Where does a travel writer go for summer vacation? Why to a suite by the sea, of course. Or maybe to two giant suites—at bargain prices.
It’s too hot and crowded in Europe in July—and anyway, what good is summer if you’re not sitting on a beach? So this year I decided to take a Europe vacation budget and spend it at the biggest, prettiest space I could find on this side of the Atlantic.
And I’m happy to report we had the best time in beautiful and roomy back-to-back suites, on land at the Kimpton Surfcomber in Miami and at sea on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas.
It all started with an email from American Express reminding me that the semi-annual $300 hotel credit that comes with my Platinum card expires on June 30—and urging me to book ASAP. Among the offerings was the Kimpton in Miami, a beautiful property right on South Beach that just finished reimagining its pool, cabanas and outdoor spaces. An easy flight from New York, it meant my hubbie and I could leave in the morning and be on the beach for lunch. The perfect Vacation Day One.
Kimpton Surfcomber in South Beach, Miami
Along with the $300 discount, Amex offers a $100 food-and-beverage credit (think: a free dinner) plus free breakfast every day for two. I booked an oceanfront suite at $1,200 for two nights, and a cabana by the sea. And when I asked about the possible Amex upgrade at check-in, they threw in a giant balcony overlooking the pool, with tables and chairs and a couch and chaise lounges.
Who needs the Riviera, after all?
Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas
On Sunday morning we Ubered to the port for part two of our sweet suite vacation, onboard Freedom of the Seas. Here luck played a role, for sure. I had booked a junior suite on this older ship just for the pure luxury of the extra space—and because the price was right, at just $2,200 for two, a bargain, I thought. But then I bid $255 per person in the upgrade auction (just a squeak above the minimum bid of $250) and won the Owners Suite!
Just steps from the elevator and one easily walkable floor from the buffet, the one-bedroom Degas Suite was 622 square feet of interior space, with a marble entry, a full tub and separate shower in the bathroom, a living area and dining table, a wet bar and a vanity area, and a walk-in closet.
Best of all was the 160-square-foot balcony, which stretched the length of three cabins, offering a table and chairs for outdoor dining and chaise lounges for, well, lounging.
Like all suite guests, we got priority check-in and departure, VIP seating in the theater, entrance to the Concierge Club with free drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and a concierge to help us and answer any questions. There was complimentary 24-hour room service, a bottle of Chandon, still and sparkling water, and a fruit plate. At night, we chose extra pillows from the pillow menu. And whenever we needed something, our steward was quickly on the case.
So our luxury week in suites by the sea cost about $5,000 for two, including meals, plus tips. True, we didn’t see the Eiffel Tower or the Trevi Fountain.
But when it’s 100 degrees out, there’s nowhere I’d rather be than just listening to the lapping of the waves on the balcony of a luxurious suite by the sea.
Or two.
