TOP: Joie (c/o) Saks Fifth Avenue Boca Raton/SHORTS: old – similar/HAT: Zara – similar here/WEDGES: click here/CLUTCH: (c/o) Vici Dolls

Two weeks ago, my mom and I stayed in Miami for five days to celebrate her birthday! Miami has tons of amazing hotel properties to choose from so it wasn’t difficult to find two for our stay. We wanted a city to beach experience so we went with J.W. Marriott Marquis Hotel, an upscale 5-star hotel located in downtown Miami, and AC Hotel Miami Beach, a European inspired boutique hotel located across the street from the beach.

The first part of our trip was to J.W. Marriott Marquis Hotel. From the second we walked in, the attention to guests was truly superb.

Dinner at db Bistro Moderne (a restaurant by Chef Daniel Boulud, who coincidentally also has a restaurant in Palm Beach called Café Boulud. It’s one of my favorites!) was out of this world. For starters, go with the Florida Tomato Salad or the octopus salad. My mom ordered the Swordfish Skewer, which was amazing (one of their best dishes) and I had the Arugula Cavatelli with tomatoes, peas and ricotta cheese. We concluded dinner with Arroz con Leche (and birthday candles) with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream and fresh madeleines (favorite in Palm Beach, as well). It was just amazing…

TOP: Prose & Poetry/JEANS: old – similar/SCARF: old – similar/SUNNIES: here

The next day, both my mom and I visited the Enliven Spa & Salon. We both had the Enliven Signature Massage, a 80 minute full body massage complete with a foot scrub and scalp massage. It was pure #heaven.

BAG: (c/o) C.J. Laing/BATHING SUIT: (c/o) Morning Lavender

Other notable spots in the hotel include the indoor basketball court (which apparently is a favorite with the Miami Heat players), indoor bowling alley, the rooftop pool and… hello, the views!

DRESS: Ramy Brook (c/o) Saks Fifth Avenue Boca Raton/HAT: (c/o) Morning Lavender/WEDGES: click here

But above all, the SERVICE. That’s what stood out to me the most. My mom (who went to school for hospitality management) and I were blown away with the attention to detail and outstanding service. We didn’t want to leave!

Our next location was to AC Hotel Miami Beach, a hotel that blends contemporary style with cosmopolitan sophistication. It’s steps away from the beach and minutes away from Lincoln Road and South Beach’s Ocean Drive.

TOP: Parker New York/SHORTS: old – similar here and here/WEDGES: (c/o) Topshop/HAT: old – similar here

We spent our final days of the trip at the beach and rooftop pool deck, lounging around and soaking in the Miami Beach scene (which my mom loves visiting). We were treated to complimentary WiFi and European breakfast (which was inspired by Spain) and refreshing beverages in our room.

Each night, we dined at AC Lounge, a tapas style lounge that has everything from local craft beers, wines on top to yummy cocktails and curated tapas. Our server was great at explaining each dish and recommending his favorites. Definitely try the Avocado Toast (SO good!) or any of the salads! Oh, and the fresh macaroons of course!

ROMPER: Nightcap (c/o) Saks Fifth Avenue Boca Raton/WEDGES: (c/o) Topshop

All in all, we had a great time visiting both properties! Comment below if you have any questions and be sure to consider either one when planning your next vacation to Miami!

Xo, Stephanie

P.S.: Speaking of travel, I’m off to Lisbon tomorrow! Would love your recommendations… <3