Home to Florida’s largest hub of international flights, you may find yourself stuck in Miami for a day or two in between trips. And while money and convenience will convince you to consider a stay at one of the many budget airport hotels in the area, your best bet is to Uber the 25 minutes to Brickell and enjoy the DUA Miami, Autograph Collection.
This eclectic property greets guests with bold, colorful, and playful contemporary art as soon as you step into its lobby with oversized sculptures and eye-catching light designs. And while it may be easy to assume that the staff will be fussy to match the elite clientele of a hot, new art exhibit, front desk employees are warm, kind, welcoming, and, best of all, willing to go above and beyond to ensure that your stay is comfortable. This detail may seem minute but the check-in process felt more like a good conversation instead of a standard procedure, which is a far departure from the norm and worth mentioning.
Rooms, each fitted with a private balcony, are cleverly designed with a blush pink color, chrome, and its sexiest feature: a ceiling mirror (to watch yourself drift asleep, of course…wink, wink). And while the excess of red carpets and black and white walls in common spaces may have you fearful of sensory overload, the decor is curated tastefully and with a nod to whimsy and humor through accents like oversized room number decals with mismatched fonts.
Perhaps most impressive of all is the hotel’s amenity floor featuring a lively rooftop pool and lounge, spa, and one of the largest, most advanced gyms that we’ve ever stumbled across on Hotels Above Par. Guests can hit practically any part of their body and with an abundance of options, from free weights and cables to squat racks and cables.
It may seem counterintuitive when it comes to travel but allow yourself to *not* trust your instincts and consider this Brickell highlight that removes you from the anxiety-inducing noise (literally) of popular Miami Beach while keeping all of its beloved amenities (other than an oceanfront room, of course). For those in South Florida for only a day or two, you’ll certainly be glad you did.
Top Takeaways
Location: Miami, Florida
Address: 1300 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130
Rating: Five stars
The Vibe: While it isn’t flashy Miami Beach, the vibe is inarguably swanky and attracts a stereotypical Miami crowd. Guests can see and be seen at the property’s outdoor pool that bustles with designer bikini-clad women in oversized sunglasses and the six pack-adorned gents who chase them. That’s not to say everyone isn’t welcome but the DUA Miami certainly fits the area’s theme of letting loose and looking good while doing so.
Food + Drink: On-site restaurant AHU|Mar, which also boasts a robust amount of outdoor seating, is a must-visit for at least one evening. The Mediterranean, wood-fired seafood menu wows with dishes that range from grilled watermelon salad and truffle pizza to dressed oysters and grilled octopus. The arroz negro con calamares is also stand-out with a sepia sofrito and a homemade aioli.
Amenities: Rooftop pool and lounge; spa; fitness center; restaurant; turndown service
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: DUA Miami is a welcomed departure from bustling Miami Beach or the cheap hotel chains that will have you wishing you carried a blacklight for closer room inspection. It’s also centrally located for anyone who plans to explore the area’s many unique neighborhoods,
5 Nearby Attractions: Brickell City Centre; Alice C. Wainwright Park; The Underline; Miami Circle National Historical Landmark; Dade Heritage Trust
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Though Brickell is predominantly residential, there are quite a few haunts that cater specifically to tourists. One of the most iconic is Sugar, a trendy rooftop lounge on the 40th floor of the EAST hotel. The garden space offers 360-degree views of the city, as well as Asian-themed cocktails and bites.
Pricing: Rates start at $379 per night.
Closest Airport: Miami International Airport (MIA)
