These special touches and amenities mean the Oasis is very popular--during my visit the pool was overcrowded; I found the service at the pool slower than expected, and I had trouble finding an open chair. However, all types of travelers will enjoy the pool and beach area, although no areas are set aside specifically for children.

Runners will appreciate the waterfront jogging path that circles the island of Brickell Key. Tennis enthusiasts enjoy exclusive access to the prestigious Brickell Tennis Club nearby, with seven hydro-clay courts.

(+) Spa facilities are a standout, and opportunities for waterfront recreation and relaxation abound
(-) No play area is specifically designated for children

Dining & Lounge: Mandarin Oriental, Miami

In addition to 24-hour room service, the hotel is home to two restaurants and two lounges. The Mobil Four-Star Azul Restaurant, with its magnificent white marble open kitchen and raw bar, serves food filled with Mediterranean flavors and Asian influences.

Café Sambal is the spot for casual all-day waterfront dining. I had breakfast at the cafe, where the menu exhibited great diversity, and the food quality and food presentation were wonderful. The staff looked professional, however, the service was not as accommodating or efficient as I expected when compared my experience at the restaurant.

Cocktails and irresistible Latin rhythms predominate at the Lobby Lounge and M-Bar, a hip martini bar mixing more than 250 different types of martinis. Whichever venue you choose, you’ll enjoy a continuous parade of boats passing by just outside the dramatic picture windows.

When I preferred more privacy, I took advantage of the 24-hour room service. My order was delivered on time and the food quality was excellent, but the food presentation wasn’t as strong. The ice cream was melting and the tray lacked a centerpiece. Staff was also delayed about an hour picking up my tray, and was not apologetic.

(+) High quality cuisine served in a pleasant setting with a stunning water view
(-) Room service presentation not as polished as restaurant dining

Business Services: Mandarin Oriental, Miami

Everything I needed to handle routine business was available from the comfort and convenience of my guest room. High-speed Internet access, dual phone lines, and a cordless phone that allowed me to take calls on the balcony overlooking the bay, all made doing business a pleasure.

For times when you need to print, fax, or photocopy, the hotel offers a complete business center, accessible 24/7. To ensure you can conduct business as usual, professional staff is available to provide secretarial back up and access to executive computer workstations, office supplies, equipment rentals, and overnight courier service.

(+) Business travelers will find that all their needs are met, whether they choose to work in their rooms or utilize the services of the business center