Sonesta’s Oasis of Relaxation Near Miami Airport

By Gerry Barker
Photos by Gerry Barker

One thing we have learned from experience: If you have an international flight leaving from Miami, plan for the unexpected. On one occasion, on our way to the airport, a drawbridge got stuck in the up position and we almost missed our flight to Germany.

That’s why this time around, we looked for a hotel near Miami International where we could relax and enjoy some leisure time before braving the airport security lines. We found just the ticket at the Sonesta Miami Airport hotel.

Fresh from a newly-completed, $40 million, top-to-bottom makeover that renovated all 309 guest rooms as well as the public spaces and meeting areas, the new look reflects the vibrant colors and culture that embody Miami. That was by design, said the hotel’s manager, Karoline Montoya.

“Since many guests are short-term — either coming to or from the airport — some times they don’t have the chance to visit Miami,” she said. “So the idea is, when you enter you can feel the vibe, to know what Miami is known for.” The result is a breezy, open-air feel, using a neutral/pastel color palette and featuring contemporary décor accented by modern art and art deco touches. Our king bed room featured a dark brown bed, indirect lighting and a dark blue sofa, as well as a modern, walk-in shower.

What’s really impressive is that the whole renovation project took only five months, and was accomplished without disrupting their guests. The work started in June, said Ms. Montoya, and was carefully orchestrated “so the noise didn’t affect the guest experience.”

One of the major changes was relocating Tailwinds, the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Along with the new location, it also got a new menu, focused on Latin fusion cuisine. Since Miami is a blend of many cultures, Ms. Montoya said the chefs choose meals that convey the feeling of “eating at home.”

Created from locally-sourced ingredients, favorites include the Cuban Sandwich, fried yucca, Pollo Asado (half-grilled chicken with rice and beans) and the Guava Burger, using a recipe from the father of the hotel’s general manager. On our visit, I enjoyed The Pineapple-Habanera Chicken Wings and an order of tacos, one grilled chicken and one grilled Mahi-Mahi. But don’t leave without trying their desserts — the Flan and Alfajores (butter cookies) were excellent, but the Tres Leches is the star of the show.

If you want to unwind at the bar with a cocktail, you might want to try their signature drink — a Guava Cosmo. It will definitely impart that tropical, Miami vibe and have you dreaming about a lounge chair on a sandy beach. Speaking of cocktails, Ms. Montoya said they are working on adding a happy hour in the near future.

The pet-friendly hotel also features a rooftop pool, along with a sun deck and new private cabanas, along with an upgraded fitness center and an outdoor patio perfect for dining, drinking or just chilling out. Its almost 7,500 square feet of meeting space includes the Royal Palm Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 180 guests.

If you’re impressed by the friendliness of the staff, there’s a good reason. The hotel places a premium on creating a workplace that feels like family. That’s reflected in the tenure of their employees, said Ms. Montoya. “One of our shuttle drivers has been with the property since 1983,” she said.

Speaking of the shuttle, the hotel offers free transportation to the airport, leaving every 20 minutes, as well as assistance for guests either going to Port Miami for a cruise or coming back from one.

Whether staying one night, or more, or in need a meeting room close to the airport, the shiny new Sonesta Miami Airport provides a welcome respite for world-weary travelers, as well as a taste of the Magic City.

For more information or to book a stay, visit Sonesta Miami or call (305) 446-9000.

(Our thanks to the Sonesta Miami Airport Hotel for hosting us)