JW Marriott Marquis Miami

The old fashioned elegance of the lobby is a great contrast when you walk in from the bustling Downtown. The only more modern piece is a huge screen, which brings the look of blue ocean-waters and lush vegetation to the otherwise decently brown and beige colored interior. Although the decor could use some updates to radiate a more hip and modern vibe, the luxurious layout and furnishing as well as the impressive staircase are boasting style. All rooms are equipped with the newest technology, including sleek TVs, free WiFi and ergonomic work areas. For more casual and laid back surroundings head up to the rooftop pool or step outside to check out the buzzing neighborhood bars and restaurants. Sport fans: The Marriott is close to American Airlines Arena, home of the NBA Miami heat. The Miami MetroMover and the Miami MetroRail are both just a short walk away.

This hotel was very quiet despite the heavy traffic of travelers arriving and walking about. The bathroom was of spa lux quality with a TV in the mirror, and the room featured a desktop computer which made getting work away from the office more than convenient. What made for a quality stay, however, was more amenity related. The full-size pro basketball court, on-site restaurant, happy hour, Wednesday night cigar bar, etc. Be warned that parking is an additional $40/night, but you can come and go as you please without incurring any extra charges. Across the street you have Zuma, a very hip restaurant and lounge on the water. You are a quick 2 minute taxi from Bayside which attracts tourists and locals alike.

Amazing sports amenities. I have seriously never seen anything quite like this. If you're a NBA fan with a craving for a little pampering during your travels, this is your hotel! On the 19th floor, there is a shiny and polished regulation-size basketball court, conveniently adjacent to the outdoor rooftop pool. And you won't miss the game anywhere in this hotel as there are huge HD TVs in all the elevators, all the guestrooms and in the very nice bars and restaurants downstairs. There's also a jumbo-size home cinema available on a reservation basis! Getting tired of basketball? The court transforms for tennis and there's a virtual bowling alley in-the-house too. One word of advice, I heard through the grapevine that this hotel is so well-suited for basketball that some NBA away-teams do stay here. So, if you'd rather use the facilities than gawk at the pros, book your stay when there's no home game for the Heat!

The JW Marriott is conveniently located in Downtown Miami. I have stayed in a large number of Marriott properties, and this one is extremely impressive. The rooms are large, with great views of Biscayne Bay. The beds are comfortable, and each room includes an espresso machine. There are even television screens embedded in the bathroom mirrors. Beyond the rooms and the pool, there is a phenomenal entertainment complex. It's unlike anything I've ever seen before in any other hotel. The complex includes an NBA-approved basketball court, virtual golf school, virtual bowling and billiards. After perfecting your basketball game, walk to American Airlines Arena to watch the Heat play. If that's not your thing, Downtown Miami has plenty more to offer. Plus, South Beach is a short drive away.

Hotels like this, along with Epic and Viceroy, make the idea of staying downtown almost as much fun as staying in South Beach. The JW Marriott Marquis, which opened in late 2010, has great big guest rooms and lots of entertainment options to make you forget there’s no sand to stick your toes in—including a basketball court, pool and Jacuzzi on the 19th floor, along with a spa, golf school and virtual bowling alley. This makes the hotel popular for events, which may mean some amenities are inaccessible, as the bowling alley was during my stay. The rooms are big—bathrooms, too—and every single one has a tub. The HD TVs are huge—52 inches—and you can plug your personal devices in and use the TV as your monitor. Met Café & Bar is a good place to catch a game, but for a special occasion dinner, db Bistro Moderne, just off the lobby, is worth the splurge.

Walking into the grand lobby of the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, one is greeted by the friendly employees, who strive to make one feel like royalty from the first minute. The hotel boasts world-class views of downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay with a central location. Aside from having major cultural institutions all within one’s reach, there’s a Whole Foods in walking distance. Not that you’ll need to shop there with all the amazing restaurants inside the hotel. There’s also twenty-four hour fitness center and sauna on the 20th floor along with an entertainment center, which has a pool, virtual bowling, 3-D movies, and interactive golf. They also have a special for 278/night if you reserve rooms a few weeks ahead, instead of the usual 309. It’s pricy, but the rooms are huge-definitely meant for shares! And, the luxurious rest, along with entertainment, will make it worth your stay.