HotelChatter

Highlights: The Viceroy “nailed the sleeping arrangements,” with comfy mattress and bedding plus even a mini comforter for the Times-er’s daughter’s blow-up bed. Also: Remember those Illy espresso machines? Mmm. The spa alone makes a repeat visit to the hotel worthwhile: “a gasp-inducing space fashioned after a library.” Plus, let’s not forget about that giant (two-acre) pool on the 15th-floor deck, and the hot tub for 50.

Lowlights: The NYT says the sea-foam green junior suite “felt almost crowded with trendy touches, from ikat pillows to Asian lamps;” a small balcony but no furniture. Um, and the bathroom mirrors were apparently a bit too honest (“Your ultimate feelings about the bathroom may depend on how much you like seeing yourself naked”).

Bottom line: In spite of careful attention to details and solid service, the NYT concludes “the location is a bit gloomy for the kind of Miami weekend most of us want. It’s perfect for visitors who don’t care about the beach. But do those exist?” Yeah, good question. Rates currently start around $200.

[Photo: Alex Quesada for The New York Times]