We are world travellers and our accomodations have varied from hotels to B&B's, self catering condos, to full service villas. We look for value, not the cheapest price in where we stay and are more often than not disappointed in our lodging. There always seems to be a chink in the armor, even when we have spent upwards of $500 per night for a hotel room.

And I guess that is the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove difference. With one small exception, mentioned later, there was no flaw to be found, even though a summer rate at this property is FAR below what we have spent for other accomodations. We looked for both errors of omission and those of commission, but there were none to be found.

Certainly not with the ambience and layout of the hotel and grounds. They were impeccable, tasteful, sophisticated and welcoming.

Not with the international and most sincere staff who were ever present but never intrusive..... and always helpful.

No criticism of the room, as both bedroom and spacious bathroom delivered the experience of the Ritz "promise" of luxury.

And the meals were lovely in both compostion and presentation. The wait staff, like all the staff at this property, are very well groomed in the social graces. (My one and only complaint of the entire stay was a very nice, young waiter who did not do due diligence in exploring my concern over what to order because of a dietary restriction, but that is one small criticism in a large bouquet of compliments!)

If you are in the Miami area for business or pleasure, do yourself a favor and stay at the Ritz Carlton, Coconut Grove. You will rarely feel better pampered in a large city hotel and will feel like you have been on an exquisite vacation from your woes even after only a one night stay!

If you’re looking for a fun, tranquil stay in Miami, Coconut Grove is the area to visit. If you want to be pampered and treated wonderfully, this is the hotel to book. It's maybe 15 minutes from South Beach and a few long blocks from the Grove (for you walkers). The food was great, the staff friendly, courteous and uber professional. The hotel itself is quite beautiful. I wanted to take the bathroom in our room home with me (loved the shower). Steam room was nice and I really like the iced water with lemon waiting outside once we were done. Pool was okay (I prefer the Four Seasons Miami pool).

Didn’t get a chance to enjoy the Sunday Brunch, but it looked amazing, the presentation itself made your mouth water. We were neither sober nor awake enough to enjoy a $70 brunch, so we ate a great spot in the grove instead (Green Street Café I think) which was excellent nonetheless. Also loved a French café down the block and a there was a Spanish restaurant about two or so blocks from the hotel closer to US1 that was very good (and I’m picky) and very affordable.

This hotel is consistent what I’ve come to expect of Ritz Carlton properties, so if you’re used to their level of service you certainly won’t be disappointed and you’ll really enjoy the close proximity to Coconut Grove's shops & restaurants.

Reading a recent review of the NY Sofitel that decried the lack of responsiveness during an air conditioning outage reminded me how lucky was to be staying at the Ritz during a similar situation. Not only did the staff provide ice water in all the hallways and the lobby and offer to serve breakfast in the lobby which was cooler than the dining room, I was greeted by a letter in my room later that day informing me I would receive half off the price of my room for the previous evening. The problem was also fixed promptly -- AC up and running by late morning. This is on top of the best service I can remember.