Most Miami tourists head to South Beach, and for good reason: the nightlife is fantastic and the beaches are buzzing. However, Coconut Grove (known by residents as simply The Grove) is the ideal spot to post up when you want to feel like a true local. This charming art-centric neighborhood features fantastic architecture, shops, and art. It's also the oldest permanent settlement in Miami-Dade County. The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami serves nicely as your home base, with its central location and ultra-luxe accommodations. Here’s what we saw when we stayed here.
The Basics
Budget Level: Luxury ($250 to $300-plus per night)
Lodging Type: Large Hotel (115 rooms and suites)
What You Need to Know
The Look
The hotel is the perfect marriage of the Ritz-Carlton properties you know and love with a signature beach-chic vibe that's in no way cheesy, only straight-up sophisticated. The large lobby is where you'll find well-heeled guests gathered with morning coffee or an evening wine, and guest rooms have a relaxed vibe with furniture you'll want to copy at home. Most have balconies, often with views of the Biscayne Bay.
The restaurant, Isabelle's Grill Room & Garden, is especially design-forward and features a leafy outdoor patio, stylish rattan chairs, outdoor rugs, and pretty patio lighting; dining here is especially lovely on warm Florida nights. Post-dinner, head to the hotel's cocktail bar, The Commodore: a handsome, dimly-lit bar with live music and fantastic drinks. Snag a leather chair in front of the fireplace, which is always lit and appreciated in the air-conditioned space.
The Vibe
Guests of all types come through the doors of this property — it's a Ritz-Carlton, after all. We saw a handful of families, group trips, and couples who appeared to be celebrating a special occasion.
Who Will Love It
This hotel is well-equipped enough to suit anyone from the business traveler to the honeymooner.
Who Might Not
Those seeking the nightlife of South Beach might want to find a different property, though this hotel is a quick 15-minute Uber ride away.
Best Amenity
The serene swimming pool provides much-needed respite in the Miami heat. There are cabanas for rent, with poolside food and beverage service. But it's the spa that truly stands out. The space provides a steam room, dry sauna, and relaxation space for pre- and post-spa treatments. The Honey Dream, a signature 80-minute full-body massage features a beeswax thermal pad and an organic honey masque treatment; tea served with local honey upon arrival ($260).
Money Matters
What’s Included
Wifi (for members), in-room Nespresso, and access to swimming pool and fitness center are included.
Fees and Extra Costs You Should Know About
Room taxes are not included.
How to Get a Deal
Stay during the steamy summer months — the city’s slowest season — when rooms at this property can dip to $250 per night. Currently, the hotel is offering a "Stay Longer With Us" package (starting at $309 per night) that includes breakfast for two when you stay three or more nights; the "Reconnect" package starts at $379 per night and includes a $50 spa credit.
Getting There
In the Neighborhood
The hotel is within easy walking distance to The Grove's locally owned shops and restaurants. We loved The Spillover and Peacock Garden Bistro. Bianca Gelato has cooling sweet treats, and Books & Books is a quaint wine bar and bookstore.
Debuting this May, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami (just a quick 15 minutes away) will be hosting its inaugural “The Art of Arts Series,” which will feature a rotational celebration of art featuring three distinct artists from Brazil, Montreal, and Key Biscayne. From May 3 through 24, the resort will become a common ground and platform for an illustrator rooted in quantum physics, a mixed-media artist, and a photographer to share their work and spread their affinity for art in their respective mediums.
Nearest Airport
The hotel is an easy 10 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA), and is about a 25-minute ride. An Uber or Lyft from MIA costs about $36.
