The Moxy: a new spin on South Beach style

If you have never been to Miami or sold a holiday to Miami, then now is the time.

It is truly one of the world’s leading cities with so much to offer to people of all ages. I can’t think of any subject or interest that could not be satisfied other than perhaps Test Match Cricket. It will certainly bowl you over.

The art scene and districts are first class, the art deco building second to none, soon to be Michelin starred food, the music sings for itself, major franchise sport (including David Beckham new ‘soccer’ team), shopping and if you look in the right place, wildlife.

At first the city can appear daunting. I’ve been more times than I care to mention but I still have a small frisson of excitement and nerves before I arrive. It’s noisy, busy, hectic and magnificent and the more you put in the more you will get out.

One of the liveliest hoods is South Beach (SoBe). Famous for the magnificent sights along Ocean Drive, it houses some of the finest food, shows off the most expensive cars, gives licence to the weirdest dress sense and allows you up close and personal with some of the most magnificent buildings you will ever see.

One of the newer establishments in SoBe is Marriott’s version of down with the kids called the Moxy Hotel. Located just a couple of streets away from Ocean Drive and the seafront it is ideally located to make the most of this bohemian area. I would sum it up as an understated very cool establishment with impeccable service and welcome. The rooms are quite small but extremely well designed with out of scale size larger bathrooms.

Well insulated for noise with comfy beds it affords a very comfortable and sound night’s sleep which is something I was concerned at when I arrived. It’s fair to say I was one of the more mature guests but if you go with the flow, as with the rest of Miami, you will be rewarded.

Breakfast is served in an open bar area from a Mexican/Cuban café with a café con leche that would compete with the best. Also, on site for later in the day are two restaurants that stand on their own as purveyors of fine food but with a very classy relaxed vibe. Serena is a Mexican with outdoor seating, a large sit at bar open for lunches and dinner. On the bottom floor is the seafood speciality restaurant Como Como which is very stylishly decorated with a hush tone ambiance going on.

Finally, the Moxy would not even be in the second division of SoBe hotels if it did not have a roof top bar which of course it does. The Upside is where you go to get great views of Miami Beach. Here you can also chug a beer, sip a cocktail, take a dip in the pool, watch a movie, play dominoes or take the route of least resistance by lounging around on the soft and comfy sofas.

It may not be for everybody, but I would recommend the Moxy. If you or your clients are using Miami as a base before a cruise, or a tour of southern Florida then give it a go along with the rest of the city that never goes quiet.

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