Cool Hotels Miami: Bet On It

The Hotel Croydon (above) is a chic, modern option for your trip to Miami for a big weekend of races. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Croydon)
Talented 3-year-old horses are not the only ones making the trip from across the country to Gulfstream Park for the $1-million Florida Derby on March 28. Crafty horseplayers and horse racing fans will roll into town for the weekend to enjoy the sunshine, cocktails, and all the ood times that Miami has to offer.
If you plan to make the trip or are just curious, here are a few accommodations that meet the needs of everyone from the poshest of folks to the budget-conscious.
The Win: Delano

Photo courtesy of Delano
The Rate: $495
The Lowdown: Sure, a few fellow posh hotels have popped onto the South Beach scene in recent years, but the fact is the Delano remains the benchmark for swank in Miami.
Crisp and sleek are some adjectives professionals use to describe the building and its amenities. I prefer the all-encompassing term “dank” to describe the iconic structure.
Soak in the ocean views, take some of the cash from your Pick 4 ticket and get a massage at the rooftop spa. If that’s not relaxing enough, order up a locally produced Alchemist craft whisky cocktail from one of the several clubs on site. And I hope you packed your finest white linens because this joint is the definition of exclusive. Rumor has it, despite low occupancy lately, management refuses to lower its rates, preferring empty rooms to budget travelers.

The Place: Hotel Croydon

Photo courtesy of Hotel Croydon
The Rate: $270
The Lowdown: This spot is quite the change-up from the sprawl of high rises and condos that dominate Miami. It’s a recently renovated, quaint 7-story hotel, located just steps from the beach. The boutique-style accommodations are chic, modern, and uber-comfortable. The coziness of the accommodations will remind you of Gulfstream Park, which fixes to be pretty packed for Florida Derby day.
If you happen to be flying into town for the event, as and added bonus, the hotel offers a complimentary round-trip shuttle to and from the Miami airport. 

The Show: daddy o

Photo courtesy of daddy o
The Rate: $200
The Lowdown: The daddy o is the ultimate location for experiencing the scenery and culture of Miami Beach, without the high price tag that is usually associated with it. Indulge in a hip, aesthetic ambiance that, according to the hotel’s website, “rejuvenates your spirit.”
The reality is, when you’re traveling it’s always nice to treat yourself. But when you’re traveling to a marquee horse race, you want to spare as many dollars as possible for your bankroll for the big day. The daddy o blends the best of those two goals.

Photo courtesy of daddy o