Faena Hotel Miami Beach

Faena Hotel Miami Beach is as much of a visual experience as it is a physical one, if not more. Decked out in a luxurious and artistic opulence, the hotel -- decorated in deep reds, gold, blues, and lots of garden imagery and plants -- has a sort of rich, utopian feel. Visually, it's a stunner, from the floor-to-ceiling murals at the entrance, out to the gilded wooly mammoth skeleton by Damien Hirst, to the half-skinned golden unicorn in one of the restaurants, and even in the subtle Art Deco design at the pool and beach spaces. It feels like a high-brow hotel for folks who appreciate style and art as much as a good cocktail. While some pledge their allegiance to the hotel, others have reported of service issues, and some feel the hotel is a mirage, a thin layer of lush, contemporary style on top of an old (and sometimes obviously) worn building. Rates vary greatly with high season prices up to three times more than those found in low season. It seems like the type of place that would be adults-only and only attract couples, but families and business travelers also come here. 

As its name implies, Faena Hotel Miami Beach boasts a prime oceanfront location on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The immediate area is a mix of residential condos and upscale hotels, and is just outside of the area's party-heavy zone. The historic Art Deco District in South Beach is a 14-minute drive south, while popular tourist spots like Wynwood and Downtown Miami are 20-minute drives. Miami International Airport is 17 minutes by car, depending on traffic. 

The 179 rooms and suites echo the hotel's posh red, white, and animal print decor, and guests can expect high-quality wood furniture, herringbone tiles in the bathrooms, and sexy accent lighting. On the downside, not all have have balconies or tubs. Still, standard amenities consist of flat-screen TVs, high-quality Tierra Santa bath products, and walk-in rainfall showers, as well as minibars, desks, and closets with safes. Tech perks include iPads and electronic controls, while soft bathrobes and slippers keep things comfortable. Some rooms have separate tubs and/or butler service. Faena's Bay View Rooms have either two twin beds or one king and give guests gorgeous views of the Intracoastal Waterway and Biscayne Bay. Twin units have more space and guaranteed furnished balconies. For views of the ocean, guests have options for partial views or oceanfront rooms. Junior Suites add stylish sitting areas with red sofas and two chairs and open bathrooms -- some with tubs. Bumping up to a Bay View Suite adds an extra half-bath, kitchenette, separate living room, and butler service. Most ocean-view suites come with soaking tubs, though not all suites come with furnished balconies as advertised. 

For outdoor relaxation, the pool and beach areas are lovely. First-come, first-served padded loungers and red-and-white striped umbrellas await guests at the pool, and butter service covers everything from food and drink to sunscreen and magazines. Pool cabanas with bottle service are available for an extra fee. Out on the beach, visitors will find soft sand, loungers and umbrellas (free, which is a rarity in Miami), butlers offering food and drink service, and added extras like foot washes. Another highlight is the spa, which books up well in advance. It spreads across 22,000 square feet, and houses a huge hammam. Dubbed the Tierra Santa Healing House, guests can expect treatments that combine technology with the wisdom of shamans. Faena Hotel has three restaurants on-site, including two chef-led specialty spots. Los Fuegos is an Argentine steakhouse concept by Francis Mallmann where diners sit in a chic red-and-gold dining room and choose from a selection of proteins to be grilled on an open fire. The menu at Paul Qui's Pao restaurant features French, Japanese, Filipino, and Spanish fusion cuisine, and the half-gold, half-anatomical unicorn perched in the center of the space is just as eclectic. Out by the pool, guests can grab breakfast in Veranda's shaded, open-air dining room. Saxony Bar serves up cocktails in a sleek lounge, while the Faena Theater pours tipples with a side of cabaret. Other drink options include the stunning courtyard-located Tree of Life and casual Living Room bar. Other features include a high-brow kids club, Faena Play, with activities like art tours and cooking activities, and in-room baby sitting services. Most public spaces (and a private 22-person dining room) can be rented out for meetings or events. Valet parking is available for an extra fee and Wi-Fi is included in the resort fee.