Room 1727

I was just downstairs at reception asking for a new key as I’ve managed to misplace mine. “What room are you in sir?” I was asked. “Um, 1727” I said. “Sorry sir, we haven’t got a room number 1727.”

I had no idea what room I was in, this being the 4th different hotel I’ve stayed in since Monday. I moved from the ultra trendy SLS in South Beach earlier this afternoon to the ultra staid Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne for another worky thing that begins tonight.

The SLS Hotel has been open just over a year and was brimming with false boobs and big heels, and the chic and the trendy have already made it home. The SLS is a welcome addition though to Collins Avenue, although it seemed strange to me having a Philippe Starck designed hotel sat next door to another one, The Delano, for whom they must be in direct competition. Lenny Kravitz was also involved in some of the design.

The hotel looks like it’s an old art-deco building that has been upgraded but in fact it was built from scratch and they have done a very good job with the space, although as one would expect more emphasis is on the entertainment and outside areas than the rooms, which were tiny and a little unfunctional, although the shower was superb.

Not much sleeping though is done in South Beach, so there was a lot of people watching. The service was a little bit patchy, with looks obviously being graded as more important. I did tire though of the constant red ropes and security checks and $500 for entry to the weekend pool parties was a unnecessary piss take.

I did eat one of the best meals I have had in a long while at Casa Tua last night. Hidden away behind trees and bushes (photo), we were welcomed as if we were family guests in someone’s home. The food and ambience of the place was wonderful.