Disclaimer: Thanks to Vanessa Menkes Communications, I received a one-night stay at DUA Miami.
Although I could have just as easily looked at a map, I was barely familiar with Brickell, let alone Miami. However, given that it was just a few minutes walk from the Metro Rail station, by which you can easily get to Miami International airport, I consider DUA Miami to have a pretty good address. it is located near a number of shops and restaurants, as well as a Publix supermarket. Additionally, it Is pretty convenient to downtown Miami, and the number of offices and banks.
Because my flight from Frankfurt arrived in the evening, the local clubs and restaurants were as thumping as ever. On that note, Ahu Mar, the seafood and cocktails restaurant located on the ground level of DUA Miami, as well as the event space on the second floor were both playing loud music. Considering how exhausted I was, it wasn’t a good sign.
Check-In
Firstly, I was having a bit of trouble locating the entrance to the hotel lobby; there’s one nondescript door next to Ahu Mar restaurant, but the more likely suspect was around the corner where the cars entered.
In addition to my one-night stay, I was also offered breakfast at Ahu Mar. Unfortunately, throughout my stay there seemed to have been a mix-up with staff and management, to the point that I had to ask six different people about whether breakfast was included. It may sound obnoxious, but if the hotel promised breakfast, I was not expecting pushback.
Beyond that, the nice Russian woman handling check-in gave me a keycard, and told me more about the hotel. Apparently, the property had switched hands in March of this year, from SLS to Marriott; DUA Miami is a member of the Marriott Autograph Collection.
One other thing, since I mentioned the loud music, she added that if I wanted to change rooms, the hotel had some available.
Room
The first thing that struck me when I entered the room was that there were a lot of mirrors around. there were mirrors on the left, mirrors on the ceiling, and throughout the bathroom. The color scheme by the closets — with pinks and purples – was just about the opposite of what I would have chosen.
As for the rest of the room, it seemed compact.
Why I drew that conclusion is from a quick glance at the “workdesk:”
The work desk and coffee machine are right behind the bed, but seems really shoved in at the last minute.
To be slightly more acquiescent, here’s the same space but with the curtain drawn:
Most importantly, the bed was enjoyable. It didn’t look so vast, but I conked right out when hitting the pillow.
You might recall that I was skeptical about the music coming from the lower floors of the hotel. I happened to be on the third floor, yet I must commend that balcony door for being rather soundproof.
Wi-Fi was available by one click of the guest network. Not exactly reassuring.
The bathroom had an unusual configuration, in that there was a sliding door that either revealed the shower, or the toilet. ‘Sup with that?
I also didn’t see any of the typical bathroom amenities available (e.g. toothbrush, razor), beyond a hair dryer. Cost-cutting measure, Marriott?
Hallway & Stairs
Why a separate category for the hallway and stairs, you might ask?
The third floor hallway was trippy, that’s why. Beetlejuice may have a hand.
And the stairs. Oh, boy.
Guess I should be grateful that guests could regularly use them. But to go where? I just wanted to get to the lobby. As there was a private event happening on the 2nd floor, that meant the lobby stairs were out of commission. Not to mention, I couldn’t deign take the elevator down one floor.
In other words, if you do head down this way, note that the stairs will drop you off on the sidewalk, nowhere near the rest of the hotel.
Amenities
In addition to weekly events including yoga, and other exercise classes, DUA Miami has a spa/sauna, fitness center, and outdoor pool.
So as to not bother other guests, I asked my PR colleagues for photos of the pool and fitness center:
The fitness center was one of the better ones I’ve seen. Quite well-stocked with a variety of equipment and weights.
The pool had some recent pop music playing, which had me play the part of roadrunner. Part of the roof is also undergoing renovations. But it’s fair to say that the atmosphere was lively, and the pool a welcome addition to any hotel in the sweltering Miami climate.
Dining
As mentioned in the check-in section, I was hoping to enjoy a breakfast at Ahu Mar. After a number of queries, I received a $20 food credit.
Originally, I was planning to sit indoors, but then a large group came in. After a few minutes, I was passing out due to jet lag, which caused me to try a take-out order.
I can’t say that it was the most organized restaurant I’ve been to, but the staff were friendly enough. The chef also specifically prepared for me a chile de árbol salsa to accompany the breakfast burrito:
Much like at publicly owned U.S. airports, privately owned U.S. hotels really know how to charge for mediocrity. Unlike at U.S. airports, however, at least on the street there’s a range of options. Obviously, it was worth trying with the food voucher — and the salsa — otherwise, give me a break. It wasn’t bad by any means, just that those prices (and fees) are risible.
I didn’t get to check out The Lounge on the 2nd floor, but if you want Italian-American dishes, it might be your place.
Repeat Visit?
Not a chance.
The DUA Miami had a clubby scene which is decidedly not for me. Even though the location was good, most staffers were fine, the bed was comfy, and the gym ample, nearly all other aspects of the property were a let-down.
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