The Ritz Carlton in Miami Beach, Florida

I recently had the chance to spend a few days at the Ritz Carlton in Miami Beach, Florida. Living in Orlando, I travel to Miami Beach often to enjoy the sun, café culture, and nightlife of Miami Beach but I've never stayed at the Ritz Carlton (preferring smaller, art deco hotels). I've also never stayed at the Ritz Carlton because of the price. Rooms at the Ritz Carlton start at $229 in the off season and $329 during peak season and the prices go up from there.

The one thing that I immediately noticed about the Ritz Carlton was the exceptional service. From the moment I pulled up to the valet I was impressed with the exceptional service. Everyone was fast, polite, and very helpful. From checking in to the room valet offering to unpack my bags for me, the service was over the top; and I loved it. I felt like a movie star! And no, I didn't have the room valet unpack my bags although I wanted him to. However, but I felt a bit strange about someone else unpacking my clothes for me.

The room was a decent size for Miami Beach. Much like hotel rooms in New York City, hotel rooms in Miami Beach tend to be small. The bathroom had two sinks and a separate shower and bathtub. The bathroom amenities, like most Ritz Carlton hotels, were Bulgari. The in-room amenities included a large flat screen TV, a DVD player, and an iPod docking station sound system.

Once I unpacked, I explored the hotel. Unlike most other Ritz Carlton properties that I'm familiar with, this one was more laid back in its design and vibe. The furniture and artwork was less formal that at other Ritz Carlton hotels and more "Miami Beach" while still being top of the line. In fact, this hotel has an amazing modern art collection and worth a look even if you're not staying at the hotel.

Poolside, I enjoyed some wine and calamari while watching beautiful people enjoy the Florida sun while splashing in the infinity edge pool. I even spotted a celebrity poolside, which is not uncommon for this hotel. And the hotel's pool area offers something unique for Miami Beach (actually unique for most hotels), they have a suntan butler. The suntan butlers job is to apply suntan lotion on the hotel's guests poolside!

Overall, while a bit pricy for some people's budget, the Ritz Carlton Miami Beach is a small luxury that, if you can afford it, is worth the price. From the moment you arrive and until you check out, you will experience exceptional service. The downside to this? Well, now when I check in to a Hilton or Marriott I will be disappointed. I mean, these chains give great service usually, but I've been spoiled; I've stayed at the Ritz Carlton Miami Beach.

The Ritz Carlton Miami Beach is located at One Lincoln Road in South Beach. It's a great location right on the beach and still convenient to the Lincoln Road pedestrian mall and all its shops and restaurants. Reservations can be made online at www.ritzcarlton.com or by phone at (786) 276-4000.