Kaskades South Beach: An All-Suite Masterpiece Near Collins Avenue
If you want a luxurious hotel experience in South Beach, it's the grand hotels that come to mind first: The Delano, The Ritz-Carlton, The Loews. But about a year ago, Menin Hospitality's newly-refurbished Gale South Beach (on 17th and Collins, right across the street from The Delano) unveiled an intimate new all-suites extension just across the street called Kaskades, and if you're looking for a smaller-scale (but still upscale) experience it just might be the best option in town.
Upon checking in at the Gale (and after finishing your complementary glass of Champagne), you'll be escorted one block away from Collins into this building, where 24 suites are entered from an outdoor walkway and stretch straight through the building; most rooms include a large terrace (with a private sunken hot tub on first floor terraces). Each room is high-tech and modern, with automated lights and window shades, a wet bar (complete with one of the best mini-bars you'll ever encounter), Italian linens, 55-inch LED televisions with 90 channels, and a bathrobe and slippers. The bathrooms are more like personal spas, with rain showers, spa tubs for two, and a hands-free Toto Washlet toilet with seat and water temperature controls.
There's a small lounge on the first level where you can have a complimentary breakfast (cereal, juice, pastries) as well as complimentary wine and cheese in the afternoon; you can check out there as well. Up on the top floor is a 3,400 square foot terrace and pool with unobstructed views of South Beach; if you'd prefer to be closer to the action they've partnered with the Shelburne Beach Club so you can rent two complementary chairs on the beach.
If you're going to visit South Beach, you should stay in the lap of luxury and be treated like royalty, right? If you're looking for a personalized experience that only a boutique hotel can provide, The Gale and Kaskades should be your first choice.