There’s something magical about turning a long-awaited ‘one day’ into ‘today,’ for me, that moment came when we decided to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary on a cruise leaving Miami. The JW Marriott Marquis has been sitting on my bucket list for a while, waiting for just the right occasion to transform a dream into a luxurious reality.
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To begin our journey with a little romance, we decided to drive to Miami one day early and reserve a pre-cruise hotel night. I was drawn to the hotel’s rave reviews, which were particularly positive about its rooftop pool, spa, service, and amenities.
JW Marriott Marquis Miami Pricing and Booking Experience
The rate for our stay was $285 per night for the Cityview guest room, which felt reasonable for the timing at a luxury Miami hotel. However, I was able to significantly reduce the cost by booking directly through Marriott’s website and leveraging my Bonvoy Titanium Elite status, points, and a Suite Reward, which entitled us to a free stay, complimentary breakfast, and room upgrades.
Our total nightly expenses, including the $42 daily destination fee and all extra dining expenses, came down to just $107. This is a huge reduction from the original cost and doesn’t even factor in the value of the upgraded room we enjoyed.
Want to score the same kind of savings? Here are my top tips:
- Use Marriott Bonvoy member rates and keep an eye on special offers directly on their website.
- AAA membership discounts are often available and can take a nice chunk off your nightly rate.
- Don’t forget to sign up for Marriott Bonvoy if you haven’t already—you’d be surprised how quickly points can stack up for perks like free upgrades or even entire nights!
A Quiet Enclave in the Heart of the City
Our opulent anniversary getaway began as soon as we entered the chic, modern lobby bathed in soft lighting and feeling cocooned in refinement. Enveloped in its understated elegance—cool marble underfoot, gentle lighting bouncing off muted earth tones, and the murmur of the city fading as the doors closed behind us. We stepped into the calm sophistication that defines the JW Marriott Marquis experience.
The check-in process is seamless when you check in through the app before your arrival. As Marriott Bonvoy Platinum elite guests or higher, you receive access to the Executive Lounge. Everyone from the Valet to the Front Desk and beyond was courteous and pleasant.
A walk up the nearby escalators opens a world of lounging and eating spaces, including the second-floor Vue lounge and seating area with stunning views of the city in several directions.
Larger than Life Executive Suites
With 56 suites to choose from in this 41-story hotel, getting the King Bedroom Suite is a fabulous treat. Our suite showcased floor-to-ceiling windows that frame glimpses of the Miami River and neighboring buildings.
As you enter the suite, you’ll take note of a powder room, and a mini bar stocked with distinctive champagne and glass service for an intimate celebratory toast. Enter the large living area packed with plenty of seating on the L-shaped sofa and chairs with a bistro-style dining set by the windows to soak up all the views. There’s also a desk and seating area for working on the go.
The king-sized bed offers pillow-soft comforts in subtle elegance, with an expansive attached bathroom. The wardrobe has your lux bathrobes tucked away inside, although I was surprised when I didn’t find complimentary slippers as well. The soaking tub in front of the windows shouldn’t give you any pause as there are remote-controlled blinds for privacy. The well-equipped bathroom also features a TV in the mirror, a separate water closet, a large waterfall shower, and all the amenities you could need.
Ultimate Relaxation: Spa and Pool Experience
After indulging in the luxurious suite for a bit, we made plans for some ultimate relaxation. Up to the 20th floor we went to book our complimentary 30-minute massages for the next day. The enclave of Enliven Spa was an inviting haven of peace from the moment we arrived. I booked a couples’ shoulder massage for the next morning as we were already confirmed for late checkout at 2 PM.
While my husband found the therapist’s style a bit too firm, I loved every minute of it. I requested to forgo the scalp massage and instead, I received hands, arms, and shoulders. Typing all day makes me a sucker for a good hand massage, and this one was perfect. The relaxation lounge provides a quiet, comforting space to settle into the serene atmosphere. Don’t miss out on your gift from the spa—lavender lotion—pick it up on your way out.
Afterward, a quiet moment on the rooftop pool is a must. While the city buzzed just beneath us, time seemed to slow down. The only soundtrack was the gentle ripple of the pool as we reclined under the Miami sun, ensconced in an intimate tranquility.
Dining at JW Marriott Marquis: A Culinary Adventure
Dining at Boulud Sud after arrival is a terrific way to soak up the Mediterranean vibes. The Campari Happy Hour is served from 4–7 PM daily, where you’ll find bar bites, cocktails, wine, and beer for a much happier price. We tried the Margherita Flatbread and the Duck Empanadas, which were so good that I wished we had made dinner plans there too. I also savored every sip of the Sweet & Spicy Margarita, featuring a touch of homemade jalapeño, Mayenda Tequila, Grand Marnier, pineapple, and mango juice.
In the Met Cafe & Bar, international flavors are featured in a casual atmosphere. Guests staying in concierge-level hotel rooms or Marriott Bonvoy members with platinum status or higher are invited to access the JW Executive Lounge on the second floor for breakfast and afternoon refreshments.
The lounge staff was my least favorite of all of our staff interactions, as they seemed to be heavily policing the executive lounge despite you needing your room key to get in. Even after they watch you enter, they ask you to confirm your room number and name and strictly enforce that only 2 guests from your room are allowed in. It doesn’t make it feel very luxurious being chased down to check your room number while making a plate.
Complimentary drinks include espresso, cappuccinos, soda, and water. Additional pastries, healthy bites, and espresso creations are also available at the second-floor Intermezzo Coffee Bar.
Amazing Activities for Adventure or Relaxation
If you’re the type that loves a good jump shot or prefers a quiet moment in the yoga studio, the JW Marriott Marquis provides just the space you’ve been looking for. For those seeking private experiences aplenty, you can also improve your golf swing with the Mariano Bartolome Indoor Golf School, challenge friends at duckpin bowling, play a round of tennis at the indoor court, or knock a few balls around on the pool table. There’s no shortage of spaces to explore as a group, a couple, or solo.
Nearby Attractions: Explore Miami’s Gems
While the hotel offered everything we needed, I had to fight the urge to just hide away in the spectacular accommodations instead of exploring nearby. It’s pretty easy to get to South Beach via a 20-minute car ride or rideshare. A quick free shuttle ride can take you to the heart of downtown if you want to explore local shops and museums. Getting to the Miami cruise port is also extremely easy and quick from here as well.
Within walking distance, you might be enticed by the desire to dine at Hell’s Kitchen just a few blocks away. A perfect couple’s outing could include a visit to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens or Wynwood Walls. For families, I can’t recommend Jungle Island and the Frost Museum of Science enough, as both are truly unique experiences.
JW Marriott Marquis Miami Review: A Luxurious Yet Accessible Stay
Our stay at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami was quite exceptional. We dined in multiple locations throughout the hotel, from Boulud Sud to the executive lounge and the Met Cafe. The $42 daily fee provides a $42 food and beverage credit which can be used at the Met Cafe, in-room dining, or the Intermezzo Cafe.
While we didn’t get to use the complimentary museum tickets, we did enjoy our complimentary breakfast, and massages, then used our credits for cocktails in the Met Cafe before heading out to our cruise. Considering our costs, this was an incredible value for a 5-star experience in the heart of Miami.
As we sipped our final cocktail before setting sail, I realized that this stay wasn’t just the beginning of our anniversary trip—it was a beautiful reminder of the journeys we’ve taken together and the ones still waiting on the horizon.
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