It was my first visit to Miami Beach, and let’s just say it won’t be my last. My girlfriend and I made the decision to spend a few days with her parents at the Fontainbleau, which is an upscale hotel on Collins Avenue near South Beach. We couldn’t afford accommodations at this grand hotel, so we opted to stay at the Holiday Inn within walking distance of the Fontainebleau. Nonetheless, my girlfriend’s parents were kind enough to let us join them at the pool, bar, restaurants, clubs and many other fantastic attractions located within the grounds of the prestigious Miami Beach hotel.
I felt out of place from the very beginning. We met the parents for a pleasant lunch at an outdoor bar and grille called La Cote. They had reserved a cabana for the afternoon, and while I was enjoying a Mahi sandwhich and gazing out into the Atlantic I knew I was living such a painstakingly hard life.
The service, food, people, architecture and just the overall atmosphere of the Fontainebleau made the experience very memorable.
One aspect of this wonderland that grew harder to ignore were the world-class restaurants. On the first night, we dined at Scarpetta, a quaint Italian restaurant with small servings that packed a big punch. We dined at Hakkasan the second night for dinner, and it was simply incredible. The food, service and atmosphere was world class.
I can say that my last spring break as a college undergrad was by far my best. Money won’t buy happiness, but it will sure as hell get me back to paradise that is the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
Brad Walker 