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Standard Beats Up the Setai

The New York Times hit up Miami to see what all the fuss was about at the pricey Setai Hotel and the newly-opened Standard Miami Hotel.

The obvious difference is that the Setai goes for $800 a night while the Standard goes for $225.

But both hotels are depending on the art of water to impress guests.

The Standard is a kind of summer camp for grown-ups; while the Setai (up and running since August) aspires to be a serene tropical paradise. Every detail at the Setai is meticulously planned, from the three swimming pools heated to 75, 85 and 95 degrees to the ethereal spa to the bathtub in the center of each guest room.

Yet for all the luxuriousness of the Setai, the NYT reporter didn't quite feel he was getting the bang for his buck.

At the Standard, things seem to be more inventive. Once a former motel from the 1950s, the rooms are now updated with such fun design perks like the cotton covers over the flat-screen TVs. Guests apparently feel so comfortable here they walk around the lobby and have lunch in the restaurant in their bathrobes.

The Setai does seems to win again during the nightlife, where things are a bit more calmer and also the expensive in-room coffee maker helps you get over a long night on the club scene. Except you paid $800 a night, something you may never get over.

Yes, we have plenty to say on both of these hotels, check out our coverage below.

Related Stories:
·Standard Miami Coverage [HotelChatter]
·Setai Hotel Coverage [HotelChatter]
·In South Beach, the Power of Water [NY Times]