This sophisticated, unpretentious hotel – a longstanding South Beach legend – cleverly mixes Asian aesthetics with Art Deco style to create a luxurious hideaway that’s chic, unique and understated, and where even the tiniest detail feels elevated
Location
Collins Avenue is where Miami’s prime oceanfront hotels are located, so The Setai keeps excellent company. It sits at the junction with 20th Street, where touristy South Beach blurs into edgier Mid-Beach. Three blocks to the south lie the Fillmore and New World Center performance venues and the pedestrianised shopping and dining strip of Lincoln Road Mall. The airport is around 20-30 minutes away by taxi.
Read more: Miami city guide – where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Florida’s high-living city
The vibe
You could be forgiven for thinking that The Setai is an Asian hotel brand, but surprisingly its roots are Israeli (which is where you’ll find both other Setai properties). Nevertheless the Asian influence is so convincing that it feels like you’ve been transported to Bali or Bangkok. That sensation is strongest beneath the palms and pagodas of the central courtyard – a space shared by two Asian restaurants – but it’s also apparent throughout property. In fact, setai means “south beach” in Indonesia’s Bahasa language.
Service
Service is respectful and polished, as one might expect from a Leading Hotels of the World member. Many of the restaurant staff are recruited from Indonesia and elsewhere in Asia, which adds genuine warmth and authenticity to the Setai experience. The concierge team (with their extensive local contacts and knowledge) also shine for enhancing guests’ stays.
Bed and bath
There are two very different room types, both of which embrace the Asian theme. The Art Deco Suites (of which there are 91) are located in a historic building that originally opened in 1938 as the Vanderbilt Hotel. These larger-than-average guest rooms are tastefully decked out in a palette of warm and comforting teak, taupe, ivory, ebony and rich chocolate-brown. Bathrooms have black tiled, walk-in showers and quality, own-brand Twin Palms products. By contrast, the 60-odd Ocean…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at The Independent Travel…