Disclaimer: Thanks to Vanessa Menkes Communications, I received a one-night stay at Novotel Miami Brickell.
Following an underwhelming stay at DUA Miami, it was time to switch from Marriott to Accor.
It was a short if humid hop along The Underline to Novotel Miami Brickell. Quite close to many restaurants, shops, and the Financial District, I was most appreciative that it was merely a few minutes walk from the Brickell Metrorail station. I had an early flight out from Miami the following day, so the proximity to public transit was key.
Check-In
Coincidentally, the Novotel Miami Brickell was another Miami property where I couldn’t easily distinguish where the entrance was. At least in this hotel’s case there were no residences attached to the rest of the building.
Upon seeing a wheelchair/luggage ramp, I took a good guess:
A nice woman named Karina helped with check-in formalities. Fortunately, it was already in the system that my reservation came with a $50 food credit … right? We shall see.
Throughout my brief stay, reception staff were kept quite busy (maybe it was one of those “staffing shortages?”). This translated into long waits. How many of these guests’ queries could have been resolved by an app, self check-in area, or a paper sign?
Room
My Superior Room was on the 5th floor, which fortunately also had stairs access. The bad news is that the stairs only led to a parking lot, which led to an elevator, which ultimately defeated the purpose.
And just wait until you see that stunning Miami view:
It’s bad enough that tourists get a room overlooking a car park. But the hotel won’t be spared the ignominy of giving me this view.
Now you know why I left the curtains shut for that photo.
Around this time, I was surprised at the door with a welcome gift:
It was a charcuterie board, along with a bottle of 2022 Canyon Road Merlot. I placed the three cheeses on my Cheddar burger later on.
Unexpected and much appreciated.
Back to the room, it was basic, and seemed clean enough. WiFi required a password, albeit not a difficult one to guess.
Under the tv — which didn’t work terribly well — were a fridge and safe. The work space, however, was a major improvement over DUA Miami.
In the closets in the entryway were robes, an ironing board, a paper laundry bag, and tea, water, and coffee.
The bathroom had a more familiar feel, without the weird quirks of some avant-garde designer.
A number of the bathroom amenities were recycled, as was the room key. If you really wanted to do your part Accor, perhaps you should stop building hotels?
Back to the bedroom, I wish I could have taken that mattress home.
Wait a sec….
I think I could have.
Optics. Novotel Brickell Miami, please care more about optics.
Amenities
The property has its own share of yoga and other exercise events, in addition to a fitness center and pool. Once again, to not bother other guests, I am using a few official hotel photos:
Dining
The most prominent place to eat is UVA Restaurant & Bar.
Tucked away in one corner of the hotel lobby, this place serves up salads, soups, burgers, grilled meat, pasta, fish, and cocktails.
I’m led to believe that this is the place through which room service is offered.
While tapping away at the computer, I didn’t want to get distracted by going downstairs, so I tried out room service.
There was a QR code menu in the room — blech — so I tried it first. After choosing a couple of options, I ended up at the payment screen, but ultimately abandoned that path to avoid any possible issues with the food credit.
Thereafter I dialed 0 to place the order. The woman who picked up was helpful, and explained all of the painful charges that were included with room service. What types of charges? 20% gratuity, a $6 delivery fee, and taxes.
Fantastich.
My order consisted of a Cheddar cheeseburger for dinner, and a chicken quesadilla for breakfast.
Amazingly, it arrived much sooner than the suggested minimum of 30 minutes … and nothing seemed microwaved.
On the other hand, there was a misunderstanding with the bill. Even with a 20% gratuity, the attendant thought that I was giving him an extra four bucks. In fact, it was to cover the roughly four dollars balance. Gotta rectify.
There’s also the Vista rooftop bar, which has daily happy hour specials, afternoon DJs, and Aqua Fit classes.
Repeat Visit?
I don’t think so.
On the one hand, the Novotel Miami Brickell might stand out as a rare Accor property in South Florida. In other words, if you have amassed points with Accor, you might be glad that they have something for you in the heart of Miami.
But that (possible) room view. The room service charges. The weird stairs. The lack of food options. And the busy (i.e. slow) lobby. Big downers.
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